Title - State to pursue PPP model to develop infrastructure

Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Valyapure has said that the State government has taken a major initiative to mobilise investment for infrastructure development in the State on public-private partnership model during the 12th Plan period.Addressing his first press conference in Gulbarga on Monday after assuming office as a Minister, Mr. Valyapure said that the government has proposed to invest Rs. 86,400 crore to develop infrastructure in the State through public-private partnership during the 12th Plan.Mr. Valyapure said that the State government has also taken up the construction of airports in Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Bellary, Shimoga and Hassan on public-private partnership (PPP) model besides taking up expansion of the Airport Authority of India operated airports in Mangalore, Mysore, Belgaum and Hubli. He said that the Infrastructure Development Department is also closely involved in the development of the Bengaluru International Airport by way of equity participation and infrastructure support through the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC). The department is also associated with GAIL in implementing a gas pipeline project. The State has sent to the Centre proposal for nine railway line projects.

To a question, Mr. Valyapure said that he was happy with the portfolio given to him by Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and said that during his next visit to Gulbarga, he would announce the date of inauguration of Gulbarga airport.