Bengaluru Property Owners Cheer as 7.5 Lakh B Khata Plots Along Public Roads to Become A Khata

The Karnataka government has decided to convert 7.5 lakh B Khata properties into A Khata in Greater Bengaluru. This decision, announced by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is expected to bring relief to thousands of families. Development fees will be collected as part of the process.

Speaking during an assembly session, Shivakumar addressed issues related to Bengaluru's infrastructure, losses from heavy rains, and pending central grants. He clarified that roads in layouts developed on revenue land were under individual ownership, creating long-standing problems. He further stated, "B Khata plots adjacent to identified public roads will be converted to A Khata."

Major Infrastructure Development Plans

The government is preparing a massive upgrade of Bengaluru's road infrastructure:

154 km arterial roads white-topping at a cost of ₹1,700 crore

632 km sub-arterial roads development with ₹7,500 crore

450 km block-topping of roads estimated at ₹699 crore

44 km double-decker flyover planned with ₹9,000 crore investment

Elevated corridor project with ₹15,000 crore allocation

Addressing Road and Flooding Issues

Bengaluru's pothole crisis continues to be a major concern. Out of 10,000 identified potholes, around 5,377 have been repaired, with work ongoing to fix the remaining ones quickly.

Additionally, the government has announced 300 km of road construction along stormwater drains at a cost of ₹3,000 crore to help address flooding issues during heavy rains.

Tunnel Project and Political Debate

The proposed 16.5 km Bengaluru tunnel project, costing ₹770 crore per km, has raised questions over its viability. Critics have alleged it is a "money-making scheme." However, officials defended the project, arguing that construction costs in Karnataka are 40% lower compared to other states.

BJP leaders opposed the plan, claiming that securing central funding for such projects had always been a challenge.

Deputy CM Shivakumar also addressed the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) land acquisition issue, saying he would not risk jail over denotification matters. He revealed that even his mother's land was included in the project acquisition.

A meeting with Bengaluru MLAs to finalise fund allocations was postponed due to his visit to Bihar. The Chief Minister will soon chair a meeting to resume discussions. Shivakumar urged the opposition to support efforts in seeking more central funds for Bengaluru's development.