The Malnad Area Development Board (MADB) has asked the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for a loan over ₹200 crore. This is to fund new footbridges, hanging bridges, and connectivity projects across the Malnad region. MADB chairman R.M. Manjunath Gowda revealed this at a press conference on December 31. NABARD has agreed to provide the loan if the State government acts as guarantor. "There are many places in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts where rural people face difficulty during the rainy season," Mr. Gowda said. "Last year, a person died in Hosanagara taluk while crossing a stream. We need around 300 footbridges to solve this problem." MADB also plans a hanging bridge near Rameshwara in Tirthahalli taluk. This bridge will connect a remote habitat and is expected to boost tourism. The proposal has MLA approval and was discussed during the legislature session at Belagavi. The board serves 10 districts across 64 assembly constituencies and has 104 members. For the 2025-26 financial year, the State government budgeted ₹33 crore to MADB activities, of which ₹24.95 crore has been spent. An ₹8 crore special grant was used for projects including the restoration of a century-old government school in Tirthahalli taluk, said Mr. Gowda. The board’s 2026 diary was also released at the event with officials present.