BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced plans to develop around 500 km of new roads in Bengaluru as part of a proposed 10-year infrastructure development plan estimated to cost ₹1 lakh crore. The roadmap also includes 120 km of elevated corridors, a 40 km tunnel network and improvements to 1,500 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads.
Shivakumar outlined the proposals during a meeting with Bengaluru’s MLAs and MLCs at his official residence, Krishna, on October 27. The government says the projects are intended to address the city’s growing population, increasing number of vehicles and inadequate road capacity.
500 km of new roads and buffer routes planned
The proposed 500 km road network will include new road connections and buffer roads along stormwater drains. Around 300 km of buffer roads are planned, while a 68 km Peripheral Ring Road-related business corridor is also part of the wider infrastructure proposals.
The government has additionally proposed upgrading 1,500 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads to improve connectivity across the city. These routes are important for linking residential areas, commercial centres and major transport corridors.
An 18 km white-topping project on the city’s outskirts is expected to begin shortly, according to the announcement. White-topping involves laying a concrete surface over existing roads to improve durability.
The 17 km Outer Ring Road is also slated for redevelopment as part of the proposed improvements.
120 km elevated corridor network proposed
Another major component of the plan is a proposed 120 km network of elevated roads, with an estimated cost of ₹23,165 crore. The corridors are planned in four categories, following National Highway standards.
According to Shivakumar, elevated road stretches shorter than 10 km will be toll-free, while tolls will apply to stretches exceeding that length.
The government has also proposed a 37 km double-decker road along Metro Phase 3 corridors. However, Shivakumar said the Centre had approved only 11 km of the proposal so far.
These projects are intended to provide additional road capacity and improve movement through congested parts of Bengaluru. Their implementation will depend on project approvals, funding and execution.
40 km tunnel corridor under consideration
The infrastructure roadmap includes a proposed 40 km tunnel corridor comprising north-south and east-west stretches.
The north-south section is planned to extend for 16.5 km and is estimated to cost ₹17,780 crore. The state government is expected to invest ₹7,000 crore in this section, according to Shivakumar.
The proposed 21 km east-west corridor is expected to have two entry points. Work has also begun on a 2 km tunnel at Hebbal, he said.
The tunnel proposals form part of the government’s broader effort to improve connectivity and address road congestion. Further details on implementation and timelines for the wider network were not specified in the available reports.
Metro, buses and suburban rail to receive attention
The government also outlined plans to expand public transport infrastructure. Bengaluru’s Metro network, currently reported at around 96 km, is targeted to reach 170 km by 2027.
The city operates around 7,000 buses, with plans to add another 4,500. Meanwhile, work on the suburban rail network is progressing, with the government targeting 150 km of connectivity by 2030.
The proposed Cauvery Stage 6 project is also expected to augment the city’s water supply.
Shivakumar said funds were being allocated to Bengaluru’s Assembly constituencies without discrimination. He urged legislators to submit proposals for urgent constituency-level works and said the government would expedite funding where required.
Urban services and waste management included
The 10-year development plan extends beyond roads and transport. The government plans to upgrade 65 urbanised gram panchayats outside Greater Bengaluru Authority limits into urban local bodies.
Drinking water and sewerage infrastructure would be provided in these areas in phases, while proposals for road improvements are being prepared.
Waste management is another focus. The government has restructured garbage collection contracts across 27 zones, with 33 packages planned. Tenders have been opened for 21 packages, and work orders are expected to be issued to eligible bidders.
The revised contracts are designed to support the collection of up to 9,000 tonnes of waste, based on vehicle capacity. GPS tracking will be mandatory for waste collection vehicles, and only new vehicles will be permitted under the proposed arrangements. Shivakumar warned that strict action would be taken against contractors who fail to meet their responsibilities.
A long-term infrastructure roadmap
The government has estimated that the proposed infrastructure programme will require around ₹1 lakh crore over 10 years. The plan is intended to prepare Bengaluru for future growth as the city approaches its 500th anniversary in 2037.
While the proposals cover roads, elevated corridors, tunnels, public transport, water supply and waste management, the announcement does not establish a completion schedule for every project. Funding, approvals and implementation will determine how quickly the individual works move forward.
The proposed roadmap sets out the government’s infrastructure priorities for Bengaluru, with the stated objective of improving connectivity and public services as the city continues to expand.