Mysuru: Residents and stakeholders have welcomed several key projects announced for the city by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Karnataka Budget 2026–27 presented in the State Assembly on Friday. The initiatives aim to strengthen infrastructure, boost industries, enhance healthcare facilities and promote tourism while accelerating the overall development of the region.

Among the major announcements is the plan to develop an aerospace park adjacent to the Mysuru Airport through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The proposed park is expected to encourage the growth of aerospace industries and attract investment in advanced manufacturing and aviation-related sectors. Officials believe the project could generate employment opportunities and position the region as an emerging hub for aerospace activities.

Plans to develop second IT city

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s vision of developing Mysuru as the second major information technology hub of the State after Bengaluru. With the city already witnessing steady growth in the IT and IT-enabled services sector, the government intends to strengthen infrastructure and create a favourable ecosystem for technology companies.

Industry representatives have welcomed the proposal, noting that the city’s educational institutions, skilled workforce and quality of life make it an attractive destination for IT firms. Expanding the technology sector is also expected to create employment opportunities for local youth and reduce migration to larger cities.

Another important proposal is the establishment of a Silk Park at Tandavapura. The project aims to promote the sericulture industry and strengthen the silk value chain, which plays an important role in Karnataka’s traditional economy. The park is expected to provide facilities for silk processing, production and marketing while supporting farmers and entrepreneurs associated with the sector.

Healthcare and judicial infrastructure

In the healthcare sector, the government has allocated ₹180 crore to upgrade the existing 400-bed Jayadeva Cardiovascular Hospital to a 600-bed facility. The expansion is expected to improve access to specialised cardiac care for patients from the region and neighbouring districts.

The budget has also proposed the establishment of an e-Court system on a pilot basis in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Dharwad and Kalaburagi. The project, with an allocation of ₹10 crore, aims to introduce a paperless, efficient and citizen-centric judicial system by digitising court processes and improving case management.

Such initiatives are expected to reduce delays in legal proceedings and enhance accessibility to judicial services through the use of digital technologies.

Education and skill development initiatives

The government has announced several initiatives to strengthen education and skill development in the city. A Schneider Electric Youth Impact Centre will be established at a cost of ₹16 crore to provide training and employment opportunities for around 2,000 students every year.

The budget also includes plans to establish a Government First Grade College in the Narasimharaja constituency and introduce paramedical courses to expand educational opportunities for students.

To support women and students from disadvantaged communities, the government plans to construct working women’s hostels for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with a capacity of 50 residents each. Additionally, post-matric hostels with a capacity of 150 students will be established to support the education of Backward Classes students in response to growing demand.

Cultural and tourism infrastructure

The Chief Minister has allocated ₹10 crore for the remaining infrastructure development of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority. Another ₹2 crore will be used to develop facilities at the Chamarajendra College of Visual Arts (CAVA), including a well-equipped art gallery, auditorium, landscaping and construction of pedestals for sculptures within the campus.

Authorities also plan to construct commercial complexes in the Bamboo Bazaar area through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project aims to improve commercial infrastructure while creating opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs.

Tourism-related projects also feature prominently in the budget announcements. The government has proposed the comprehensive development of Lingambudi Park to attract more tourists and nature enthusiasts. A nature interpretation centre is also planned under the PPP model to enhance visitor experience and promote environmental awareness.

Sports and livestock development

In the sports sector, the government plans to construct a modern cycling velodrome on land identified in Dattagalli. The facility is expected to promote cycling as a sport and encourage youth participation in competitive events.

The budget also includes initiatives related to livestock development. A Boer goat breeding centre will be established to improve local goat breeds, while the Banduru Sheep Breeding Centre at Kampalapur village in Piriyapattana taluk will undergo comprehensive development. These initiatives aim to support farmers and strengthen rural livelihoods through improved livestock productivity.

Welfare and employment initiatives

The government has also announced plans to establish modern laundries at Dhobi Ghats. Each unit will be equipped with washing machines, dryers, ironing machines and other necessary equipment at an estimated cost of ₹75 lakh.

In addition, unemployed individuals will be provided loan facilities of up to ₹5 lakh at an interest rate of 4 per cent to set up modern laundry services as a self-employment initiative. Authorities believe this programme will create livelihood opportunities while modernising traditional occupations.

Conclusion

The projects announced in the Karnataka Budget 2026–27 reflect a comprehensive development strategy covering industry, healthcare, education, tourism and welfare sectors. Stakeholders believe that if implemented effectively, these initiatives could significantly enhance economic growth, improve public infrastructure and strengthen the city’s position as a major urban centre in the State.