Government of Karnataka signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MARG Aviation on Monday in Bangalore to construct an airport in Bijapur. According to the agreement, airport with one runway and other basic facilities will come up in 720 acres of land at a cost of 250 crore rupees. MARG Aviation will operate the airport for a period of 30 years and thereafter can seek extension of another 30 years and then transfer the airport facilities to the government. <br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Tourism and Infrastructure Minister Janardhan Reddy informed that airport in the backward region of the state will help attract industries to the region. He said the Government plans to build 13 airports, 10 airstrips and 28 heliports all over the State. He appealed to the Central Government to improve railway infrastructure in the State, which he said is as low as 15 kms of railway line for every 1000 kms of roads.