M B Patil seeks Centre’s support in developing Karnataka’s industrial infra

Bengaluru: Pointing out that the state produces 15 per cent of the country’s steel, Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil on Friday, urged the central government to extend its support in strengthening its freight corridors and other logistic infrastructure.

Speaking at a round table discussing ‘Focussing on the Steel Sector in the State of Karnataka’ during the 6th edition of India Steel-25 — an International Conference-cum-Exhibition organised by the Ministry of Steel at the Bombay Exhibition Center, the minister stressed that the state government is doing its bit, promoting cluster-based development, integrated industrial corridors, and high-quality logistics infrastructure to support the steel sector and broader industrial growth.

Karnataka’s iron ore-rich regions of Ballari, Chitradurga, and Sandur have drawn players such as JSW Steel, Kalyani Steels, Kirloskar Ferrous, and the Baldota Group, and the state has been supporting with transport networks and truck terminals. The proposed Hubballi-Ankola railway line and the ongoing upgrades to National Highways will significantly improve connectivity to the hinterlands, he said. The Minister also pointed out that the multi-modal logistics park in Bengaluru will facilitate seamless movement of bulk goods.

He also drew attention to the critical role to be played by Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) and the Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC), which are enhancing industrial connectivity between southern and western India by linking key hubs to major ports and reducing logistics time.