Bidadi AI City Moves Ahead Despite Protests, GBDA Floats ₹26-Crore Tender

Despite intense political pushback and ongoing farmer protests, the Karnataka government is pushing ahead with its ambitious Bidadi AI City project. In a major step forward, the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) has floated a Rs 26-crore tender to hire a consultant for the township's master plan and Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The development comes even as farmers continue to oppose the land acquisition of agricultural land in Ramanagara district and political resistance against the project gathers momentum.

Spanning nine villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks, the proposed township will be developed on 7,481 acres, with another 2,742 acres earmarked for economic corridors and supporting infrastructure, according to official documents.

The Bidadi AI City is widely seen as one of Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's most ambitious projects. The importance of the project has only increased after former MP D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar's brother, was recently appointed as a member of the GBDA.

What Will The Consultant Do?

The consultant selected through the tender process will be responsible for preparing the complete blueprint for the project over a 12-month period. They will be responsible for mapping out exactly where everything goes.

The scope includes preparing concept plans, master plans, land-use strategies, infrastructure frameworks, developer selection models, implementation roadmaps and investor mobilisation plans. They will also plan the internal road networks, public transit routes, civic amenities and industrial parks.

The tender is scheduled to be opened on June 24.

The proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) is being planned as a large mixed-use development with residential, commercial, industrial and recreational zones under a work-live-play model.

Government officials have positioned the township as a future hub for artificial intelligence, advanced technology industries and innovation-led economic growth.

₹18,133-Crore Project Backed By Borrowings

Government estimates peg the total cost of the project at ₹18,133 crore.

Of this, nearly ₹12,511 crore, or around 70% of the project cost, is expected to be raised through loans and borrowings. The Karnataka government has already approved a guarantee of ₹7,500 crore to support the financing plan.

Sources said the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has been roped in to provide a loan of ₹1,109 crore for the first phase of the project.

Planning For The Next 30 Years

The consultant's responsibilities go far beyond preparing layouts.

As part of the master-planning exercise, studies will be conducted on population growth, demographic trends and economic expansion to estimate infrastructure requirements for the next three decades.

The development blueprint will cover:

• Road and transport networks
• Public mobility systems
• Water supply infrastructure
• Sewerage networks
• Stormwater drainage systems
• Power distribution infrastructure
• Solid waste management
• Digital and smart-city facilities

Environmental sustainability has also been included as a key component. The plans are expected to incorporate climate-resilient urban design, environmental management measures, green infrastructure, lakefront development and sustainable growth strategies.

Investor Roadshows, PPP Projects Planned

The selected consultant will also assist the GBDA in attracting investors and development partners.

This includes preparing Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, conducting investor outreach programmes and roadshows, evaluating bids and helping identify components that can be developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) models.

A dedicated project management team will also be established to coordinate implementation and monitor various phases of the township's development.

Political Flashpoint

While planning activities are progressing, opposition to the project continues to intensify.

Farmer groups have strongly objected to the proposed acquisition of thousands of acres of agricultural land, arguing that fertile farmland and livelihoods could be affected.

The issue has also triggered a political battle. What initially began as a confrontation between the ruling Congress and the JD(S) has now widened, with the BJP also joining the opposition against the project.

As a result, the Bidadi AI City has evolved into one of Karnataka's biggest political flashpoints, with debates centring on land acquisition, farmer interests, project financing and the future direction of Bengaluru's expansion.

Despite the controversy, the latest tender indicates that the government is moving ahead with the planning process, signalling that the AI City remains a key part of its long-term economic and infrastructure vision.