The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Karnataka): Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has recently declared a series of initiatives aimed at transforming Bengaluru and other corporation areas into thriving commercial hubs. In his budget presentation, he announced that shops and establishments in Bengaluru and 10 other areas can now operate until 1 a.m., a move designed to boost trade and commerce.
Siddaramaiah’s vision for Bengaluru, dubbed “Brand Bengaluru,” includes significant infrastructure developments. The government has already sanctioned white-topping (concrete paving) of major roads spanning 147 km, with a budget of Rs 1,700 crore, aiming for completion by December 2025. To alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion, the state plans to construct underground tunnels. A pilot tunnel is slated for construction this year at the congested Hebbal junction on the Bengaluru International Airport Road.
Further enhancing Bengaluru’s infrastructure, the peripheral ring road will be rebranded as the Bengaluru Business Corridor. This project involves constructing a 73 km road, estimated at Rs 27,000 crore, under a public-private partnership model, with the project’s initiation expected this year.
In a bid to boost tourism, the Chief Minister revealed plans for a 250-meter-high Skydeck in Bengaluru, designed by internationally-renowned architects. This landmark is anticipated to become a major tourist attraction in the city. Additionally, the city’s metro network will expand by 44 km by March 2025, adding to the existing 74 km. The Outer Ring Road-Airport Road works under Metro Rail Project Phases 2 and 2A are scheduled for completion by June 2026. Notably, the Metro rail service has achieved operational profit for the first time this year.
The state government has also approved the Namma Metro Phase-3 works, with an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore, awaiting the Central government’s nod. Siddaramaiah highlighted the accelerated progress of the Bengaluru suburban rail project, with rapid implementation of civil works for corridor-2 and the issuance of work orders for a 46.2 km line under Corridor-4. The project is supported by agreements with European Investment Bank and KFW bank of Germany for financial assistance.
Siddaramaiah also mentioned the collaboration with the Japanese government to install the Area Traffic Signal Control System at 28 major junctions in Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art technology aims to reduce vehicle density at traffic signals by 30% and average delay by 13%, significantly improving traffic flow in the city. These comprehensive measures reflect the state government’s commitment to developing Bengaluru into a world-class city, enhancing its infrastructure, transportation, and overall quality of life.