Karnataka seeks Centre nod for HAL airport, funds for STRR, suburban rail
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, at an all-party meeting in New Delhi, urged the state's MPs to jointly press the Centre to clear 13 pending proposals, including reopening of HAL airport and funding for Bengaluru's suburban rail and Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR). He also demanded release of Rs 2,186 crore in Finance Commission grants.
Background
The HAL airport in Bengaluru was closed for commercial operations in 2008 after the new Kempegowda International Airport became operational. The STRR and suburban rail projects are aimed at decongesting Bengaluru's traffic.
Key facts
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar held an all-party meeting in New Delhi to push for 13 pending proposals from the Centre.
Key demands include reopening of HAL airport for commercial flights, funds for Bengaluru suburban rail, and Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR).
The state also sought release of Rs 2,186 crore in Finance Commission grants.
HAL airport was closed for commercial operations in 2008 after the new airport at Devanahalli became operational.
The STRR is a proposed 280-km ring road connecting satellite towns around Bengaluru.
Bengaluru suburban rail project aims to provide commuter rail services in the city.
Prelims pointers
- HAL Airport: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited airport in Bengaluru.
- STRR: Satellite Town Ring Road, a proposed peripheral ring road around Bengaluru.
- Finance Commission: Constitutional body that recommends distribution of tax revenues between Centre and states.
- Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project: A rail-based mass transit system for Bengaluru.
- All-party meeting: A meeting of representatives from various political parties.
Mains angles
- Centre-State relations: Issues of fiscal devolution and project approvals.
- Infrastructure development: Urban transport and regional connectivity challenges.
- Role of Finance Commission in addressing state-specific needs.