Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the 2026–27 State Budget, announcing a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare, infrastructure, education and welfare programmes across the state.
The Budget outlines several development projects intended to improve public services, boost economic growth and expand infrastructure in both urban and rural regions of Karnataka.
Major healthcare infrastructure projects
A significant portion of the Budget focuses on strengthening healthcare facilities in different parts of the state.
The government announced the construction of a 450-bed multi-speciality hospital in Karwar at a cost of ₹198 crore to improve access to advanced medical care in the coastal region.
In addition, a trauma care centre in Raichur will be established with an investment of ₹10 crore.
Two Peripheral Cancer Centres will also be developed in Mysuru and Tumakuru, with a combined investment of ₹92 crore, aimed at expanding cancer treatment facilities outside major cities.
Airport expansion and industrial plans
The state government has already released ₹1,593 crore for the development of seven domestic airports across Karnataka, with ₹200 crore allocated for the current financial year.
To address increasing air traffic, the government also announced plans to prepare a feasibility report for a second airport in Bengaluru, intended to reduce congestion at Kempegowda International Airport.
Aircraft manufacturing and assembly activities are also proposed at Shivamogga Airport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which could strengthen the state’s aerospace sector.
Infrastructure push for Bengaluru
The Budget includes several infrastructure projects for Bengaluru aimed at improving urban mobility.
The Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram Metro Station will be developed into a global-standard corridor at an estimated cost of ₹450 crore.
Additionally, 158 kilometres of city roads will undergo white-topping, with an investment of ₹1,700 crore to improve road durability and traffic flow.
Education and employment initiatives
Siddaramaiah also announced that student union elections will be conducted in colleges and universities across Karnataka.
To support students preparing for competitive examinations, the government will establish digital libraries and study centres in Dharwad and Bengaluru, each costing ₹10 crore.
The Chief Minister said the government has initiated the process of filling 56,432 vacant posts in various departments, along with a five-year age relaxation for applicants due to delays in recruitment caused by court cases.
Social welfare and tourism development
Several welfare measures were also announced in the Budget.
Working women’s hostels for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities will be set up in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Belagavi.
The government also plans to allocate 25 acres of land in Basavakalyana to establish a private Vachana University.
To boost tourism, infrastructure including eco-friendly accommodation, walking corridors and visitor information centres will be developed in Tadadi under the PPP model.
Additionally, Hajj Bhavans will be constructed in Hubballi and Kalaburagi to support pilgrims.
Officials say the Budget aims to balance infrastructure expansion with social welfare initiatives while supporting the state’s long-term development goals.