Karwar: In a major push to infrastructure and healthcare development in coastal Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Sunday inaugurated the long-pending Manjuguni–Gangavali bridge in Ankola taluk and later dedicated a newly constructed 450-bed hi-tech hospital building of the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS) in Karwar to the public.

The two leaders arrived at Manjuguni by a special helicopter from Hubballi and were received by public representatives and senior district officials. Constructed across the Gangavali river at a cost of ₹34.21 crore, the bridge provides direct connectivity between Manjuguni village in Ankola taluk and Gangavali village in Kumta taluk. The project addresses a decades-old demand of residents and is expected to significantly improve transportation, strengthen inter-taluk connectivity and facilitate economic and social growth in the region.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister proceeded to Karwar to inaugurate the newly built KRIMS hospital complex. Developed on a super-speciality model, the 450-bed facility is aimed at expanding access to advanced medical care for people of Uttara Kannada district and the surrounding coastal belt.

Officials said the hospital has been equipped with modern infrastructure, and efforts are underway to operationalize super-speciality services in a phased manner.

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, Karwar MLA Satish Sail, Sirsi MLA Bhimanna Naik, Haliyal MLA R.V. Deshpande and other legislators and senior officials were present on the occasion.