Karnataka: Electric vehicle policy soon, says RV Deshpande

Bengaluru: In a decision bound to please the greens, the state government plans to come out with an ‘electric vehicle and energy storage policy’ to make Bengaluru the electric vehicle capital of India and reduce pollution on its roads.

Minister for Industries, R.V. Deshpande told reporters here on Wednesday that the government had decided to draw up an electric vehicle and energy storage policy, the  first of its kind in the country,  to promote electric vehicles and battle air pollution after consulting all the stakeholders concerned.

“While developed countries have electric vehicle policies, in India people hesitate to buy electric vehicles owing to the high cost of the battery. But we are now working on a plan to bring out a policy which will make Bengaluru the electric vehicle capital of India,” he added.

Mr Deshpande also revealed that negotiations were on to set up a Japanese Industrial Township on 500 acres in Vasanth Narasapura in Tumakuru and around 15 other major investment projects were likely to come in the state with an investment of Rs. 8666 crore. Of these, three projects, including the setting up of a Rs 438 crore plant by Oracle India Pvt Ltd and  a Rs 1,110 crore TVS motor project in Bytahalli, Kadakola in Mysuru, had been cleared.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) had come forward to invest Rs.966 crore in the Angawadi Industrial Area in Harihara and Wipro Enterprises was willing to invest Rs. 112 crore in the Aerospace SEZ in Devanahhli taluk, according to him.

“Over the last four years the state government has received investment of Rs. 3.34 lakh crore , generating employment for 8.98 lakh people. It has also created a separate industrial township for women in Kanakapura in Harohalli Industrial area, Kuditini Industrial area and other areas in the state,” Mr. Deshpande noted explaining initiatives.