Karnataka Budget 2026: Second Airport, Metro Expansion, Tunnel Roads Among Major Bengaluru Projects

The Karnataka government has unveiled a major infrastructure push for Bengaluru in the 2026-27 state budget, announcing projects ranging from a second airport and new metro lines to tunnel roads, suburban rail expansion and additional Cauvery water supply.

Presenting the budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a total outlay of ₹4,48,004 crore, with Bengaluru receiving a large share of projects aimed at tackling traffic congestion, improving connectivity and strengthening civic infrastructure.

Second airport proposed for Bengaluru

One of the key announcements is the plan to develop a second airport for Bengaluru to ease pressure on Kempegowda International Airport, which has grown rapidly and is now among the busiest airports in India.

The state government has set aside ₹200 crore for seven domestic airport projects across Karnataka, including preparatory work related to the second Bengaluru airport. The project will move forward after a feasibility study conducted with technical inputs from the Airports Authority of India.

Alongside aviation expansion, the government also plans to set up an aerospace common facility centre in the KIADB Aerospace Park at a cost of about ₹30 crore to support the city's growing aerospace and aviation ecosystem.

Metro network set to expand further

The budget also proposes a significant expansion of the Namma Metro network. Around 41 km of new metro lines are expected to be added, potentially benefiting about 15 lakh commuters in the city.

Currently, the metro network spans roughly 96 km and carries around 10 lakh passengers daily, making it one of the most important public transport systems in Bengaluru.

To improve pedestrian safety in busy tech corridors, the government also plans a 9-km walkway under the metro viaduct along the Outer Ring Road, with an estimated cost of ₹160 crore.

Tunnel roads and new ring road connections

Traffic congestion remains one of Bengaluru's biggest challenges, and the government has proposed multiple road projects to ease travel across the city.

The budget reiterates plans to build North-South and East-West tunnel roads under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, with an estimated investment of ₹40,000 crore.

In addition, the Bangalore Development Authority will develop a tunnel and elevated road between Hebbal Junction and Mekhri Circle costing around ₹2,250 crore.

A new Intermediate Ring Road is also proposed to connect Silk Board Junction and KR Puram, creating another major corridor aimed at reducing pressure on central city roads.

Suburban rail and outer corridor development

Work on the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project will continue with a fresh allocation of ₹500 crore in the current budget.

Land acquisition has already been completed for Corridor-2 between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, while acquisition for Corridor-4 between Heelalige and Rajanukunte is still underway. Both corridors are targeted for completion by December 2030.

The government is also pushing ahead with the Bengaluru Business Corridor, a 73-km road project designed to strengthen connectivity along the city's outer areas and support future urban expansion.

Smart traffic systems and greener public spaces

To improve traffic management, the state plans to introduce a digital traffic monitoring platform costing around ₹25 crore. The system will combine data from different traffic agencies to help manage congestion and incidents more efficiently.

Urban improvement initiatives announced in the budget include:

Beautification of 175 major junctions

Upgrading 500 km of footpaths

Construction of 100 skywalks

Development of 100 Miyawaki urban forests using dense plantation techniques

These projects aim to improve walkability, reduce pollution and enhance public spaces across the city.

Water supply and sports infrastructure

Addressing Bengaluru's growing water demand, the budget outlines the Cauvery Phase-VI project costing about ₹6,939 crore, which will bring an additional six TMC of water to the city.

The government also plans to submit a revised proposal to the Centre for the Mekedatu Dam, a project intended to strengthen drinking water supply in the region.

In the sports sector, the Karnataka Housing Board will build a new 80,000-seat cricket stadium and international sports complex called "KHB Surya Kreeda Grama" in Anekal.

The budget also proposes a digital library and study centre in Bengaluru to support students preparing for competitive examinations.

Long-term development focus for Bengaluru

The Karnataka government will continue its ₹7,000-crore annual grant for Bengaluru's development, while urban bodies under the Greater Bengaluru Authority will raise additional funds through municipal bonds for infrastructure projects.

With several projects scheduled to roll out over the coming years, the Karnataka Budget signals a long-term push to strengthen transport networks, water supply, public spaces and digital infrastructure in India's technology capital.