As the tech hub struggles to keep up with the growing number of vehicles on its roads, Karnataka government deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state would invest Rs 1 lakh crore to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru.
"These include a 40-km twin tunnel at a cost of Rs 42,500 crore, a 41-km double-decker corridor (road-cum-Metro rail) estimated at Rs 18,000 crore, 110-km elevated corridor costing Rs 15,000 crore, and 320 km of buffer roads with an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore," Shivakumar stated at the Invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet. A Rs 500-crore Sky Deck project, a 74-kilometer Bengaluru Business Corridor to be built at a cost of Rs 27,000 crore, and the development of a second airport are among the initiatives being undertaken.
The minister, however, did not discuss the expansion of mass transit systems such as metro buses or suburban rail.
Shivakumar emphasized the need to address Bengaluru's traffic woes, saying, "When I was the urban development minister 20 years ago, Bengaluru had a population of 70 lakh. It has now grown to 1.40 crore, with the city having 1.10 crore vehicles. We intend to invest Rs 1 lakh crore to resolve the traffic problem. Bengaluru Business Corridor (PRR) will be successful."
Shivakumar has advocated for tunnel roads, skydecks, double-decker flyovers, Metro extensions to the outskirts, and an amusement park near the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Mandya district. However, many existing infrastructure projects in Bengaluru have stalled.
He also requested more cooperation from the Centre. "Union Minister Piyush Goyal proposed establishing a 'Bharat Mandapam'—an International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre—in Bengaluru. "We will discuss this with the Chief Minister shortly," he added.
Shivakumar stated, "Karnataka is not a state of promises; it is a state of delivery. Each policy, reform, or initiative is supported by action. We don't just talk about making it easier to do business; we actually do it. Our single-window clearance system is completely digital, time-bound, and transparent." Land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure support are all streamlined processes. The deputy chief minister stated that the government's strategy is to create high-value jobs, strengthen supply chains, and enable technology-driven enterprises.
