India's first-ever COVID Modular ICU Unit start functioning in 10 days: Karnataka Deputy CM

News Network

September 17, 2020

Bengaluru, Sept 16: Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka CN Ashwatha Narayana on Wednesday announced that India's first-ever COVID Modular ICU Unit will start functioning in the next 10 days at the KC General Hospital at Malleshwaram.

"The new unit comprises of an ICU with 50 beds which have been made using of containers of goods vehicles and ships, and a remote ICU of 50 beds set up in the IPP building located in the hospital premises," Narayana said during his visit to the hospital to inspect the units.

A Bengaluru based company known for developing surgery units and clean rooms has developed this modular ICU.

"This modular ICU unit has been established with the funds generously donated by 11 donors. This set up would help to resolve the shortage of ICU systems of the hospital. Liquid oxygen has been facilitated to all the patients who will be put on ventilators. State of the art monitors will also be installed on each ventilator, now that the government has also given its approval," he added.

Calling it a 'novel' concept, the Deputy chief minister further said that each ICU could be easily carried from one place to another and the maintenance of the unit was easy and adaptable to any sort of climate.

"This has oxygen supply and air condition facilities along with a camera and other features that are essential to enable online treatment. This also includes pure air, sewage, and water facilities. This novel concept of creating an ICU by making use of the containers is in itself a very innovative idea. This ICU module is a testimony to the creativity of our researchers and experts".

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Mangaluru–Kasaragod bus fare rolled back after Kerala protests force NHAI to shut Arikkady toll plaza

coastaldigest.com news network

February 5,2026

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division has rolled back the fare hike on buses operating on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route following the suspension of toll collection at the Arikkady toll plaza near Kumbala in Kasaragod district.

The fare revision had been implemented after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began toll collection at the Arikkady plaza on NH-66. As a result, fares for ordinary and Rajahamsa services were increased by ₹7 and ₹10, respectively, raising the bus fare from Mangaluru to Kasaragod from ₹81 to ₹88.

Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the fares were reduced after toll collection at the Arikkady plaza was stopped. “The tollgate began operations on January 13, and the toll amount was deducted from the FASTag accounts of KSRTC buses operating on the route. Following an order from the central government to suspend toll collection, KSRTC has also withdrawn the additional fare with immediate effect,” he said.

At present, vehicles travelling on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route pay toll only at the Talapady toll plaza. The toll for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at Talapady is ₹80 for a same-day return, while heavy vehicles, including buses, are charged ₹250. At Arikkady, the toll rates were ₹130 for LMVs (same-day return) and ₹450 for buses.

Protests against Arikkady toll plaza

The Arikkady toll plaza witnessed widespread protests from January 12, the day toll collection commenced. On the second day, an action committee led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf launched an indefinite protest at the site. Except for the BJP, leaders and workers of most major political parties participated in the agitation.

On the night of January 14, a large number of protesters gathered at the plaza and vandalised property, following which authorities temporarily suspended toll operations. The BJP later also expressed opposition to the toll plaza and criticised NHAI’s decision.

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