Bengaluru, Nov 5 : The Karnataka Cabinet has approved road infrastructure projects worth Rs 20,000 crore to improve state highways, major district roads and bridges across the state. The projects will be implemented through the Public Works Department (PWD) to strengthen road connectivity and improve transportation facilities.
The Cabinet also decided to hold the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session from December 2 to December 11. As per the usual practice, the session is expected to take place in Belagavi. Earlier, the government had planned to begin the session on November 30.
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Eshwar Khandre explained the major road development initiatives.
Karnataka to Develop 1,897 Km of State Highways
Under the State Highway Development Project Phase-5, Package-2, the government will develop roads covering 1,897 km across Karnataka.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 6,000 crore under Appendix-E for road, bridge and building projects in various Assembly constituencies. An additional Rs 3,000 crore will be allocated for road development works.
Rs 6,000 Crore for District and Taluk Road Connectivity
The government has approved another major project worth Rs 6,000 crore to improve road connectivity between district headquarters and taluk headquarters.
The project will cover approximately 3,986 km of roads, including:
- Roads connecting one district headquarters to another.
- Roads connecting district headquarters with taluk headquarters.
- Roads connecting one taluk headquarters with another.
These projects are expected to improve transportation, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic development across the state.
Bengaluru Road Development Project Gets Rs 3,409 Crore Approval
The Cabinet has also granted administrative approval for a revised expenditure of Rs 3,409.02 crore to the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL).
The amount will be used to complete road development works around Bengaluru under 10 contract packages.
The project was initially approved in 2017 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,095 crore under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. It covered 155 km of roads, and construction began in 2019.
Of the revised project covering 142.27 km, approximately 121.78 km has already been completed.
The remaining works are expected to improve road connectivity around Bengaluru, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen the city’s transportation network.
Asian Development Bank to Fund Part of Road Projects
Responding to questions about funding for the Rs 6,000 crore road development programme, Minister Eshwar Khandre said that one component of the project would receive financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
He clarified that the Finance Department had assessed the financial requirements and approved the necessary allocations.
The minister also assured that all projects would be implemented transparently and according to the government’s financial plans.
Karnataka Government Says Financial Position Is Strong
Khandre said Karnataka’s financial position remains stable, with revenue collections meeting expectations. He highlighted GST collections and revenue from other sources as important contributors to the state’s finances.
He further stated that the government would implement its announced development programmes over the next two financial years.
The Rs 20,000 crore investment in road infrastructure is expected to improve highway conditions, strengthen district and taluk connectivity, and support infrastructure development across Karnataka. The additional investment in Bengaluru’s road network is also expected to help address traffic congestion in and around the city.
