Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Mar 7: "The undivided district of Dakshina Kannada has been developing rapidly in all spheres over the years. In the last few years there has been a tremendous growth in every field. This district has the potential to come out as a major economical, industrial hub in the state. Considering this fast development, the state government has approved the construction of 3 helipads in Kollur near Kundapur, Udupi and at Dharmasthala in the coming years," said V P Baligar, principal secretary, Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.
He was speaking at a meet organized by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry here in the city on Tuesday March 6. He stressed the need of developing 350 kilometers’ stretch along the coastal region to tap and promote the tourism potentials of the area.
Speaking about the developments at Mangalore airport he said that flying of international flights to the region has been a major achievement. "However, we are not satisfied with this. The expansion and development of the airport at Bajpe is the need of the hour. Works are going on in full swing and the new arrival terminal which is under construction will be operational in another 20 days," he added.
He further said that there are some technical problems with regard to the construction of new runway owing to the geographical location. "But that is not the end of the road. We cannot and should not take this as set back but should find out newer ways since the expansion of the runway is inevitable," he opined.
He also promised that the long-pending Bangalore passenger train via Hassan will be started once the Safety Commissioner approves it. "The proposal is pending with the safety commissioner owing to certain safety measures. It will soon be cleared and the lines will be opened on completion of construction of catch sidings on Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya and Shribagilu-Donigal routes," he said.
KCCI president Capt John Prasad Menezes, deputy commissioner M Maheshwar Rao were also present at the meet.