Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said an integrated 10-15 year development plan is being prepared for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region (BMR), focusing on connectivity, housing, water supply and industrial development.
Addressing a meeting of the advisory committee on the economic development of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region, Shivakumar said the plan would support Karnataka's target of growing its economy to USD 400-420 billion by 2037 and USD 1 trillion by 2047.
The government has proposed developing nine integrated industrial townships in the BMR. Shivakumar said 7,900 acres of land have already been acquired, while the acquisition of another 5,600 acres is underway.
The chief minister also highlighted plans for an AI City, saying it should be developed along the lines of Punggol in Singapore. He added that land would also need to be identified for an AI university.
Major transport expansion planned
The government is looking at a major expansion of Bengaluru's transport infrastructure. The Metro network is proposed to be expanded by 312 km by 2037, while another 72 km of suburban rail connectivity is planned.
Officials also discussed a 210-km additional ring road connecting 10 hubs and a proposal to link Phase-II of the Peripheral Ring Road with NICE Road.
A 270-km Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Bengaluru with Tumakuru, Mysuru and KGF was also proposed. The meeting further discussed extending the proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru high-speed rail corridor up to Mysuru.
Water supply and housing
The BMR is expected to require around 3,600 million litres per day (MLD) of water by 2037. Shivakumar directed officials to prepare plans to meet both drinking water and industrial requirements, with greater emphasis on treated wastewater reuse and lake rejuvenation.
The government also plans to bring the entire Bengaluru urban district under the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in a phased manner to strengthen drinking water supply and underground drainage.
On housing, Shivakumar said a plan is being prepared to construct around 6-6.5 lakh houses across the region, including accommodation for 40,000-50,000 industrial workers.
The proposed long-term development plan is aimed at creating a more integrated Bengaluru region while addressing the city's growing infrastructure, transport, water and housing needs.
