The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has announced plans to develop a 772-acre housing project near the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) in Devanahalli. The project aims to address rising residential demand due to industrial growth and urban expansion in the region. KHB intends to offer residential plots and affordable housing units, focusing on the economically weaker sections, while providing supporting infrastructure including roads, water supply, and sanitation.
The announcement comes after the government withdrew plans to acquire 1,777 acres for similar projects following protests by farmers who raised concerns over the loss of fertile land. KHB officials stated that the new project will proceed after securing public consent.
The proposed 772 acres are spread across five villages in Kundana hobli of Devanahalli taluk: Vishwanathapura, Vajarahalli, Beerasandra, Shanappanahalli, and Managondanahalli. Documents accessed by the Times of India indicate that KHB plans to acquire 410 acres and 13 guntas in Vishwanathapura, 42 acres and 20 guntas in Vajarahalli, 59 acres and 22 guntas in Beerasandra, 83 acres and 23 guntas in Shanappanahalli, and 177 acres and 12 guntas in Managondanahalli. The board is expected to issue an official notification for land acquisition shortly.
Dayananda KA, Housing Commissioner of KHB, confirmed that the project would follow a 50-50 formula, where landowners receive half of the developed land instead of direct monetary compensation. He added that the board will implement the project only after obtaining public consent, emphasizing stakeholder participation in the development process.
Local residents noted that the five villages are strategically located along the Satellite Town Ring Road, connecting Devanahalli and Doddaballapur. The proximity to ITIR has attracted industrial activity, including Foxconn’s recently announced 300-acre iPhone manufacturing facility. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board has also developed over 2,000 acres in ITIR and is expanding the Obadenahalli industrial area nearby.
Several educational institutions, including private universities, have established campuses close to ITIR, contributing to a rise in residential demand. Local residents reported that plot rates have increased significantly, from Rs 1,500 per square foot before industrial developments to approximately Rs 6,000 per square foot currently.
Manjunath J, another resident, indicated that while the KHB project may provide affordable housing options for lower-income families, it could affect farmers who risk losing fertile land. The project highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing urban development and agricultural preservation in rapidly expanding urban zones.
KHB officials are expected to conduct consultations with local stakeholders to address concerns and ensure transparent planning. The project will involve development of roads, water supply networks, sanitation systems, and other essential infrastructure to support residential settlements.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand housing supply in Bengaluru’s periphery, in response to increasing population density and industrial growth. By combining public participation, land development, and residential planning, the project aims to integrate housing solutions with regional infrastructure improvements.
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