Vasanthanarasapur to be part of B’luru-Chennai corridor

Almost two-decades since it was notified as an industrial area, Vasanthanarasapura—a tiny hamlet in Tumakuru district abutting the Chennai-Mumbai National Highway will get a major facelift and in less than a year the village could be the next big industrial hub of Karnataka.

To develop the Tumakuru node as part of the ambitious Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) scheme, the state government on Friday inked a pact with the Centre. Under the CBIC, the state government has identified Vasanthanarasapura as a primary node. With the help of the Centre, it plans to develop industrial infrastructure favouring setting up of small, medium and large-scale industries besides ensuring residential and commercial development.

According to Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, the area could be a key area accommodating several industries with potential of creating thousands of jobs, benefiting at least five adjoining districts. Already dotted with industries including the mega food park inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, the industrial area was short of infrastructure including food, accommodation, fire safety and security measures.

Lack of infrastructure had forced the workers in the area to adjust with whatever facilities that was available in the nearby villages as they could not afford to live and travel from Tumakuru, located 27 kms from the industrial area. However, the latest decision of the state government making the area as a primary node is likely to turn around the situation on all fronts.

Demanding infrastructural push, Parameshwara said, “If the area be connected with a dedicated electric train or extended Metro services or an elevated corridor linking up with the international airport, there is no doubt it would beckon investors with plenty of opportunities.”

The Tumakuru node will receive an investment of about Rs 50,000 crore creating job opportunities for 2,20,000 people. According to Alkesh Sharma of Government of India, the node will be developed close on the lines of Dholera industrial area in Gujarat and in less than a year, the new facilities will be offered for industries.