Looks like Bengaluru might soon have some serious competition. The coastal city of Mangaluru is fast emerging as a new tech and startup hub — and it already has some big names rooting for it. From veteran entrepreneur Mohandas Pai to Bollywood star Suniel Shetty, everyone seems to agree that Mangaluru is where the next big wave of innovation is heading. But amid the buzz, one Bengaluru doctor had a slightly more grounded (and very relatable) request.
It all began when Mohandas Pai, co-founder of Aarin Capital and proud Bengalurean, took to X to share his excitement. He said Mangaluru is turning into the next big hotspot for innovation, thanks to its pool of talent, great quality of life, affordable housing, and vibrant culture. Pai also revealed a surprising fact — around 25,000 tech professionals are already based in Mangaluru. With great beaches, friendly locals, and good schools, he described it as the perfect mix of work and leisure.
Backing his sentiment, actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty chimed in, saying Mangaluru isn’t just the next tech hotspot — it’s the destination for young entrepreneurs and professionals looking for balance. He called it soulful, spiritual, and a place that keeps one grounded, hinting that it might soon be Asia’s new magnet for innovation and good living.
But not everyone is completely on board just yet. Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy joined the discussion with a practical reminder: before Mangaluru becomes the next Silicon Coast, it needs better infrastructure — starting with an international airport that’s not perched precariously on a hill. His tweet struck a chord with many who’ve experienced the nerve-wracking landings at the city’s current airport.
Internet reacts
Netizens quickly joined the conversation with mixed reactions about Mangaluru’s airport and infrastructure. Some users felt the current airport was already good enough and conveniently close to the city, unlike Bengaluru’s far-off one. However, when Dr Deepak questioned if it could handle traffic once Mangaluru becomes a full-fledged tech hub, others pointed out that the airport already manages over 2.3 million passengers annually. They added that the runway is being extended, and after the ongoing expansion, it will be able to handle up to 4.2 million passengers.
Several users also noted that while the runway is still on a tabletop, the new one is longer and built on more stable terrain. Others said the real issue lies in connectivity — they argued that Karnataka’s two major cities, Bengaluru and Mangaluru, deserve a proper four-lane, all-weather highway.
A few also called for better railway links, suggesting faster and more frequent trains from Bengaluru and Chennai to Mangaluru. Some even proposed shifting the existing airport elsewhere and converting the current one into a military zone. Overall, the internet seemed to agree that while Mangaluru is full of potential, its infrastructure will need serious upgrades before it can rival Bengaluru.
It all began when Mohandas Pai, co-founder of Aarin Capital and proud Bengalurean, took to X to share his excitement. He said Mangaluru is turning into the next big hotspot for innovation, thanks to its pool of talent, great quality of life, affordable housing, and vibrant culture. Pai also revealed a surprising fact — around 25,000 tech professionals are already based in Mangaluru. With great beaches, friendly locals, and good schools, he described it as the perfect mix of work and leisure.
Backing his sentiment, actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty chimed in, saying Mangaluru isn’t just the next tech hotspot — it’s the destination for young entrepreneurs and professionals looking for balance. He called it soulful, spiritual, and a place that keeps one grounded, hinting that it might soon be Asia’s new magnet for innovation and good living.
But not everyone is completely on board just yet. Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy joined the discussion with a practical reminder: before Mangaluru becomes the next Silicon Coast, it needs better infrastructure — starting with an international airport that’s not perched precariously on a hill. His tweet struck a chord with many who’ve experienced the nerve-wracking landings at the city’s current airport.
The first step should be to build a proper International Airport away from the hill on which it is perched currently. https://t.co/VIF0QBWoep
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) October 6, 2025
Internet reacts
Netizens quickly joined the conversation with mixed reactions about Mangaluru’s airport and infrastructure. Some users felt the current airport was already good enough and conveniently close to the city, unlike Bengaluru’s far-off one. However, when Dr Deepak questioned if it could handle traffic once Mangaluru becomes a full-fledged tech hub, others pointed out that the airport already manages over 2.3 million passengers annually. They added that the runway is being extended, and after the ongoing expansion, it will be able to handle up to 4.2 million passengers.
Several users also noted that while the runway is still on a tabletop, the new one is longer and built on more stable terrain. Others said the real issue lies in connectivity — they argued that Karnataka’s two major cities, Bengaluru and Mangaluru, deserve a proper four-lane, all-weather highway.
A few also called for better railway links, suggesting faster and more frequent trains from Bengaluru and Chennai to Mangaluru. Some even proposed shifting the existing airport elsewhere and converting the current one into a military zone. Overall, the internet seemed to agree that while Mangaluru is full of potential, its infrastructure will need serious upgrades before it can rival Bengaluru.
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