‘Knowledge-Health City’ planned in B’luru’s outskirts

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Karnataka Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil on Friday said the state government will establish a ‘Knowledge-HealthInnovation and Research City’ (KHIR), spanning approximately 2,000 acres on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The Minister, who announced this project as the Congress government in the state completes 100 days in office, also noted that during this period, investments totaling Rs 60,000 crores have been secured, resulting in the creation of approximately 30,000 new jobs.

“The ‘Knowledge-HealthInnovation and Research City’ has been planned to be established in an area of around 2000 acres in the outskirts of the state capital. The KHIR is poised to redefine Bengaluru’s global standing by fostering the growth of cutting-edge knowledge institutions, healthcare facilities, innovation hubs, and research centers, “ Patil said.

In the initial phase, 1,000 acres will be developed to house a world-class university, a state-of-the-art hospital, and advanced innovation and research facilities, he said, “This strategic initiative is expected to elevate Bengaluru’s stature in the international arena.”

The government has envisioned a ‘KnowledgeHealth-Innovation and Research City’ that will become a beacon of excellence, he said, adding “It is a testament to our commitment to advancing knowledge, healthcare, and innovation in Karnataka.

This project will not only benefit the people of our state but will also attract global talent and investments, taking Bengaluru to greater heights.”

Pointing out that during his period, investments totaling Rs. 60,000 crores have been secured, resulting in the creation of approximately 30,000 new jobs, Patil said notable companies such as Foxconn, JSW Energy, Tata Electronics, and IBC have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for substantial investments, signalling their confidence in Karnataka as an investment destination.

Moreover, negotiations are in progress with more than 20 potential investors, with the potential to bring in investments of Rs 1,00,000 crore to the state, he said.

These potential investors comprise multinational companies based in Taiwan, Korea, as well as prominent public and private sector organizations.

Furthermore, the ‘Invest Karnataka’ platform is undergoing a significant overhaul to attract investment while ensuring an inclusive industrial ecosystem in the state.

The Minister noted that the initiative involves industry luminaries and a ‘Strategic Investment Committee’ comprising experts from venture capital.