The Hindu Business Line : Centre grants Rs 55 cr for Mangalore airstrip

Apart from this, two regional airports in the State are expected to get special attention for improving the facilities. The existing airport at Mysore will be upgraded to provide modern facilities for airlines to operate their flights, while similar efforts would be made to improve the airstrip at Humpi, which has shot into fame as an important heritage tourism centre.

Disclosing this here on Tuesday, the Karnataka Minister for Industries, Infrastructure Development, Mr P.G.R. Scindhia, said that the Centre's move will "definitely be a boon for the State".

He said the Bangalore International Airport is a reality now with the Centre agreeing for the special concessions.

A memorandum of understanding will be signed on July 5 to formalise the decision made by the Union Cabinet recently. The Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel, will be here to complete the formality with Bangalore International Airport Ltd, Mr Scindhia said.

The Minister was addressing the annual general meeting of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). Mr Scindhia sought to allay fears of the new Congress(I)-Janata Dal (S) coalition being a short-lived Government.

He said that the Government would come out with its Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to facilitate focussed approach to key issues of economic and social programmes that would re-invigorate Karnataka's economy and lift its status to number one position in the country.

Earlier, the FKCCI President, Mr B.S. Arun Kumar, highlighted the problems faced by the industry and urged the Minister to impress upon the Government to enunciate a policy, which would remove the hurdles to rapid industrialisation.

He stressed upon the need to pay attention to dispersal of industries to the backward areas to achieve a balanced growth in the State.