Politics
Karnataka 2026-27 Budget Sets Allocations for Bengaluru Tunnel Roads and Metro
The approved funding covers tunnel corridors, road upgrades and metro extensions that residents use for daily travel across the city.
How we reported this
The Karnataka 2026-27 budget approved ₹40,000 crore for two 40 km tunnel road corridors in Bengaluru, one running north-south from Hebbal to Silk Board and the other east-west from KR Puram to Mysore Road. Tenders have been invited for the 17 km north-south phase at ₹17,780 crore. These projects form part of the state government's annual allocation of ₹7,000 crore for Bengaluru infrastructure and civic works.
Bengaluru's infrastructure development follows the Revised Master Plan 2041. The Bangalore Development Authority has floated global tenders for a data-driven blueprint covering 1,240 sq km, with a draft expected by mid-2026. The plan guides long-term decisions on roads, transit and urban growth that affect how residents move through the city each day.
Funding for Road Upgrades and Drainage
Within the annual ₹7,000 crore allocation, ₹3,000 crore is directed to white-top 450 km of roads over three years and ₹1,936 crore is set aside for major and sub-arterial road development. The Karnataka Cabinet sanctioned an additional ₹2,141.57 crore for infrastructure upgrades, including asphalting of arterial and ward roads and drainage system improvements, of which ₹1,241 crore is allocated specifically to roads. Residents who travel these corridors for work, school or errands will encounter the outcomes of these road and drainage works over the coming years.
Metro Network Expansion Timeline
Bengaluru Metro is projected to reach 175 km by 2027, with 41 km operational in 2026. Phase 3 tenders were launched in January 2026 for 44.65 km of elevated corridors on the Orange and Magadi Road lines, with the network expected to reach 222 km by 2031. These additions target existing and future travel demand on routes used by daily commuters.
The projects address transport infrastructure that shapes household travel patterns. Residents depend on roads and metro lines for regular journeys, and changes to these networks can influence time spent commuting and associated transport expenses. The government says the planned corridors and lines will improve connectivity across the listed routes.
Next steps include completion of tender processes for the north-south tunnel phase and advancement of Phase 3 metro corridors. The Revised Master Plan draft due by mid-2026 will provide further detail on how these investments fit into the wider 1,240 sq km framework.