More projects on PPP basis in State, says Nirani

BANGALORE: Murgesh Nirani, Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, on Thursday said the government plans to throw open around 190 infrastructure related projects under public private partnership (PPP) model and soon, introduce the Infrastructure Bill.Addressing a gathering at Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), he said, “The Infrastructure Bill is expected to boost the infrastructure projects with the highest government official being in charge. The Bill will also offer the creation of Karnataka Viability Gap fund to the tune of `500 crore to aid these infrastructure projects, besides tapping on  similar funds of the Government of India.”‘Land identified for industries’ Reiterating the land bank iniatiative, he said about 1.19 lakh acres of land suitable for industries has been identified.“Land banks have been set up in places like Dharwad, Mysore, Mangalore and Gulbarga so that we can attract industries,” he said.Vinod Nowal, president, BCIC requested Nirani to smoothen the process of land transfer industries and improve overall infrastructure facilities.