Karnataka Budget 2025: Focus on Roads, Metro, and Drainage Upgrades in Bengaluru

The Karnataka state budget for 2025, presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, outlines significant infrastructure developments for Bengaluru. With a focus on improving transportation, drainage, and urban planning, the budget increases the city’s annual grant from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore. A Special Purpose Vehicle will be established to oversee the allocation of these funds and implement key projects.

Road and Transportation Projects

The budget prioritizes easing traffic congestion through multiple large-scale projects. The state government has provided a guarantee of Rs 19,000 crore to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for constructing North-South and East-West corridor tunnel roads at a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

A 40.5 km double-decker flyover is planned from Silk Board Junction to Jayadeva Hospital, aimed at improving traffic flow in congested areas. This project, estimated at Rs 8,916 crore, will be developed alongside Namma Metro’s Phase-3 expansion.

The city’s road network will also see significant expansion, with 300 km of new roads to be constructed at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore, utilizing canal buffer zones. Additionally, Rs 660 crore has been allocated for the development of 460 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads. Flyovers and grade separators covering 120 km will also be constructed to further enhance mobility.

The Peripheral Ring Road project has been renamed the Bengaluru Business Corridor, with a proposed investment of Rs 27,000 crore for constructing a 73 km road. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Bank will support this initiative, and the land acquisition process has already begun.

Metro and Rail Developments

The government is planning to extend the metro line to Devanahalli, linking it with Bengaluru International Airport. Additionally, 70 km of railway lines will be doubled on the Baiyappanahalli-Hosur and Yeshwantpur-Channasandra routes at a cost of Rs 812 crore, with the state contributing Rs 406 crore.

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, worth Rs 15,767 crore, will cover 148 km with 58 stations. Work on two corridors is in progress, while the tender process for the remaining two corridors is expected to conclude soon.

Drainage and Flood Management

To address Bengaluru’s flooding issues, Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated to BBMP and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for constructing a comprehensive drainage network and sewage treatment plants. The government will also implement a flood management system in BBMP areas at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore.

In addition, BWSSB will develop a wastewater treatment plant and sewage pumping system with an investment of Rs 1,070 crore. The Minor Irrigation Department will oversee 41 lake-filling projects in Bengaluru Rural District at a cost of Rs 250 crore. Stormwater drain reconstruction and lake rejuvenation in the city will receive Rs 239 crore.

Lake Restoration and Environmental Initiatives

Under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, Rs 35 crore has been allocated for the restoration of 14 lakes within the BBMP limits. The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) is also rejuvenating Varthur and Bellandur lakes at a cost of Rs 234 crore. To monitor water quality and treatment efficiency, data from 3,000 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will be made publicly available.

Urban Development and Public Services

The budget introduces the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Programme with an investment of Rs 8,000 crore. This initiative focuses on minor irrigation, road development, and urban infrastructure improvements across all legislative constituencies in Karnataka.

To boost revenue, BBMP has introduced property tax reforms and expects to generate Rs 750 crore through the Corporation’s Advertisement Bye-laws 2025. Additionally, Rs 76 crore has been allocated to modernize 36 Sub-Registrar offices, which handle 75% of the state’s total property registrations.

A multiplex theatre complex will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) on 2.5 acres owned by the Karnataka Film Academy in Nandini Layout. The Bengaluru Majestic bus stand will also be redeveloped under the "Project Majestic" scheme through a PPP model, transforming it into a modern transport hub with a commercial complex. A new satellite bus stand is planned at KR Puram to cater to the city’s eastern region.

Economic and Industrial Growth

To support the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government will establish an international-standard testing track and an EV cluster with shared infrastructure in Bengaluru, with an investment of Rs 25 crore.

A Japanese Industrial Park will be developed at the Tumakuru Industrial Node under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project. This initiative is aimed at attracting investments, particularly in preparation for the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.

Recreational and Business Infrastructure

A state-of-the-art Bengaluru Signature Park will be developed in Devanahalli over 407 acres. Rs 50 crore has been allocated to build a flyover to improve access to the park.

These initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing Bengaluru’s infrastructure, addressing urban challenges, and supporting economic growth. With significant investments in transportation, drainage, and urban planning, the budget aims to improve mobility, reduce flooding, and create a more sustainable city. The development of metro and rail networks, expansion of roadways, and introduction of new economic zones will strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a key business hub. 

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