Union minister for Road Transport and Highways inaugurated various infrastructure projects worth Rs. 11,000 crore in state of Karnataka, and said union government is set to undertake projects worth Rs. 1.16 lakh crore in the next few years in the state.
Mr. Gadkari, after laying the foundation, addressed the virtual summit, presided by Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, in presence of former Prime Minister of India, HD Devegowda and Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda.
Spokesperson of ministry said, the state of Karnataka has a total of 7,652 km of national highway operational, of which 3,528 km are directly under NHAI and another 4124 km are with state PWDs (Public Works Department).
He further added in the past six years, Rs. 45,000 crore has been spent in developing and maintenance of national highways, wherein 900 Km has been added, ongoing are, 71 projects worth Rs. 37, 400 crore for a length of 2, 400 km and 39 projects yet to be awarded worth Rs. 1,100 crore spanning length of 645 km.
As part of Rs. 11,000 crore worth projects inaugrated, Road from Chitradurga to Shivamoga and shivamoga city will be developed, a 6 lane bridge on NH-66 across river Phalgune in Kulur, four laning of roads from Goa to Kerala border which connects port cities, Velakari, Karwar and Mangaluru will also be undertaken.
Smoothening movement to port cities will benefit trade and economy, he added.
As part of same announcements, projects concerning road safety include, three projects, providing safety measures on hilly slopes of NH-75 at Shiradi Ghat and Charmadi Ghat, and on NH-73 at Sampaje Ghat, and along NH-275, safety related projects costs Rs. 115 crore.
Mr. Gadkari, who is also minister for MSMEs, said, Karnataka should gear up in ethanol production, farmers gain from sugar cane production has not grown, and it is time is reduce sugar production.
He added, diversification of agriculture in energy and power sector will help farmers increase income and reduce oil imports, existing ethanol market is already worth Rs. 20,000 crore.