While the State has huge potential for investment in the infrastructure and tourism sectors, the tier-II and tier-III cities found wanting on basic infrastructure.
There are also several places of tourist attractions, which draw both domestic and foreign tourists in droves.
The government has so far taken up infrastructure projects worth Rs one lakh crore across the State. A major portion of the investment goes towards improving infrastructure facilities in transport sector.
The government is expecting investments in the railway projects proposed to be taken up on private-public-partnership (PPP) model.
During a recent road show by the government in Mumbai several investors expressed interest in railway projects.
Similarly in the tourism sector, the government is expecting investment to develop basic facilities in tourist destinations. The Tourism Department has listed a few destinations for investments.
Badami, Bagalkot, Bannerghatta National Park, Nandi Hills are in the list.
Food processing
Food processing is one sector which has remained unexplored in the State. Karnataka stands third in the country in production of fruits. This time the government is expecting good response from the reputed industries.
Nestle is coming up with one of its units in Mysore. The company will be investing Rs 349.23 crore. Pepsi is also expected to sign an MoU to set up fruit juice unit in Bidadi.The Government is expecting a total of Rs 5,796 crore of investment in the agro and food processing sector.
Documentary film
The Industries Department has produced a documentary film to lure investors attending the Global Investors Meet. The film traces the State’s past glory and focuses present investment opportunities.
A song in the movie runs: “Way back in the days of old/ trees were painted gold/ Today we have to tell the world ‘Welcome to Karnataka.” It makes a reference to the ‘golden age’ of the Vijayanagar empire, where gold was sold in streets. The film is produced by Maya production company, headed by Mayachandra, noted documentary film maker. The film lists transport facilities, important education institutions and infrastructure facilities in the State.
The movie carries testimonials of successful investors in the State. Alexieus Collette, Chief Executive Officer of Philips Electronics India Ltd, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon and Hisashi Suzuki of Toyota Kirloskar advocate Karnataka as suitable land for investments.
DH News Service
Projects
Infrastructure projects in Karnataka:
* Total projects - 148 (Rs 1,00,921.96 cr)
* Transport projects - 109 (Rs 48,333.24 cr)
* Urban & Municipal Infrastructure - 17 (Rs 40,847.11cr)