Inability to solve connectivity problem of coastal Karnataka for decades reflects poorly on State: NMPA Chairman
Delivering the keynote address at the CII Mangaluru Infrastructure and Logistics Summit organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, Mangaluru district, in Mangaluru, he said, 'Every year, we are discussing [about the connectivity issue]. Is there any progress?'
Issue within Karnataka
Stating that Karnataka has good connectivity with neighbouring States — Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, Mr. Ramana lamented that the connectivity problem lies within the State. Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75, and Mani (Mangaluru) - Mysuru NH 275 have been in various stages of development for the past many years. These highways often are closed during heavy rains.
The Mangaluru-Hassan rail connectivity too gets disturbed during heavy rains. In such a situation, air fares between Mangaluru and Bengaluru shoot up, going up to ₹10,000 per person. 'How do you expect a common man to travel?'
Maintaining that infrastructure has to be developed in a systematic manner, Mr. Ramana denounced the practice of piecemeal infrastructure development. 'I would not say there is no development. However, proper connectivity to the coast would have ensured accelerated development,' the Chairman said.
Development of Mangaluru port
Maintaining that infrastructure development would not help just the port, but a cross section of the population, Mr. Ramana said, amid several constraints, the NMPA could enhance cargo handling from 34 million tonnes to 46 million tonnes in the past five years. Its profit after tax rose from ₹110 crore to ₹550 crore.
Had there been adequate connectivity, the port could have handled over 65 million tonnes of cargo with additional PAT of at least ₹150 crore, he said.
Karnataka is No. 1 in GSDP
Without delving into the specific infrastructure and logistics issues of the region, Principal Secretary to Industries and Commerce Department of Karnataka S. Selva Kumar said the State has a lot to do in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. Stating that the government is promoting industrial and infrastructure growth in a sustained manner, he maintained that the government is following inclusive growth through the 'Beyond Bengaluru' initiative.
'We are No. 1 in per capita gross State domestic product (GSDP), and No. 2 in attracting foreign direct investment,' Mr. Kumar said.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan and CII Mangaluru Chairman Nataraj Hegde also addressed the gathering.
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