The Centre will undertake infrastructure projects worth ₹ 1.16 lakh crore in Karnataka in the coming year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday.
The Road Transport and Highways Minister was addressing a virtual event after laying foundation stone and inaugurating projects worth ₹ 11,000 crore in Karnataka.
The 33 projects pertain to building 1,200 kilometres of highway stretches in the State.
“The Union Government shall invest approximately an amount of ₹ 1,16,144 crore in Karnataka state in the coming years,” a statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said quoting the minister.
He said, 11 road projects of 275 km worth ₹ 5,083 crore have been awarded in the state during financial years 2019-21.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa presided over the virtual function that was also attended by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda and Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi, Sadanand Gowda and V K Singh, among others.
“Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation of 33 NH projects in Karnataka today through virtual mode. These projects include 1,197 km long roads worth ₹ 10,904 crore,” the statement said.
Gadkari said over 900 km NH length has been added in Karnataka during last six years, and it now stands at 7,652 km.
He said, total 71 works are in progress for a length of 2,384 km at a cost of ₹ 37,311 crore.
Out of these, more than 70 per cent progress has been achieved in 26 works amounting to ₹ 12,286 crore covering a length of 1,127 km. He said, up to 70 per cent progress has been achieved in 45 works amounting to ₹ 25,025 crore covering a length of 1,257 Km.
The minister added that for providing smooth connectivity to the ports for the benefit of trade and economy, 4-laning of the entire coastal road from Goa Border to Kerala Border connecting port city of Belekeri, Karwar and Mangalore covering a length of 278 km has been taken up at a cost of ₹ 3,443 crore and the work has been substantially completed.
Further, in view of the safety of road users, 3 works of providing protective measures on hill slopes in Shiradi Ghat on NH-75, Charmadi Ghat on NH-73 and Sampaje Ghat on NH-275 have been sanctioned amounting to ₹ 115 crore.
The minister said that CRF (central road fund) works worth ₹ 8,330 crore have been sanctioned till now for the state. Annual accrual during this year is ₹ 435 crore, while total release is ₹ 217 crore. Gadkari declared release of this year’s remaining ₹ 218 crore under CRF.
Gadkari called upon the state to take up production of ethanol in a big way, as it is one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the country.
He said, the country is already over-producing sugar and rice, and sufficient stocks are available with the government.
The surplus may be converted to ethanol, which can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, he said and added this will not only improve farmers’ income, but will also be an indigenous source of fuels for the country.
