The Karnataka government has approved the creation of Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked with delivering large-scale infrastructure upgrades in the city. Backed by an initial funding of ₹7,000 crore, sanctioned in the state budget, B-SMILE will be primarily government-owned, with 90% equity held by the state and the remaining 10% by BBMP.
The company, likely headquartered in Vasanthnagar, will execute priority projects including 40 km of tunnel roads, a network of flyovers and underpasses, road development along stormwater drain buffer zones, and a 250-metre sky deck — key initiatives championed by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.
Unlike traditional civic bodies, the SPV is empowered to handle both public and private sector-funded projects. It will operate independently from BBMP, which is set for restructuring. With full jurisdiction over Bengaluru Urban district, B-SMILE will also have authority to collaborate with or fund other agencies, a clause experts believe might allow it to bypass the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act.
An 11-member board, including a full-time IAS officer as CEO, will govern the company. Other board members include officials from BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, and three private sector experts. A senior BBMP official emphasized the SPV’s role in tackling urban congestion and long-term mobility issues, while BBMP retains responsibility for routine tasks like pothole repair.
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