Industries Minister R V Deshpande to hit the GIM? Roads worry minister

Bengaluru: Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande is determined to leave no stone unturned, literally, to ensure that the city’s roads do not stop a billionaire or two from reaching Palace Grounds during the Gobal Investors’ Meet, February 3-5, and spoil the whole effort.

On a cold Wednesday morning, Mr. Deshpande, who recently toured Europe and America drumming up investments, did a round of the city, setting out at 7 am to Palace Grounds to oversee the preparations.

Not only did the minister go the extra mile, he ensured that he was seen and heard going the distance, having taken a press party along with him as he visited many spots around the central business district, taking note of potential traffic choke points on routes to Palace Grounds.

The GIM will see the government calling in investments – its target is Rs 1 trillion -- “not only for industrial growth but also to address the common man’s issues, such as traffic management”, Mr. Deshpande said.

Echoing the minister that GIM was not about pulling in all the investments in two days but to showcase the state’s strengths, Additional Chief Secretary Ratnaprabha said, “There will be fewer MoUs and more project announcements during GIM. We will try to clear all projects by February 1.”