Karnataka projects skew towards Bangalore

Karnataka projects skew towards Bangalore
Financial Express

BANGALORE: After a series of delays in project execution in the state, the coalition government in Karnataka is finally showing some seriousness in improving infrastructure. However, the balance is tilted in favour of Bangalore, though the government has identified a few other regions in the state for industrial development as well.

Broadly, about seven physical infrastructure projects are in focus. These include the Bangalore International Air-port, Bangalore Metro Rail project, Bangalore-Mysore four- lane expressway, elevated six-lane expressway between the electronic city and Madiwala in Bangalore, upgradation of airports, new SEZs in Hassan and Mangalore and a new garment park in Bangalore and Bellary.

The Rs 450 crore six-lane elevated expressway is expected to take off on April 2, 2005. A two-year time frame is stipulated for its completion. A four-lane expressway between Bang-alore and Mysore initiated by the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd, is expected to be completed in November 2005. This two-stage Rs 200 crore project began in 2002-03.

The Rs 6,000 crore Bangalore Metro Rail project is expected to take off in May 2005. This long-pending project is expected to get the Centre’s clearance by mid-March. BMRTL will get around Rs 3,500 crore from 46 financial institutions, and the rest will be provided by the state and central governments over an eight-year period.The project is proposed to be completed in five years.

Work on Bangalore international airport is expected to begin in April 2005. This prestigious project has got all the clearances from the state and the Centre in January 2005. This Rs 1,334 crore project is expected to be operational in 33 months.

Apart from its big focus on Bangalore, the state government plans to take up airport development work in Mysore, Gulbarga and Hassan. The work in these locations is expected to start in the current calendar year. Mangalore airport will be upgraded by the Airport Authorities of India this year according to officials.

In order to encourage trade and industry, a special economic zone (SEZ) is expected to be set up in Hassan. “The new SEZ will have an area of 2,500 acres and the project cost is around Rs 500 crore. This project will be developed under public-private partnership,” said Cherian Thomas, MD, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd.

The state considers garment exports to be a high growth area and hopes to achieve annual exports of Rs 10,000 crore by 2005. As part of this endeavour, the state government plans to establish an Apparel Park on the outskirts of Bangalore at Doddaballapur and in Bellary. Karnataka State Powerloom Development Corporation (KSPDC) has been identified as the nodal agency for implementation in partnership with the private sector investor.