Karnataka to stress on infrastructure development

Karnataka stress on infrastructure development
The Hindu Business Line

THE year 2005 will see increased infrastructure development in Karnataka if the State Government fulfils its promises.

With several global MNCs evincing interest in setting up manufacturing facilities here, there is urgency in improving the infrastructure.

"If more changes are done in India (infrastructure-wise) more companies will come ," remarked Mr Tom Johnstone, President and CEO, SKF Group.

Reacting to this comment during the inaugural function of the SKF Application Development Centre here today, Mr P.G.R. Sindhia , Karnataka Minister for Industries, said, "I understand the concerns about infrastructure here but there are difficulties in developing them. We never thought Bangalore would grow in such huge proportions and speed. We promise you that we will develop infrastructure and make the city more investor friendly. I invite Swedish companies to come here."

Making an observation on the Government's attitude towards infrastructure, Mr Sindhia said, "I have been minister for 22 years and Ramakrishna Hegde, when he was Chief Minister, suggested to the Cabinet to initiate the Metro Rail project, we did not list it among priorities but now its importance is being realised."

Accordingly the coming year will have several infrastructure projects undertaken by the State Government including the Metro rail venture, surface transport and construction of roads, he said.

Attention will be paid to infrastructure development in the southern part of Bangalore "since most of the IT firms are located there and both the workers and companies are facing problems due to improper infrastructure."

Among the multinationals planning to set up manufacturing units here are several auto majors. While "Hyundai has shown interest in starting a manufacturing unit here, we had officials from BMW visit the State," the Minister added.