Bengaluru emerges as India’s gobal gateway: Shivakumar’s Davos takeaways

Bengaluru is seen as India’s global gateway, with Karnataka focusing on clean energy, tier-2 growth, and the upcoming 'Yes Bengaluru' initiative

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasized Bengaluru’s growing role as the primary lens through which global leaders perceive India’s economic potential. With the city hosting a significant share of Fortune 500 offices, he highlighted its position as a global gateway for investment and innovation.

At Davos, Karnataka faced stiff competition, with ten Indian states and 65 countries presenting their strengths. While international headlines focused on high-profile figures, the state delegation concentrated on practical discussions around data centers, renewable energy, and urban planning. Notably, the government chose not to sign any MoUs during the summit, preferring that investors visit Karnataka directly to witness its infrastructure, talent pool, and clean energy resources before committing.

Shivakumar also shared insights from his travels through Zurich and Milan, where he admired the efficiency of decades-old tunnel systems and the civic discipline evident in European cities. He stressed the need for Karnataka to adopt similar standards, calling for a 25-year mobility plan. Acknowledging past delays in projects such as the Peripheral Ring Road and business corridor, he assured that such setbacks would not be repeated in emerging towns.

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The Deputy CM underlined that growth must extend beyond Bengaluru. Investors are increasingly turning to tier-2 and tier-3 cities to retain local talent and reduce migration to congested hubs. To support this shift, the government is advancing plans for an ‘IT City’ and ‘AI City’ in Bidadi. Despite political opposition and farmer protests, Shivakumar maintained that development is inevitable, pointing to what he described as one of the most attractive compensation packages for land acquisition in the country.

Looking ahead, the state is preparing to launch the ‘Yes Bengaluru’ initiative next February. Shivakumar intends to meet with the Chief Minister to accelerate the pace of doing business, particularly for the 45 companies that expressed interest in electronics, nanotechnology, and green hydrogen during discussions at Davos.

This vision positions Karnataka as a hub not only for global corporations but also for sustainable, inclusive growth across its cities and towns.

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