Centre will invest Rs 1.16 lakh cr in road project in Karnataka: Nitin Gadkari

Bengaluru: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 33 National Highway projects in Karnataka. Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa presided over the function here in the presence of former PM H.D. Devegowda and Union ministers D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Pralhad Joshi.

Mr Nitin Gadkari, addressing the virtual event, said his ministry will invest approximately an amount of Rs. 1,16,144 crore in Karnataka in coming years. Under Bharatmala and other schemes, 19 works at a cost of Rs. 31,035 crore are already under progress," Gadkari said.

He explained in detail about the highway projects in progress and those in the pipeline, "In order to provide 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 have been taken up at a cost of Rs. 3443 crore and the work has substantially been completed," he added.

He also said that the final feasibility report on setting up Multimodal Logistic Park in Muddalingenahalli near Dabaspet is expected during February 2021. This project will improve the logistics efficiency, thus enabling reduction in logistics cost.

"Three projects for a length of 76 kms of Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, which is identified as one of the priority projects under Chennai – Bengaluru Industrial Corridor has been approved and bids are invited," Gadkari said.

DPR is approved for the construction of 23.6-km Shiradi Ghat tunnel at a estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore after vetting from Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The minister stated that the bid document, statutory clearances and land acquisition plans are under progress, he said.

Calling foundation stone laying and dedication of 33 National Highway projects worth Rs 10,904 crore covering 1,197 km historic, CM Yediyurappa credited Gadkari's visit to Bengaluru in 2019 as a cataylist for the highway development in the State.

"State will be benefited in a much bigger way and help boost connectivity and economy in coming days. I am grateful to Mr Nitin Gadkari for extending financial and technical support for improvement and up-gradation of National Highways in Karnataka," the CM said.

Yediyurappa stated that good highway network is the key to flourishing economy.

"As the government is set to give thrust to economic growth beyond Bengaluru, in backward districts, enhancing the NH network gains importance. In view of this, our government is keen to accelerate the highway development works in the State," he added.

While inaugurating the project, Gadkari said, "The 1,197 km long road projects will improve access to economic corridors, coastal and remote areas. It would transform agriculture, fisheries and health sectors. Also these projects will bring prosperity & boost the socio-economic progress of the region."

The projects include three ring roads to ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru.

Yediyurappa apprised the Gadkari of the infrastructural damage due to floods and requested for grants to carry out development works.

"Karnataka has witnessed unprecedented rainfall during monsoon this year. National highways were flooded causing severe damage to infrastructure. National Highways provide connectivity to major district headquarters, ports and areas of economic activity," he said.