The project comprises conversion of present national highways into eight-lane roads and develop industrial layouts depending on availability of natural resources and manpower.

A senior officer in KIADB said the proposal is not to construct new roads, but to develop the existing roads. Five industrial zones have also been identified considering the availability of natural resources and manpower.
Industrial layouts in all zones will be developed within a radius of 100 to 150 kms from national highways and Udyoga Mitra will soon call for expression of interest to set up industrial layout. Based on the responses KIADB will go ahead with acquisition of land required for layouts and converting present highways into eight lane roads, he said.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Murugesh Nirani said his department is working with an objective to complete detailed project reports before January 2009, when the state will be holding Global Investors’ meet. “My idea is that we should be well prepared to lure investors in the meet. The government aims to attract about Rs 4 lakh crore investments through the summit,” he said.

The department has invited representatives of Delhi-based Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), a leading infrastructure development and finance company for consultations on the proposed projects. The minister is also taking part in AKKA (Association of Kannada Kootas in America) World Kannada conference scheduled be held in Chicago on August 29, 30 and 31 and discuss about investments in the state with NRI Kannadigas.