Proper infrastructure is today’s challenge

Proper infrastructure is today’s challenge
The Times of India

Allocations for infrastructure projects, like Rs 10 crore for the development of backward regions and Rs 95 crore for Bangalore International Airport, are too meagre. The biggest challenge for our economy is not demand, but supply. With almost every sector booming with growth, resources are not an issue. Any entrepreneur with a bright idea can easily make money in the current environment. A small company like ours has managed to get a funding of Rs 200 crore for a small percentage of equity.

So, the challenge is infrastructure and I believe the government should focus on developing infrastructure and provide a conducive environment for industry. Basic requirements of good infrastructure are good roads, ports and airports. If you look at the growth of the software industry, it happened because the environment was perfect. Unless the government focuses on development of infrastructure, growth will not happen in all regions.

I think the current allocation in the budget for development of backward regions is not enough. Today, the biggest challenge for Karnataka is lack of uniform growth. There are vast areas of backwardness in the state but at the same time, there are places like Bangalore which are brimming with prosperity. The government should make industry move to some backward regions like Bellary, Bidar, Bijapur, and that is possible only through development of infrastructure.

Besides roads, you need good airports in these regions because the current Indian middle class values time. Unless aviation goes deep into backward regions, development will not be uniform. I don’t think the current budget allocation has addressed the issue.

Capt. Gopinath CEO, Air Deccan