In a significant step towards strengthening urban development initiatives, the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of various urban missions in Bengaluru today. The high-level review meeting was attended by several key dignitaries from the Government of Karnataka including Shri Byrathi Suresh, Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning; Shri Rahim Khan, Minister for Municipal Administration; Shri B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, Minister for Housing; and Shri K.J. George, Minister for Energy. Senior bureaucrats including Shri Tushar Giri, Additional Chief Secretary, along with officers from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs were also present.
Metro Expansion in Focus
A central highlight of the review was the ongoing and proposed expansion of the Bengaluru Metro. Shri Manohar Lal expressed satisfaction with the current progress, highlighting that approximately 75 km of metro lines are operational in the city, with another 145 km under construction. He acknowledged the recent approval by the Central Government of 45 km of Metro Phase-3 at a cost of ₹15,600 crore.
The Government of Karnataka has now submitted a fresh proposal for Metro Phase-3A, which spans approximately 37 km and is estimated to cost ₹28,400 crore. The Union Minister clarified that this proposal would be taken up for consideration by the Central Government once it receives formal approval from the Karnataka State Cabinet. He further noted that the revised cost estimates would undergo thorough examination by an expert agency, for which directions have already been issued by the Centre.
Sustainability and Urban Innovation
Emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development, Shri Manohar Lal urged the Karnataka Government to address the issue of legacy waste on a priority basis. Stressing on water conservation, he advocated for the reuse of treated wastewater as a necessary step for ensuring sustainability of freshwater sources in urban areas. He emphasized that such measures are critical as cities continue to expand and demand for water rises exponentially.
In line with modern urban planning principles, the Union Minister called for allowing higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along mass transit corridors. He explained that this policy measure would not only help in reducing road congestion but also encourage the use of public transport, thereby reshaping cityscapes into more transit-oriented and environmentally conscious urban zones.
Encouraging Financial Reforms for Greater Support
Discussions during the meeting also focused on the financial needs of Karnataka to further its urban development goals. Shri Manohar Lal encouraged the state to adopt key urban reforms that would enable it to qualify for special central financial assistance. He pointed to the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025–26, which offers 50-year interest-free loans to states undertaking specified reforms. The Minister highlighted that leveraging such financial opportunities would provide Karnataka the impetus to scale up its urban transformation projects.
Collaborative Governance and Future Roadmap
The meeting reflected the collaborative approach between the Centre and the State Government in implementing infrastructure projects and urban renewal initiatives. Shri Manohar Lal reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to supporting Karnataka’s ambitious plans and urged swift action on pending approvals and policy measures.
The convergence of efforts from both Central and State levels is expected to expedite infrastructure projects like the metro expansion and bolster sustainable urban practices across Bengaluru and other urban centers in Karnataka. This review meeting is seen as a pivotal moment in the city’s journey toward becoming a modern, green, and globally competitive metropolis.
With the integration of metro networks, sustainable water and waste management systems, and the financial backing from central schemes, Bengaluru is poised to strengthen its position as a smart and future-ready city, contributing significantly to India’s urban transformation vision.
