The R N Shetty Group originated in 1961 when Rama Nagappa Shetty launched a civil engineering firm that would later expand into hospitality, power generation, and automotive sales. Over six decades, his commercial interests transformed industrial landscapes across Karnataka, spanning public infrastructure projects, large-scale ceramic manufacturing, and the renovation of the significant temple town of Murdeshwar.
Early Construction Ventures
Born in 1928 in Murdeshwar, Shetty began his career as a civil contractor in Sirsi. By 1961, he established R N Shetty & Company, securing government contracts for bridges on the Honnavar–Bangalore road. In 1966, he moved his base to Hubli. Following a transition in his business structure in 1967, he took sole control of the Naveen Mechanised Construction Company. Over the next eight years, his firm undertook major infrastructure works including the Hidkal dam, the Supa reservoir, the Gerusoppa hydel power project, and various canal systems for the Upper Krishna Project. His portfolio later grew to encompass highway construction projects under the National Highways Authority of India and the Karnataka State Highways Improvement Project.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Diversification into Hospitality and Manufacturing
In 1975, Shetty expanded into the hospitality industry via Naveen Hotels Limited. His group developed five-star hotels in Bangalore, which were leased to the Taj Group, alongside property developments like Hotel Naveen in Hubli and RNS Yatrinivas in Murdeshwar. His industrial interests widened with the establishment of a Mangalore tile factory in 1977 and Naveen Structurals and Engineering in 1981. In 1987, he founded Murudeshwar Ceramics, establishing plants in Hubli and Karaikal to produce glazed tiles. In 1995 and 1998, RNS Motors inaugurated Maruti Suzuki automobile showrooms in Hubli and Bangalore, respectively.
Infrastructure and Power Projects
The group moved into the energy sector in 1993 by forming the Murudeshwar Power Corporation. By 1999, the company commissioned a mini hydel project at the Narayanpur Left Bank Canal in Bijapur district with a capacity of 11.6 MW. Parallel to his power interests, he maintained a focus on infrastructure, including the construction of tunnels for the Konkan Railway project.
Philanthropy and Civic Contribution
Shetty utilized the R. N. Shetty Trust to manage various educational facilities, including polytechnics, nursing schools, and an engineering college. He is recognized for the modernization of Murdeshwar, where he funded the renovation of the Shiva temple complex. His contributions enabled the construction of a 237.5-foot Raja Gopura and a 123-foot statue of Shiva. For his service, he received the Rajyotsava Award in 2004, the Visvesvaraya Memorial Award in 2004, and an Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University in 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Murdeshwar
- Died: 2020, Bengaluru
- Industry: Infrastructure, hospitality, ceramics, and power
- Company: R N Shetty Group
- Notable Infrastructure: Hidkal dam and Konkan Railway tunnels
- Notable Hospitality: Taj MG Road and Taj Yeshwantpur
- Key Award: Rajyotsava Award (2004)
- Education: Honorary Doctorate, Bangalore University (2009)
Questions readers ask
What were the primary industries of the R N Shetty Group?
The group operated in civil construction, hospitality, ceramics manufacturing, power generation, and automotive sales.
What was Shetty's role in the development of Murdeshwar?
He funded the renovation of the Murdeshwar Shiva temple complex, including the construction of the world's tallest Raja Gopura and a massive statue of Shiva.
