Nine townships, 312 km Metro and 270 km RRTS planned for Bengaluru region

Karnataka is planning a major expansion of transport and civic infrastructure across the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region over the next decade, with the focus shifting towards suburbs and new growth centres.

The plan includes nine integrated industrial townships, 312 km of additional Metro lines, a 210-km ring road, a 270-km Regional Rapid Transit System network and expanded suburban rail connectivity.

Chief minister DK Shivakumar outlined the proposals while chairing a meeting of the advisory committee on Bengaluru Metropolitan Region economic development on Monday.

The state has already acquired 7,900 acres for the proposed integrated industrial townships, while acquisition of another 5,600 acres is under way.

Shivakumar said: “I’ve instructed officials to identify suitable land for setting up an AI university and AI city, which we want to develop along the lines of Singapore’s Punggol.”

The proposed transport expansion is being considered against the backdrop of persistent congestion in Bengaluru and the state’s wider objective of shifting growth away from the core city.

The proposed 210-km ring road will link 10 additional hubs and connect Phase II of the Peripheral Ring Road with NICE Road. The planned RRTS network is expected to connect Bengaluru with neighbouring districts including Tumakuru, Mysuru and KGF.

The wider development plan also includes new housing and region-wide expansion of water and sewage infrastructure.

Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the entire Bengaluru Urban district will eventually come under the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The move is expected to help extend water distribution and sewage networks beyond areas currently covered by the board.

The proposals are part of Karnataka’s broader long-term economic and urban development strategy, with the state targeting a $1-trillion economy by 2047.