Investors wary of bumpy ride, keep off Hubli-Dharwad

Despite efforts by Karnataka to develop tier-II cities in the state into IT/BT hubs, investors aren't impressed by the promises and offers made by the government.

There has been little or no progress on several infrastructure projects announced in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. Electricity supply continues to be erratic. Roads that looked good after 'Operation Footpath' are slowly returning to their original condition and traffic snarls abound. The 24x7 water supply project is yet to take off.

Although air-traffic in the Hubli-Bangalore and Hubli-Mumbai sectors has improved, the condition of the road to Hubli airport deters people from opting for the air travel.

The state government had promised several facilities and offered space at concessional rates at IT parks in Hubli, Belur, Amaragol and Rayapur. However, the slow pace of infrastructure development in these areas has not gone down well with the investors.

According to Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Shankaranna Munavalli, "The condition of approach roads to Hubli is a major cause for concern and we have been urging the government to expedite work on these roads"

Former commissioner of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) P Manivannan had attempted to give a face-lift but promises made by the state government to the investors remained unfulfilled as they were not under the purview of HDMC.