DK Shivakumar and his ambitious vision for Bengaluru

Every Chief Minister leaves behind a political signature. For Devaraj Urs, it was land reforms. Transforming Bengaluru into India’s technology capital was S. M. Krishna’s vision, while Siddaramaiah’s governance largely revolved around welfare politics. As D. K. Shivakumar prepares to take over as Karnataka’s next Chief Minister, one question on the minds of many voters is: what will DKS's signature be?

One need not look far from the state capital. The answer may well lie in Bengaluru.

For nearly three years as Deputy Chief Minister, Shivakumar has rarely missed an opportunity to talk about the city’s future. Tunnel roads, elevated corridors, a new township, a second airport, and the Mekedatu project have all found a place in his plan for Bengaluru.

Bidadi Township

The proposal to develop a 7,000-acre integrated township around Bidadi, located about 35 kilometres southwest of Bengaluru, has moved closer to reality after the Karnataka cabinet cleared ₹18,000 crore for the project recently.

The vision is to create a self-sustaining urban centre with residential zones, industrial parks, educational institutions, commercial districts, and modern transport links. The project is often compared to satellite cities developed around major global metros.

Supporters argue that Bengaluru can no longer accommodate its growing population within its existing limits and that a satellite city can reduce pressure on the capital.

The controversy centres on land acquisition and real estate interests. Farmers and local residents have historically opposed large-scale acquisition of agricultural land. Critics argue that successive governments have promoted satellite townships without first addressing Bengaluru’s existing planning failures. Questions are also raised about who stands to gain from the sharp increase in land values around the proposed development zone.

Second airport

Kempegowda International Airport has emerged as one of India’s busiest airports. Passenger traffic has grown dramatically over the past decade and has crossed 40 million passengers annually.

Even with the opening of Terminal 2 and future expansion plans, Bengaluru could eventually require a second airport. The debate has focused on possible locations around Kanakapura, Nelamangala, and even as far as Sira in the Tumakuru district.

Supporters argue that global metropolitan regions such as London, New York, and Tokyo operate multiple airports. A second airport could improve connectivity, reduce travel times for residents in southern Bengaluru, and attract investment to less-developed regions.

However, the proposal faces significant challenges. The existing airport operator enjoys contractual protections that have historically limited the establishment of another airport within a specified radius. There are also concerns about land acquisition, environmental clearances, and whether Bengaluru requires another airport immediately or should focus on expanding the existing facility.

Controversy will erupt if this project comes anywhere close to Kanakapura, as it is D. K. Shivakumar’s own constituency.

Tunnel roads

Perhaps no project is more closely associated with Shivakumar than the proposed 17 km tunnel road network beneath Bengaluru from Hebbal to the Silk Board junction.

The proposal envisions a network of underground express corridors designed to move vehicles quickly across the city while reducing congestion on surface roads. Various estimates have placed the cost at anywhere from ₹17,000 crore to ₹40,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive urban infrastructure projects ever proposed in Karnataka.

Supporters claim the project could dramatically reduce travel times between key parts of the city. They argue that acquiring land for new roads in Bengaluru has become almost impossible and that underground infrastructure may offer a long-term solution.

The project has attracted strong criticism from urban planners, transport experts, and civil society groups. Many argue that tunnel roads primarily benefit private vehicle users rather than the majority of commuters who depend on public transport. Critics contend that investments of this scale would be better directed towards Metro expansion, suburban rail, and bus networks.

Concerns have also been raised about flooding risks, construction disruptions, financial viability, and ecological impacts. Several experts have warned that international experience shows road expansion often encourages more vehicle usage, eventually recreating congestion rather than eliminating it.

Mekedatu Dam

The Mekedatu project is among Karnataka’s most politically significant infrastructure proposals. The plan involves constructing a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river near Mekedatu in the Ramanagara district to supply drinking water to Bengaluru, which is situated nearly 100 kilometres away. The DPR prepared in 2019 estimated the cost at ₹9,000 crore, but due to the increase in construction material costs, the new estimate will be even higher. This project is also expected to generate 400 MW of hydroelectric power.

Supporters view the project as essential for the city’s long-term survival. They argue that Bengaluru cannot indefinitely depend on existing Cauvery allocations and groundwater extraction.

The controversy extends far beyond Karnataka. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could affect downstream water availability. The proposal has therefore become entangled in the long-running Cauvery water dispute between the two states.

Environmental concerns have also been raised because the proposed reservoir area lies close to ecologically sensitive forest regions that support wildlife. Conservationists have warned about the impact on forests, biodiversity, and river ecosystems. More than 5,000 hectares of land are expected to be submerged, a major portion of it being forest area.

Whether these projects ultimately solve Bengaluru’s problems or become symbols of an ambitious and politically driven vision remains to be seen. But if Shivakumar succeeds in pushing them forward, they could become the defining markers of his tenure and the political signature he leaves behind.