Karnataka budget 2025

The Karnataka budget 2025 has significantly increased funding for Bengaluru’s infrastructure, doubling the annual allocation from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore. With the BBMP elections 2025 on the horizon and rising concerns over urban infrastructure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has placed Bengaluru’s development at the forefront of his 16th budget.

Key Highlights of Karnataka Budget 2025

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Infrastructure Projects

To ensure efficient project execution and fund utilization, the government has introduced a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), transferring key infrastructure responsibilities from BBMP.

Metro Expansion to Devanahalli

The Bengaluru Metro network will expand by 98.6 km over the next two years, including an extended route from Kempegowda International Airport to Devanahalli. Currently, the metro covers 79.65 km and serves around 8.5 lakh daily passengers.

Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) Project

The long-awaited Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, now rebranded as the ‘Bengaluru Business Corridor,’ will stretch 73 km with an estimated cost of Rs 27,000 crore, receiving financial assistance from HUDCO Bank. Land acquisition has commenced.

Redevelopment of Majestic Bus Stand and New Satellite Bus Stand

The Majestic bus stand will be redeveloped under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, transforming it into a state-of-the-art transport hub with commercial facilities. Additionally, a new satellite bus stand in KR Pura will be developed to ease congestion.

Enhancement of Public Transport

• 2,381 new diesel buses and 716 electric buses will be introduced in 2024-25.
• By 2025-26, 14,750 electric buses will be added under PM e-DRIVE and PM-eBus Sewa, with 9,000 e-buses allocated to BMTC.
• 1,000 diesel buses will be deployed under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

D K Shivakumar’s ‘Brand Bengaluru’ Initiative

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s Brand Bengaluru initiative has received substantial support in the Karnataka budget 2025:

• Rs 19,000 crore earmarked for North-South and East-West tunnel corridors.
• 40.5 km double-decker flyover to be built alongside Namma Metro Phase 3 at a cost of Rs 8,916 crore.
• 300 km of roads to be constructed using canal buffer zones with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore.
• 460 km of arterial roads and 120 km of flyovers planned to enhance Bengaluru’s road infrastructure.

Health and Environmental Initiatives in Bengaluru

• Rs 413 crore Comprehensive Health Programme aimed at improving public healthcare facilities.
• Rs 3,000 crore allocated for stormwater drainage systems and sewage treatment plants (STPs).
• BWSSB to implement biogas-based revenue and carbon credit projects through the PPP model.
• Rs 35 crore set aside for 14 lake rejuvenation projects under ‘Brand Bengaluru – Green Bengaluru’.
• Restoration of Varthur and Bellandur lakes for Rs 234 crore.

Bengaluru Suburban Railway and Signature Park Development

The Bengaluru suburban railway project, spanning 148 km with 58 stations, is progressing with a budget of Rs 15,767 crore. Two corridors are under construction, while tenders for the remaining two are expected soon.

A Signature Park in Devanahalli, covering 407 acres, will be developed with an initial investment of Rs 50 crore, featuring a dedicated flyover for better connectivity.

Additional Infrastructure Initiatives

• Real-time monitoring of 3,000 STPs to improve sanitation and water management.
• Rs 239 crore investment in stormwater drain and lake rejuvenation projects.
• New satellite market to reduce congestion in city markets.
• Establishment of a goat and sheep market to support livestock trade.
• 18 tank-filling projects planned for Bengaluru East at Rs 93.5 crore.
• A new 200-bed hospital in Bengaluru North with a budget of Rs 150 crore.

The Karnataka budget 2025 demonstrates a strong commitment to Bengaluru’s urban development, emphasizing improved infrastructure, enhanced public transport, environmental sustainability, and better civic amenities. These investments aim to drive a transformative phase of growth for the city.