The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has submitted a proposal requesting Rs 8,000 crore from the Karnataka government for infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.

The demand includes Rs 3,000 crore to clear outstanding bills and Rs 5,000 crore for new road and traffic projects aimed at easing congestion in the city. The state government is expected to address this request in its upcoming budget announcement in March.

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BBMP’s Budget Request and Project Plans

The BBMP is pushing for a substantial budget allocation to improve Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure.

According to top officials, Rs 3,000 crore is earmarked for settling pending bills related to previously approved projects, while Rs 5,000 crore is sought for new development initiatives, including flyovers, underpasses, and road-widening projects.

A private consultancy firm recommended the construction of 16 flyovers stretching 124 km and two tunnel roads covering 50 km. The estimated cost for these projects stands at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore.

However, BBMP has not sought immediate funding for tunnel roads, as the state government has agreed to back a loan of Rs 19,000 crore for their development.

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Tunnel Road and Flyover Projects Under Discussion

BBMP plans to fund a portion of the tunnel road projects between Central Silk Board-Hebbal and KR Puram-Nayandahalli using internal revenue sources such as property tax, premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and Transferable Development Rights (TDR).

While BBMP has revealed its flyover and tunnel road plans, the prioritization of specific projects remains undecided.

Experts have raised concerns over the feasibility of tunnel roads, citing geological and hydrological risks. Nevertheless, BBMP maintains that flyovers and underpasses are crucial for addressing Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion.

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Annual Infrastructure Funding and Amruth Nagarothana Scheme

Historically, the Karnataka government has allocated around Rs 3,000 crore annually for Bengaluru’s infrastructure. However, a significant portion of this amount is needed to clear previous dues.

Before the 2023 state assembly elections, BBMP had undertaken projects worth nearly Rs 10,000 crore, most of which were implemented under the Amruth Nagarothana scheme. Several of these projects are either completed or nearing completion.

While the BBMP is hopeful for the Rs 8,000 crore allocation, it remains uncertain how much of this demand will be met in the upcoming state budget.

Bengaluru residents, meanwhile, continue to grapple with road congestion, potholes, and infrastructural bottlenecks that demand immediate attention.

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