Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced the state budget, outlaying its strategy, giving top priority to infrastructure, industrial productivity and health sectors, in making Karnataka Self Reliant as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
To increase network of rail coverage in state, Government has taken up 7 new railway projects for laying 1,173 kilometers of railway line on 50-50 cost sharing basis with the Railway Ministry.
The estimated cost of these works is at Rs.7,984 crore and out of this, the State Government will incur Rs.3,991 crore. Further, State Government is going to spend Rs.2,630 crore for the land acquisition for these railway lines.
Waterways will be developed between Mangaluru and Panaji under public-private partnership to promote tourism and for affordable passenger and freight transportation.
Reforms pertaining to infrastructure development include, necessary amendments to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act to encourage speedy land acquisition for infrastructure works. TDR issuance to private developers will be simplified, and encourage slum area development and affordable housing for low-income groups.
State government will constitute joint venture company with AAI, to develop and commence of state-owned airports, this new JV will ensure speedy construction and development of Airports, Helipads and Water Aerodromes.
The work of Hassan airport which was pending for more than ten years will be commenced in this year at a cost of Rs.175 crore.
Irrigation efforts to bring micro and drip irrigation for five lakh hectares, under the Water Resources Department have been taken and will be implemented systematically.
Under the World Bank aided DRIP project, it is proposed to rehabilitate and improve 58 dams of the State, with an amount of Rs.1,500 crore. Priority would be given to implement the project in the current year.
In the year 2019, the State Government has taken up ‘Jaladhare’ programme for providing pure drinking water on a permanent basis to the rural population as per the 55 LPCD requirement. Under this programme, works worth Rs.6,201 crore are in progress. Presently this programme has been integrated under ‘Jala Jeevan Mission’ of the Central Government.
Transit and related announcements include, 52 bus stands and 16 bus units during the current year for better management of transport buses of Transport Corporations and to provide enhanced facilities to the public.
Transfer of vehicle ownership, goods transport permit and vehicle fitness certificate will be provided to the citizens through a contactless, faceless and cashless system in transport department.
Two softwares will also be used in vehicular data management, VAHANA will be used for vehicle Registration, and SARATHI will be used for vehicular licenses services.
State government will also take action to facilitate vehicle scraping facility, as per the guidelines issued by central government.
To reduce road accidents and fatalities, a scientific management system comprising of modern transport system, intelligent traffic management system and safety solutions would be implemented at a cost of Rs.18 crore from the Road Safety Fund on a trial basis, along Shivamogga-Savalanga-ShikaripuraShiralakoppa and Hassan- RamanathapuraPeriyapatna roads.
After recent cartographic reforms by central government, Karnataka has announced to make new Maps with details of forest types and forest density with 50-centimetre resolution will be prepared, this will aid in efficient and scientific management of forest resources.