Bengaluru To Bidar In Less Time: New 600 km Economic Corridor On the Horizon

To enhance connectivity between Bengaluru and Kalyana Karnataka (North Karnataka), the state government is planning a new economic corridor between Bidar and Bengaluru. According to moneycontrol report, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with developing this greenfield expressway, funded by the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB).

The proposed corridor will span seven districts in Kalyana Karnataka: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara, as well as Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru. PWD recently issued a tender to select a consultant for a pre-feasibility report, which will determine the shortest route, number of lanes, land acquisition needs, and the project's potential impact. An official told moneycontrol, "This is the first time PWD is constructing a greenfield expressway."

Currently, the journey between Bengaluru and Bidar takes 12-14 hours via NH 50, connecting Nanded in Maharashtra and Chitradurga in Karnataka. The planned 600 km greenfield corridor aims to connect key industrial zones, district headquarters, and financial centers, offering a safe, efficient, and cost-effective transport route for goods and people.

The consultant will assess existing alignments between Bidar and Bengaluru, recommend financing options, and identify the most feasible route to boost economic growth in Kalyana Karnataka. The final alignment will target socioeconomic upliftment, covering all seven districts and connecting key industrial and financial hubs.

Kalyana Karnataka, the stronghold of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, saw the Congress win all five Lok Sabha seats in recent elections. The Siddaramaiah-led government has allocated ₹5,000 crore in the 2024-25 budget for this region, which is recognized under Article 371(J) of the Constitution due to its developmental lag.

Additionally, the PWD plans to improve State Highway 104, a 50 km toll-free alternate route to Kempegowda International Airport. This road, connecting Bengaluru with Nandi Hills via Devanahalli and Bagalur, has been criticized for its poor condition. Upgrades, including a 2.6 km cement concrete section costing ₹24.28 crore, are underway as part of the State Highway Development Project.