The letter highlights the critical role Bengaluru plays as India’s technology hub and emphasises the city’s urgent requirements to maintain its status as the "Silicon Valley of India"
Published Jan 25, 2025 | 4:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 25, 2025 | 4:05 PM
DK Shivakumar urges Nirmala Sitharaman for financial support to boost Bengaluru’s infrastructure in Union Budget 2025-26
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to grant significant financial assistance to support the state’s ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at addressing Bengaluru’s rapidly growing needs.
In a letter to Sitharaman, he highlighted the critical role Bengaluru plays as India’s technology hub and emphasised the city’s urgent requirements to maintain its status as the “Silicon Valley of India.”
Bengaluru, with a population nearing 1.5 crore, has witnessed tremendous growth, particularly in the technology sector, attracting both domestic and international investments.
However, Shivakumar pointed out that the city’s existing infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the demands of its burgeoning population and thriving economy.
In his letter, Shivakumar outlined several key infrastructure projects that are crucial to ensuring Bengaluru’s continued growth and liveability.
To tackle Bengaluru’s notorious traffic woes, the state government has proposed constructing underground vehicular tunnels. These would include:
The state has already committed ₹19,000 crore in viability gap funding (VGF) for the project.
Building on the success of the double-decker road along the Metro Yellow Line, the government proposes expanding this concept in Phase III of the BMRCL project. This will include:
A feasibility survey has recommended the construction of 17 flyovers spanning 99.5 km across 11 high-traffic corridors. The project is expected to cost ₹12,000 crore and will address significant traffic bottlenecks in the city.
To alleviate both traffic congestion and encroachment issues along Bengaluru’s historic stormwater drains (Raja Kaluves), the state plans to construct 300 km of new roads. The project is estimated to cost ₹3,000 crore.
A major project spearheaded by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), the Peripheral Ring Road will be an 8-lane, 73.04 km stretch connecting various parts of the city. With an estimated cost of ₹27,000 crore, the PRR aims to reduce congestion in the city center and facilitate faster connectivity.
To meet the city’s escalating water needs, the state has proposed the sixth phase of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme (CWSS), which aims to provide an additional 500 million liters per day by 2028. The fifth phase of CWSS has already been successfully commissioned.
In his letter, Shivakumar appealed to Sitharaman for substantial funding in the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 to support these crucial projects.
He emphasised that Bengaluru’s infrastructure development is vital not just for the city’s growth but for India’s economic future, as the city remains a key driver of national progress.
The Karnataka government’s proposed infrastructure overhaul represents one of the most ambitious urban development plans in the country, aiming to maintain Bengaluru’s status as a global technology hub while improving the quality of life for its residents.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
