Karnataka appeals to European Investment Bank to fund state projects

Bengaluru, Jan 12: The Karnataka government has signed an agreement with European Investment Bank (EIB) under which the Bank will be funding 200 million euros for Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for Phase-2 Reach-6 project from Nagawara to Gottigere in the City.

Thanking the EIB for funding the metro project, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said "I would like to reiterate our Chief Minister's request that EIB may consider funding other infrastructure and sustainability projects in the State."

Stating that this is the second tranche of the payment of 500 million Euros, Parameshwara said that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has also agreed to lend 300 million Euros. In all, 800 million Euro will come for the project.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, State Government top officials and EIB member Maria Shaw Barragan were present at the signing of the agreement, according to an official release here on Saturday.

Later, Dr Parameshwara addressing a delegation from Malaysia that they are welcome to extend financial and technical support to various City development projects. "We welcome all help and also assure all facilities needed."

He was speaking to a 11 member delegation headed by Malaysia MP and political leaders headed by Dato Seri Abrahim Seri during a meeting in which Mr Kumaraswamy was also present.

Dr Parameshwara said that the State is in forefront since 1980 in IT-BT and more than 80 per cent of IT & BT companies are located in Karnataka. The State is first in the country to come out with a separate Policy for Startups and recently the State has come out with a separate Bio Technology.

He also sought help from the delegation for the proposed Elevated Corridor project to be taken up in the State Capital Bengaluru to ease traffic congestion.