DK Shivakumar unveils roadmap for Bengaluru’s infrastructure push, from new corridors to skydeck plans

DK Shivakumar flags traffic relief in North Bengaluru, outlines tunnel roads, elevated corridors and firm stand on Rs 500-crore skydeck project

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday inaugurated the second loop of the Hebbal flyover, marking a key step towards easing long-standing traffic congestion in North Bengaluru. The new loop is expected to significantly improve vehicle movement for passengers heading to Kempegowda International Airport and residents of surrounding areas.

Speaking after the inauguration, Shivakumar said the government acted swiftly after receiving repeated complaints about traffic bottlenecks at Hebbal. He stated that timely intervention and planning had helped bring visible relief at one of the city’s busiest junctions.

Highlighting the role of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which recently completed 50 years, Shivakumar said the agency is executing several large-scale and historic infrastructure projects. He pointed to progress on the 120-km-long Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), where land acquisition from farmers is underway. As part of the compensation model, 35% of developed commercial land will be returned to farmers, along with financial compensation and provisions for building small townships.

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The Deputy CM also outlined a series of upcoming projects in and around the Hebbal corridor. These include a 1.5-km-long tunnel road, a new flyover near Mekhri Circle, and an elevated road from Tumakuru Road to KR Puram along the Outer Ring Road (ORR). He reiterated that despite the Centre not extending financial support, the state government remains committed to transforming Bengaluru’s infrastructure.

Referring to New Year celebrations, Shivakumar said the city was able to safely bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 due to strong security arrangements. He praised Home Minister G Parameshwara and the home department for ensuring that there were no untoward incidents.

Later in the day, Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, inspected the proposed skydeck project site near Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout in West Bengaluru. He also reviewed work on a railway underpass near Challaghatta and other BDA-led road projects. Senior officials briefed him on the Rs 500-crore skydeck project, including land availability, design feasibility, airspace restrictions and timelines.

The proposed 250-metre-tall skydeck, envisioned as a major city landmark, has seen multiple changes in location and implementing agencies over the years. Addressing land-related complications involving the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), Shivakumar said the government would explore alternative land parcels if litigation becomes an obstacle.

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Taking a strong stance, he said the government had only sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from NICE for a required land parcel, which has not been granted. He asserted that the government would proceed with the project regardless and added that land under BDA control has already been finalised.

Shivakumar also flagged airspace limitations, stating that Bengaluru faces a “funnel problem” due to restricted airspace. He clarified that the skydeck will be constructed only at a location approved by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).