Railway development works in coastal Karnataka will be expedited, says Union Minister Somanna
Mangaluru: Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna announced that a blueprint for upgrading Mangaluru Central Railway Station to a higher standard will be prepared within two months. The minister visited the station on Wednesday to review the progress of various railway development projects.
Addressing pressperosns, Somanna highlighted the lag in railway development between Mangaluru and Karwar, covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. He stated that experts, representatives, and officials would collaborate to draft a comprehensive plan within two months.
Senior railway officials briefed Minister Somanna on the ongoing development efforts at Mangaluru Central.
In response to questions about the Valmiki Development Corporation scandal and the MUDA scandal, Minister Somanna remarked on the noticeable difference between the current Siddaramaiah and his former self during his tenure as a minister and MLA. Somanna urged Siddaramaiah to address public concerns transparently to restore his former image.
Regarding the recent landslide near Shirur in Uttara Kannada on the highway and the potential risk to railway lines, Minister Somanna assured that the railway department has its own disaster management systems, distinct from NDRF and SDRF. He emphasized that war rooms and precautionary measures are in place, especially given the heavy rainfall this season. Coordination with district officials ensures immediate action in emergencies.
Somanna also mentioned plans to discuss permanent solutions with central railway ministers, stressing the importance of uninterrupted rail service for both goods and passenger trains despite adverse weather conditions.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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