Karnataka State Budget 2026–27 Announces Greater Bengaluru Authority and Major Infrastructure Investments

Short Summary:
The Karnataka State Budget 2026–27 proposes major reforms to Bengaluru’s governance and infrastructure development. Key highlights include the creation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), restructuring the city into five corporations, increased development funding, metro expansion, and major road, mobility, and water supply projects.

Key Details:

• Establishment of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to coordinate metropolitan governance.

• Restructuring of the city administration into five city corporations to improve local governance.

• Annual development grant increased from ₹3,000 crore to ₹7,000 crore for Bengaluru.

• ₹1,255 crore allocated for ward roads and local infrastructure across the five corporations.

• White-topping of over 450 km of roads planned over the next three years at a cost of ₹3,000 crore.

• 175 major junctions across the city to be beautified.

• 500 km of footpaths to be upgraded and 100 skywalks to be constructed over the next three years.

• Revised Master Plan (RMP–2041) to be prepared and implemented, expected to become operational by 2027.

• Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to be prepared within six months to address traffic congestion and mobility challenges.

• 41 km of new Metro lines expected to be completed during 2026–27, benefiting about 15 lakh daily commuters.

9 km pedestrian walkway planned along the Outer Ring Road Metro corridor.

73 km Bengaluru Business Corridor (Tumakuru Road to Hosur Road) progressing with land acquisition underway.

North–South and East–West tunnel road corridors (about 40 km) approved at an estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore.

Cauvery Water Supply Project Phase VI proposed with an estimated cost of ₹6,939 crore, supported by JICA, to supply an additional six TMC of water.

Introduction of a Unified Property Tax system integrating e-Aasthi software for urban local bodies.

Estate Management Rules–2026 proposed for better management of municipal properties.

Proposal for city corporations to raise infrastructure funds through Municipal Bonds.