The Hindu Business Line : Govt to set up helipads at major tourist spots

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Mangalore March 6 The Karnataka Government has decided to set up helipads in 20 locations to promote tourism and industry in the State, according to Mr V.P. Baligar, Principal Secretary, Infrastructure Development.

Delivering a lecture on `Infrastructure plan for coastal Karnataka', organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in Mangalore on Tuesday, he said that the major tourism locations such as Hampi, Belur and Madikeri would get the helipad facility.

The Government has also approved the establishment of helipads in Kollur, Udupi and Dharmasthala. In Bangalore, helipads have been approved for Electronic City, Peenya and Bangalore South.

The Deputy Commissioners of the districts have been asked to assign the work on the construction of helipads to the Public Works Department.

The decision to set up helipads in 20 locations was taken following the increase in the number of high-end tourists visiting these places, he said.

Luring people

Mangalore airport, which started operating flights to international locations a few months ago, has been attracting a good number of passengers, Mr Baligar said.

The Hassan-Mangalore railway line has been commissioned for freight traffic in May 2006. He had discussions with the Commissioner of Railway Safety and Chief Engineer of Railways on commissioning the line for passenger traffic. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has suggested certain improvements on the route, and the Railways is implementing them. Added to this, the track should also be stabilised to operate passenger trains on the route as the safety of passengers assumes utmost importance, he said.

The Government is keen on the development of various other railway lines in the State. In some cases, it assured the to floatation of special purpose vehicles to implement the projects.

Mangalore SEZ

On the infrastructure development for Mangalore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project, Mr Baligar said a rehabilitation package is being finalised. Infrastructure facilities such as construction of four barrages for water and rainwater harvesting projects are being chalked out for the project.

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