The Karnataka government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure roadmap aimed at addressing Bengaluru's worsening traffic congestion through a comprehensive approach to urban mobility. According to reports from Financial Express, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced plans to invest nearly ₹1.5 trillion in Bengaluru's infrastructure, with improving urban mobility emerging as one of the government's top priorities. The large-scale investment is expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and support Bengaluru's continued economic growth as India's leading technology hub.
As reported by Financial Express, the government has outlined significant expansion plans for Bengaluru's Metro network. The Metro network is set for a major expansion with 350 km of metro connectivity currently planned, aiming to extend it to 500 km by next year. This expansion represents a substantial increase from the existing network and is part of the comprehensive approach to improve urban mobility across the city.
According to the government announcement reported by Financial Express, the proposed infrastructure includes several large-scale projects to decongest busy traffic stretches. The government has proposed a 40-km tunnel road project expected to be placed before the State Cabinet shortly for approval, along with a 44-km double-decker flyover and a 133-km network of flyovers. Additionally, the plan includes a 123-km Bengaluru Business Corridor and a separate tunnel road near Hebbal to ease congestion in one of Bengaluru's busiest traffic junctions.
As reported by Financial Express, Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) to prepare comprehensive development plans for traffic congestion relief. The government has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 450 km of white-topping roads at an estimated cost of ₹3,000 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. The state also plans to build 150 km of elevated corridors as part of its long-term strategy, while simultaneously encouraging industrial growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities across Karnataka.
According to the 2025 TomTom Traffic Index reported by Financial Express, Bengaluru was ranked India's most traffic-congested city and the world's second most congested city, behind Mexico City. The city recorded an average congestion level of 74.4 per cent, with commuters taking an average of 36 minutes and 9 seconds to travel just 10 kilometres during peak hours. The challenge continues to grow as vehicle ownership rises rapidly, with nearly 30,000 new vehicles registered in Bengaluru every month, placing additional pressure on the city's road network.
