The Belgaum Chamber of Commerce & Industries (BCCI) has urged Karnataka’s Minister for Small Scale Industries, Shri Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, to address the developmental needs of the Belagavi district by establishing a new industrial estate. A memorandum presented by the BCCI highlights the district’s untapped potential and the need for infrastructure upgrades.
Belagavi: A Strategic Yet Underserved Industrial Hub
Positioned strategically at the borders of Goa and Maharashtra, Belagavi lies equidistant from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, while being just 80 km from Goa. Major highways cutting through the district ensure robust connectivity across the region.
Despite its favorable location, historic airport, and reputation as an educational and administrative hub, Belagavi needs help in retaining industries. With over 60,000 registered MSMEs and expertise in hydraulics, foundries, and automobile manufacturing, the district still needs to be developed due to inadequate infrastructure and connectivity gaps.
Unlocking Opportunities for Growth
As part of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Belagavi has the potential to drive Karnataka’s economic growth. However, industrialists argue that its contributions are limited by poor rail, road, and air connectivity.
Key Proposals for Revitalizing Belagavi’s Industries
- Industrial Expansion
- Develop a 2,000-acre industrial estate with modern infrastructure to attract PSUs, large-scale industries, and MNCs.
- Establish a 500-acre Foundry Park, with 100 acres dedicated to hydraulics and general engineering industries.
- Declare Belagavi a Drone Manufacturing Hub with specific investment plans.
- Introduce affordable factory complexes for MSMEs and startups.
- Promote private industrial zones of 10–50 acres to encourage local enterprises.
- Demarcate industrial and residential zones with clear buffer areas to prevent encroachment.
- Enhanced Connectivity
- Build a ring road for smoother goods transport and reduced congestion.
- Upgrade the Belagavi-Goa highway via Chorla Ghat under NHAI’s guidance.
- Introduce a direct rail link between Kolhapur, Belagavi, and Hubballi.
- Modernize Belagavi Airport, adding direct flights to Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Pune, along with more frequent flights to Bengaluru.
- Improved Logistics and Amenities
- Fast-track the creation of an air cargo terminal at Belagavi Airport.
- Construct an ESIC hospital in the Udyambag/Machhe industrial area, as per commitments made during Winter Session 2021.
- Provide separate power feeders for upcoming and existing industrial zones.
- Financial Incentives
- Clear pending subsidies for MSMEs without delay.
- Offer 50% subsidies to new entrepreneurs and for upgrading existing industrial units.
These measures, if implemented, would capitalize on Belagavi’s strategic advantages and foster a thriving industrial ecosystem for Karnataka.
