In a major boost to infrastructure development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore to enhance Bengaluru’s urban landscape. The budget outlines an increase in the annual grant for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore, aiming to resolve long-standing issues related to roads, drainage, and public amenities.
Special Purpose Vehicle to Accelerate Projects
To ensure the efficient execution of infrastructure development, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be created. Siddaramaiah emphasized that this initiative will prioritize crucial urban projects, facilitating smoother fund allocation and project execution. “This year, we are raising the BBMP grant from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore to expedite development,” the Chief Minister stated in his budget speech.
Tunnel Roads and Transport Expansion
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s ambitious tunnel road projects have also received approval despite opposition from environmentalists and civic groups. The plan includes the construction of two major tunnel corridors: the North-South corridor (Hebbal to Silk Board) and the East-West corridor (KR Puram to Nayandahalli). The government has committed Rs 19,000 crore toward the Rs 40,000 crore required for these projects.
Alongside these initiatives, the budget also includes the development of a 40.5-km double-decker flyover network costing Rs 8,916 crore, which is expected to ease congestion in Bengaluru. Additionally, 300 km of new roads will be built along canal buffer zones at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore. Upgrades to arterial and sub-arterial roads covering 460 km will be undertaken at Rs 660 crore, along with the construction of 120 km of flyovers and grade separators across the city.
Strengthening Healthcare and Climate Resilience
Under the “Brand Bengaluru” initiative, the government has allocated Rs 413 crore for a comprehensive health infrastructure development program over the next three years. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services and position Bengaluru as a hub for global health standards.
In response to the city’s vulnerability to urban flooding, the budget also includes Rs 3,000 crore in financial assistance for the BBMP and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). These funds will be used for infrastructure development, including systematic drainage networks and sewage treatment plants (STPs), to mitigate future flooding risks.
Addressing Public Concerns
While the budget prioritizes infrastructure development, it did not address concerns raised by Bengaluru’s legislators regarding the recent metro fare hike. Many local representatives had urged the government to reconsider the increased fares, but this issue remained absent from the budget speech.
The Karnataka Budget 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to transforming Bengaluru through large-scale infrastructure development. With a focus on roads, tunnels, healthcare, and climate resilience, these investments aim to make the city more sustainable and livable. However, challenges remain in balancing urban expansion with environmental sustainability and public concerns. As these projects unfold, the impact of this massive infrastructure development initiative will be closely watched by citizens and policymakers alike.
