PM Modi visits Karnataka, inaugurates slew of projects, to showcase rise of New India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a slew of connectivity projects, including a brand-new airport, to turn Karnataka’s Shivamogga into a model city of New India.

During his short but high-octane visit, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for two major railway projects, multiple road development projects, multi-village schemes worth more than Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also inaugurated 44 Smart City Projects in Shivamogga, readying the city for the connected and automated 5G era.

The subtext of the visit was also equally important–showcasing Karnataka as an example of India’s aspirational rise to world class stature.

“Delighted to be in Shivamogga, where key projects pertaining to connectivity & water security are being launched. These will greatly benefit Karnataka,” PM Modi said.

Focusing on connectivity and infrastructure—two pet themes of his government– the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two railway projects in Shivamogga. This includes Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru Railway coaching depot. The Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line, will be developed at a cost of Rs. 990 crore and will provide enhanced connectivity of Malnad region with Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. Koteganguru Railway coaching depot at Shivamogga city will be developed at a cost of more than Rs 100 crores to help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru.

“When rail connectivity is improved, not only do people get convenience, but farmers also benefit from it. This enables farmers to deliver their crops to markets across the country at low prices,” the Prime Minister said.

Besides, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for multiple road development projects.  The projects, which will be developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 215 crore, include construction of new bypass road for Shikaripura Town on NH 766C connecting Byndur – Ranibennur; widening of NH-169A from Megaravalli to Agumbe; and construction of new bridge at Bharathipura in Thirthahally Taluk on NH 169.

“Along with air and rail transport, we are also focusing on road connectivity for the benefit of new businesses and Yuvashakti,” PM Modi observed.

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multi-village schemes worth more than Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This included inauguration of one multi-village scheme for Gowthamapura and 127 other villages and laying the foundation stone for three other multi-village schemes to be developed at a total cost of more than Rs 860 crore.

The initiative is part of the “Har Ghar Jal mission. Launched in 2019, it aims to provide tap water to every rural household in the country by 2024.

In view of his government’s focus on digital empowerment, the  Prime Minister also inaugurate 44 Smart City Projects worth more than Rs 895 crores in Shivamogga city. The projects include 8 smart road packages of 110 km length; integrated command & control centre and multi-level car parking; smart bus shelter projects, intelligent solid waste management system, development of heritage projects like Shivappa Naik Palace into an interactive museum, 90 conservancy lanes, creation of parks and riverfront development projects, among others.

Inauguration of the brand-new airport was one of the star attractions of his visit to Shivamogga.

The Shivamogga Airport has been developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. The passenger terminal building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour. The airport built under the UDAN scheme will improve connectivity and accessibility of Shivamogga and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region, the official statement said.

Later PM Modi travelled to Belagavi to receive a tumultuous welcome.

Here the Prime Minister will dedicate the redeveloped Belagavi Railway Station building to the nation. This Railway Station is redeveloped at an approximate cost of about Rs 190 Crore to provide world-class amenities to the passengers.

This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to Karnataka, following his trip to Hubballi last month, where he focused on youth as the prime movers of India’s rise on the global stage.

Also Read: PM to inaugurate Shivamogga Airport, focus big on infra during Karnataka visit on Monday