Bengaluru — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the much-anticipated blueprint for the Greater Bengaluru development plan is nearly ready and will be presented to the state cabinet shortly. The proposed plan signals a major shift in the city’s administrative and planning structure under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024.
Greater Bengaluru Authority to Replace BBMP
The centrepiece of the proposal is the formal operationalization of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which came into effect on May 15, 2025, replacing the current Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Initially, the GBA will govern the same jurisdiction—approximately 700 to 786 square kilometers—with no immediate expansion into the city’s rural periphery.
To enhance governance efficiency, the plan recommends dividing Bengaluru into three to five smaller municipal corporations, enabling more localized administration and faster civic service delivery.
Restructuring Underway, Elections Likely by Year-End
The restructuring process is currently underway, with the government targeting September 15, 2025 as the deadline to finalize ward boundaries and zonal demarcations. Once completed, new municipal corporations will be constituted under the GBA framework, setting the stage for municipal elections potentially by the end of the year.
Shivakumar emphasized that the cabinet will first examine the final proposal before execution. The blueprint is expected to address key governance issues, streamline budgeting, and introduce transparent accountability systems.
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Governance Model Inspired by Delhi
To guide this transition, Shivakumar led a team of senior officials to Delhi last month to study the national capital’s urban planning systems. The delegation reviewed municipal structures, solid waste management strategies, and building regulations in Delhi, aiming to adapt best practices for Bengaluru’s needs.
According to Shivakumar, the objective is to frame a 30-year urban vision for the city that supports infrastructure, mobility, and environmental sustainability.
Tunnel vs UMURN: Infrastructure Dispute Escalates
A political tussle has emerged between Shivakumar and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over competing underground infrastructure proposals.
While Shivakumar backs a ₹17,780 crore tunnel road project to decongest city traffic, Kumaraswamy has pushed for a Underground Mass Rapid Urban Network (UMURN). Urban experts have voiced concerns about extensive tunneling in Bengaluru’s hard rock terrain, citing risks to groundwater and the city’s ecological balance.
Green Push: Mega Tree Park and Eco-education
The new development plan also includes green initiatives. A mega tree park is being developed on newly acquired forest land in Yelahanka, while schools will launch environmental clubs to promote sustainability awareness among students.
These measures reflect the government’s dual commitment to both growth and environmental responsibility.
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Cabinet Approval Expected Soon
With the blueprint nearing completion, D.K. Shivakumar is expected to present the final plan to the state cabinet in the coming weeks. Once approved, the Greater Bengaluru Authority will take over key civic functions, laying the foundation for a decentralized, responsive, and future-ready urban governance system.
If executed effectively, the reform could position Bengaluru as a model metropolis in India’s urban landscape—capable of managing its rapid growth while prioritizing citizen welfare and infrastructure innovation.
