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The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a significant development plan to alleviate Bengaluru's congestion. The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Satellite Township will be established between Bidadi and Harohalli, covering 8,032 acres across 10 villages. This initiative is under the Greater Bangalore Development Authority (GBDA). "The first Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township will be developed on 8,032 acres, covering around 10 villages between Bidadi and Harohalli, under the Greater Bangalore Development Authority (GBDA)," stated Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil.
Located along the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway in Ramanagara district, Bidadi and Harohalli are approximately 30-50 km from Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had previously advocated for renaming Ramanagara as Bengaluru South. The villages involved include Bairamangala and Bannigere in Bidadi, as well as Hosur, KG Gollarapalya, Kanchugaranahalli, Aralalusandra, Kempaianapalya, Kanchugaranahalli Kavalu, Mandalahalli, and Vaderahalli in Harohalli.
Satellite Townships Initiative
The cabinet has also proposed developing Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Doddaballapur, Magadi, and Bidadi into satellite townships. These areas will have road and rail connectivity to ease traffic in Bengaluru. "Satellite towns will reduce congestion in Bengaluru. They will be connected by road and rail networks, feature sustainable infrastructure, and create employment opportunities," said Patil.
A committee led by the additional chief secretary to the Karnataka government will oversee the integrated township projects' implementation. This committee will include relevant authorities and departments. "A committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the additional chief secretary to the Karnataka government, comprising competent authorities, departments, and institutions concerned," Patil added.
Infrastructure Planning
The cabinet has approved hiring a qualified firm through a global tender to design the township based on a 'work-live-play' concept that meets international standards. "The cabinet also approved the appointment of a qualified firm to design and plan the township based on the 'work-live-play' concept," Patil mentioned.
The government has given initial approval for preliminary processes related to this project. All township development activities within the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region (BMR) will be managed by GBDA. "All township development activities in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region (BMR) will be executed by the Greater Bangalore Development Authority," confirmed Patil.
Public Sector Enterprises Restructuring
Additionally, the Karnataka Cabinet has decided to wind up or merge dormant government-owned companies that are not viable. Out of 125 public sector enterprises in Karnataka, 34 are profitable while 33 incur losses; 32 operate within social sectors while 16 remain inactive or closed down.
The cabinet has also sanctioned a Rs 5,000 crore World Bank-assisted Karnataka Water Security & Disaster Resilience Program (KWSDRP). This includes a Rs 3,500 crore loan from World Bank alongside Rs 1,500 crore from state funds. "A high-power committee will oversee its implementation and monitoring," noted Patil.
Revised PPP Policy
The revised Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy 2025 was approved by incorporating an asset monetisation framework. Implementing agencies must ensure that at least 90% of required land is unencumbered before tendering begins.
All PPP projects require vetting by Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) via Infrastructure Development Department (IDP) along with Inland Waterways & Transport Department (IWTD). Recommendations from State-Level Single Window Agency (SLSWA) are necessary before implementation according to Patil's statement.
