Mangaluru, November 4: The NRI’s at Kuwait have consented to invest in Mangaluru airport runway extension project revealed the MLA J R Lobo speaking to the media in a press meet.

He said, “In last meet with Union minister G M Siddeshwara, it was discussed about the 280 meters extension of runway which costs 1100 crores. Union minister had said that Union government had lacked funds and instead the runway could be developed with public private participation (PPP) as was done at Cochin”.

“When it was discussed with NRIs in Kuwait during his recent visit, few NRIs said that they were ready to invest in this project. Some even pledged to the extent of Rs. 50 crores. If the run-way is extended, wide bodied aircrafts can land in Mangaluru airport which will fuel further development in Mangaluru. Hence this matter will be brought before the state government first and then it will be taken to Union minister for the approval. The work can be done with financial support from 50-50% both state and union government” said Lobo.

He also promised that he would pressurise government of our state to grant CET permission for NRI students of Karnataka.

Lobo also said that work of embankments wall to stop flood water from River Phalguni and Nethravathi in Mangaluru constituency under the Minor irrigation project has already begun in 16 places with an estimate of Rs.3.40 crore and the work will be finished in a duration of 3 months.

Flood management project proposal for Nethravathi river is under consideration which will be forwarded to Union government and the project would cost Rs 150 crores, revealed Lobo.

Courtesy : Kannadiga World