The Karnataka State Budget 2026–27 has proposed a first-of-its-kind pedestrian walkway along Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), aimed at improving pedestrian safety and mobility in one of the city’s busiest corridors. The initiative, expected to span 9 kilometres along the metro viaduct on ORR, will be sponsored by the Outer Ring Road Companies’ Association (ORRCA) with an estimated project cost of ₹160 crore.
The proposal was announced as part of a broader infrastructure push in Bengaluru, which has once again been allocated ₹7,000 crore in the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Bengaluru Gets ₹7,000 Crore Infrastructure Boost
For the financial year 2026–27, Bengaluru has received an allocation of ₹7,000 crore, similar to last year’s budget. A large portion of this funding—₹4,000 crore—will be directed to Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) to finance major urban infrastructure projects, including tunnel roads.
The remaining ₹3,000 crore will be distributed among newly formed city corporations and key civic agencies such as:
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Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA)
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Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)
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Other urban infrastructure bodies
The state government has also permitted these corporations to raise funds through municipal bonds, enabling them to mobilize capital based on their balance sheets for infrastructure development.
9-Km Pedestrian Walkway on ORR
One of the most notable announcements in the budget is the development of a 9-kilometre pedestrian walkway along the Outer Ring Road metro viaduct.
Key highlights of the project include:
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Length: Approximately 9 km
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Estimated Cost: ₹160 crore
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Sponsor: Outer Ring Road Companies’ Association (ORRCA)
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Location: Along the metro viaduct on Outer Ring Road
The walkway is designed to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety, especially in the ORR tech corridor where thousands of employees commute daily between tech parks, bus stops, and the upcoming metro stations.
Urban planners say the project could become Bengaluru’s first dedicated long-distance pedestrian corridor, a concept common in global technology hubs but largely absent in Indian cities.
Intermediate Ring Road Project Revived
The budget also mentions the revival of the Intermediate Ring Road (IRR) project, which had previously been shelved.
The proposed IRR will connect:
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Nelamangala
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Tavarekere
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Bidadi
The project will be implemented using financial resources from the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) along with local planning agencies. However, authorities are yet to clarify whether the project will upgrade an existing road or involve a completely new corridor.
Hebbal–Mekhri Circle Flyover Announced
Another major infrastructure proposal is the construction of a flyover between Hebbal and Mekhri Circle.
Key details include:
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Estimated Cost: ₹2,250 crore
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Implementing Authority: Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA)
The project aims to ease severe traffic congestion in North Bengaluru, particularly near the Hebbal interchange, which serves as a gateway to Kempegowda International Airport.
Metro and ORR Development Timeline
The pedestrian walkway announcement comes as the 17.1-km Namma Metro line along the Outer Ring Road is expected to become operational by the end of 2027.
Once the metro corridor becomes functional, the proposed walkway is expected to:
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Improve last-mile connectivity
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Provide safe pedestrian movement along the tech corridor
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Support transit-oriented development in the ORR belt
Civic experts believe the real utility of the walkway will become clearer once the metro line is operational and pedestrian footfall increases.
Also read, Brigade Group Plans New 50-Storey Residential Project Near Budigere Cross in East Bengaluru
