Classic bikes hit city roads

July 9, 2012

Mangalore, July 9: As many as 30 different variants of Yezdi and Jawa bikes hit the road in the coastal city on Sunday even as buffs of the classic bikes flocked to Shanthi Nilaya ground at Balmatta here to have a glimpse of them. According to Arun Shiri, a member of the Mangalore Yezdi and Jawa Owners Club, several youngsters are looking to own such bikes because of their heavy metal look, power, and thunderous sound. "Getting spare parts was difficult in the past.

But, now sourcing the spare parts has become easy as some manufactures in Bangalore and Mysore have started making them," he said "Most of the club members have purchased these bikes and a few have inherited them from their fathers and grandfathers," he added. The bike rally, organized as part of International Jawa Day, passed through KS Road, Kadri Park Road and MG Road.

Four Willys jeeps also participated in the rally. The objective of the rally was the create awareness about road safety. Ravichandra, an employee of a plywood factory, said, "I bought a 1983 model Yezdi seven years back. Today, my bike is as old (29 years) as me." Businessman S Jijuppillai, who owns three Yezdi bikes said, "I have been attending the bikers' meet for the past several years as I can meet people with same interests. I am also organizing bike rallies to travel to different places in groups." He said. He added that the demand for the bikes had increased over the years. "Sever youths approaches me to check if he is selling the bikes even now," he added.

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Skyward Bound: Mangaluru Eyes Permanent Wings for Coastal Tourism

News Network

January 16,2026

Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.

The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.

By the Numbers: A Flying Success

The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:

•   Total Passengers: 1,032
•   Ride Duration: 7 minutes
•   Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
•   Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.

Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers

Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.

"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."

Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics

The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:

1.   Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2.   Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3.   Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.

While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.

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