Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming Bengaluru through the ambitious ‘Greater Bengaluru’ project, aimed at building a more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready city.
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said the initiative is designed to introduce special programs for Bengaluru’s development. He confirmed consultations with Congress party leaders regarding the project and the upcoming municipal elections, which will play a crucial role in implementing the changes.
“This is what is being done to plan special programs for Bengaluru. I have discussed it with our party leaders. The municipal elections need to be held in the coming days, and discussions are ongoing on when they should be conducted,” he said.
The Greater Bengaluru project comes after the recent enactment of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, which replaces the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The Act received the Governor’s assent on May 15, officially paving the way for governance reforms.
Shivakumar stated that the new municipal corporation structure must be established within four months. He also stressed the importance of consulting opposition leaders to ensure the process is inclusive and representative.
“We need to talk about how many municipalities should be created. I’ve already spoken to opposition leaders and will continue to do so to take everyone into confidence,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar held a meeting at his residence with Bengaluru-based ministers and MLAs. The agenda focused on addressing key urban issues such as traffic congestion, infrastructure challenges, and overall city planning.
In a post on X, the Deputy CM wrote:
“We’re listening. We’re building the Bengaluru of tomorrow. This is not just problem-solving; it’s a shared journey to create a city that is efficient, inclusive, and future-ready. Every concern matters. Every voice counts.”
Shivakumar had previously announced that the BBMP division process would be completed by September 15, and the Greater Bengaluru Authority would be officially formed soon after.
The ‘Greater Bengaluru’ initiative is being seen as a major urban reform to align the city’s governance with its rapid growth and evolving challenges.