Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said the government is keen on bringing out a legislation to govern infrastructure projects and facilitate more projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model through a transparent and accountable procedure. He also said a comprehensive Karnataka Strategic Infrastructure Investment Plan is being prepared.
While presenting the budget on Wednesday, the Chief Minister promised that the Shimoga and Gulbarga airports undertaken on PPP model would be made operational during 2012-13, even as the Airports Authority of India is expected to invest Rs. 150 crore for expansion of Hubli and Belgaum airports. Terminal I of the Bengaluru International Airport is being expanded at a cost Rs. 1,479 crore and the work will be completed by December 2012.
Mr. Gowda promised that the laying of a natural gas pipeline from Dabhol to Bangalore will be completed in 2012-13. This clean fuel will be of much help to power plants, motor vehicles, industries as well as households in and around Bangalore.
The proposed Tadadi Sea Port in Uttara Kannada district will be a reality soon. The port, proposed under PPP model, is estimated to cost Rs. 3,000 crore for the first phase with a handling capacity of 35 million tonnes a year. The government will request for environmental clearance for the Hubli-Ankola Railway line based on the Environment Impact Mitigation Report and development of road network between Karwar and Tadadi will also be taken up.
