Bengaluru gets ₹7,000 crore for roads and tunnels to fix traffic jams

BENGALURU - The Karnataka government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has outlined a substantial infrastructure agenda for Bengaluru, targeting the city's persistent traffic congestion and flooding issues. A significant financial commitment has been signaled, with the annual grant for Bengaluru's development maintained at ₹7,000 crore, a doubling from the previous year's ₹3,000 crore. This funding is to be channeled through a newly established 'Special Purpose Vehicle' (SPV), intended to oversee the execution of major civic projects.

The budget's most ambitious mobility proposal involves the construction of two tunnel road corridors, expected to span approximately 40 kilometers and carry an estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore. Alongside this, plans include the white-topping of 158 kilometers of roads at a cost of ₹1,700 crore, with a further commitment to white-top over 450 kilometers of roads within the next three years for ₹3,000 crore. The stated objective behind these initiatives is to elevate Bengaluru to become the "world's most liveable city."

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Key Infrastructure Proposals

Further plans detail significant road upgrades and green initiatives. The development of an 'Intermediate Ring Road' has been flagged as a priority. A sum of ₹1,800 crore has been earmarked for 21 'green projects' under the 'Brand Bengaluru' initiative. This includes substantial funding, specifically ₹234 crore, for the rejuvenation of the Varthur and Bellandur lakes. The budget also references the continuation of grants for Bengaluru's development, a measure that saw a significant increase last year.

Educational and Health Sector Allocations

Beyond infrastructure, the budget includes allocations for specific institutions. A regional center for the Jayadeva Cardiovascular Institute is planned for the BBMP Multispeciality Hospital in Govindarajanagar, with an estimated cost of ₹15 crore, in collaboration with the Greater Bengaluru Authority. Victoria Hospital is slated for renaming as Shantaveri Gopalagowda Hospital. Furthermore, ₹5 crore is designated for establishing a Minority Development and Training Centre at the Asirvanam Benedictine Monastery in Kengeri.

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Digital Infrastructure and Higher Education

The push for digital access and enhanced learning opportunities is also present. Plans are in motion to establish digital libraries and study centers in both Dharwad and Bengaluru, each receiving ₹10 crore, to support students preparing for competitive examinations. In the realm of higher education, the Bangalore City University is to be renamed Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University. Additionally, a detailed project report has been prepared for the establishment of a state-of-the-art 'Science City' in Adinarayana Hosahalli, Bengaluru, with an estimated cost of ₹233 crore, pending central government approval.

Context and Underlying Currents

This significant outlay for Bengaluru's infrastructure comes at a time when the city grapples with persistent challenges related to traffic congestion and urban flooding. The continued allocation of substantial funds and the creation of a dedicated SPV underscore the administration's focus on addressing these "civic headaches." The budget presentation, Siddaramaiah's record 17th, aims to project a vision of Bengaluru as a "model global city" under the 'Brand Bengaluru' initiative. Reports also note the ongoing political dynamics, including a reported "power tussle" within the ruling Congress party concerning the city's development portfolio.

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