Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, March 7: In a significant push to upgrade Bengaluru’s infrastructure, the Karnataka government has increased its annual allocation for the city from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore. This move aims to address the growing infrastructural challenges in India’s IT capital.

Presenting the Budget for the financial year 2025-26, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of Bengaluru’s development, highlighting its crucial role in the state’s economy. “Our government is prioritising the city’s basic infrastructure, given its immense contribution to Karnataka’s economic growth,” Siddaramaiah said, noting the substantial rise in funding for infrastructure.

In addition to the increased funding, the state government has provided a guarantee of Rs 19,000 crore to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to develop the North-South and East-West tunnels, which are part of a larger Rs 40,000 crore plan aimed at improving connectivity.

Metro expansion and traffic relief plans

A key focus of the budget is expanding Bengaluru’s Namma Metro system, which currently serves around 8.5 lakh commuters daily. The Metro operates 68 stations across 79.65 km, with plans to extend this by an additional 98.60 km over the next two years. The extension will include a line up to Devanahalli, passing through Kempegowda International Airport, further alleviating traffic congestion.

Siddaramaiah also discussed the ongoing rejuvenation of Varthur and Bellandur lakes, with the Bengaluru Development Authority allocating Rs 234 crore for the restoration. Additionally, the ‘Brand Bengaluru – Green Bengaluru’ project, focused on the rejuvenation of 14 lakes, is underway with an investment of Rs 35 crore.

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, costing Rs 15,767 crore, is also progressing, with work already underway on two of its four planned corridors. Once completed, the project will include 148 km of railway track and 58 stations, further improving urban mobility.

Solutions for traffic congestion

Addressing the city’s notorious traffic congestion, the Chief Minister outlined plans to create signal-free corridors on major roads. As part of this effort, a 40.5 km double-decker flyover will be constructed at a cost of Rs 8,916 crore, alongside the Namma Metro Phase 3 expansion. Additionally, a network of 300 km of new roads will be built at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore by utilising canal buffer zones. The BBMP will also upgrade 460 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads at a cost of Rs 660 crore, with flyovers and grade separators being constructed along 120 km of the city’s roads.

Boosting revenue through reforms

Siddaramaiah highlighted that the BBMP has significantly increased property tax collections, thanks to reforms like the adoption of the online e-Khata system. These changes have not only simplified service delivery but also boosted revenue generation. The implementation of the BBMP Estate Management Rules, 2024, and new Advertisement Bye-laws 2025 are expected to yield an additional Rs 4,556 crore and Rs 750 crore, respectively.

In addition to infrastructure development, the government is launching a ‘Comprehensive Health Programme’ under the Brand Bengaluru Plan, with an allocation of Rs 413 crore over the next three years. The programme aims to elevate Bengaluru’s healthcare standards to global levels.

Flood management and new projects

The government is also focusing on mitigating climate change-induced flooding. It has allocated Rs 3,000 crore to the BBMP and BWSSB for building a comprehensive drainage network and sewage treatment plants (STPs) across the city.

A long-pending infrastructure project, the Peripheral Ring Road, will now be developed as the ‘Bengaluru Business Corridor.’ The Rs 27,000 crore project aims to build a 73 km road with funding assistance from HUDCO Bank, and the land acquisition process has already begun.

Under the Mahatma Gandhi Nagar Vikas Yojane 2.0, the state has announced a Rs 2,000 crore grant for improving basic infrastructure in city corporations. Additionally, Rs 600 crore has been allocated under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) for the current year.

New airports and railway projects

Siddaramaiah also announced that the Vijayapura Airport, costing Rs 348 crore, will be operational by 2025-26. The land acquisition process for the Karwar Naval Airport is underway, with plans to begin construction in the current year.

The state government has partnered with the Indian Railways on nine projects, sharing costs 50:50. The state will fully bear the land acquisition costs for seven of these projects. The total cost of these railway initiatives is Rs 16,235 crore, with an allocation of Rs 600 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

With these ambitious plans, the Karnataka government aims to transform Bengaluru into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive city, addressing its infrastructure challenges and boosting its economic potential.