Karnataka’s first factory-built complex delivered to Yenepoya University

[email protected] (CD Network | Photos by Moany Gutty)
October 21, 2015

Mangaluru, Oct 21: KEF Infra, the infrastructure arm of the Singapore-based KEF Holdings, today delivered India’s first wholly factory-made residential project called “MeridiYEN” to Yenepoya University of Mangaluru.

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The project, comprising three 8-storey residential buildings covering an area of 1 lakh sq.ft, was completed in record nine months, and marks the successful initiation of a game-changing offsite construction technology that helps significantly reduce the duration of construction. In comparison, conventional construction methods would have taken anywhere between 24 and 36 months to complete a project of similar size.

The complex for staff and students, comprising 96 apartments, with each floor featuring 12 two-bedroom units, was completely designed, pre-engineered and manufactured at KEF Infra One Industrial Park in Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu. The state-of-the-art facilities is the only plant in the world to design, pre-engineer and manufacture every element of a building, which include wall panels, hollow core slabs, bathrooms, facades, windows, doors etc. --- at a single location.

Mr. Faizal E. Kottikollon, the Founder-Chairman of KEF Holdings, handed over the complex to Mr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University, at a ceremony today. The event was attended by 300 distinguished guests, Mr. Ramanath Rai, Minister of Forest, Environment and Ecology, Govt of Karnataka, Mr. U T Khader, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Karnataka, Mr. Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada, Mr. Ivan D’Souza, Member of Legislative Council and Mr. B Ahmed HajeeMohiudeen, Chairman BA Group, SM Rasheed Haji, Chairpersons, DK district Wakf Advisory Committee among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kottikollon said the new complex marked many firsts in India’s construction industry. “This complex is made using offsite technology in its entiret. All elements of the buildings were manufactured at KEF Infra One Industrial Park in Krishnagiri, which, once completed in December this year, will be the world's largest integrated facility for offsite construction.”

Mr. Kottikollon added: “KEF is committed to creating a socio-economic impact in India by introducing path-breaking technologies. Our initial focus is on three key sectors --- infrastructure, education and healthcare. In line with India government's vision of 'Make in India', our primary focus is on infrastructure development by bringing in the best global practices, technologies and processes and integrate them to ensure enhanced quality benchmark and a significant reduction in time and money spent. This is evident from the fact that we were able to handover the Yenepoya’s residential project in a record nine months since its groundbreaking. If the traditional methods of construction were to be deployed, a project of this magnitude would have taken up to two to three years to complete.”

KEF’s team meticulously planned the construction schedule of the project. The task involved the seamless coordination and transportation of the fully finished prefabricated elements from KEF Infra One to the site office at Yenepoya University Campus in Mangaluru.

The project’s 208 bathrooms were fully prefabricated, inclusive of all mechanical, electrical and plumping works, sanitary wares, tiling and fittings. Innovative graphic concrete technology from Finland was used for the facade.

“We are the only company in the world to design, pre-engineer and manufacture every element of a building ranging from wall panels, hollow core slabs, bathrooms, facades and windows to doors. The perfect finish, superb construction quality and speed of delivery underscore our expertise in infrastructure development, precast blocks, prefabricated bathrooms, joinery and aluminum glazing,” said Mr. Kottikollon.

Mr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University, said: “For Yenepoya University, the first private university in the district of Dakshin Kannada, the decision to become the first client of KEF Infra is further testimony to our rich tradition of embracing innovation and new technologies,” said the Chancellor.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

The deceased has been identified as Preksha, a resident of Nadsalu Billitota in Padubidri. The fatal incident occurred as Preksha, who was returning home after completing her examination, attempted to cross the service road towards Mangaluru. She was struck by a goods tempo approaching from the Udupi side, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.

Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

Preksha was a student at Karavali College, Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that she belonged to a financially vulnerable family, having previously lost her father. She is survived by her mother and brother.

A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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News Network
December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district. 

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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