The Karnataka government has announced a major decision to convert 7.5 lakh B Khata properties into A Khata in Greater Bengaluru, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of families. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who made the announcement during the assembly session, confirmed that development fees would be collected as part of the process. He clarified that roads in layouts developed on revenue land were under individual ownership, causing persistent problems. To resolve these, B Khata plots adjacent to identified public roads will now be converted into A Khata.
Government Plans Double-Decker Flyover, Elevated Corridor, and Stormwater Roads
Alongside property regularisation, the government has outlined an ambitious plan for Bengaluru’s infrastructure upgrade. This includes white-topping of 154 km arterial roads at a cost of ₹1,700 crore, development of 632 km sub-arterial roads with ₹7,500 crores, and block-topping of 450 km roads estimated at ₹699 crore. A 44 km double-decker flyover project worth ₹9,000 crores and an elevated corridor with ₹15,000 crore allocation have also been proposed, reflecting the scale of planned investments.
Addressing Bengaluru’s pothole crisis, Shivakumar noted that of the 10,000 identified potholes, about 5,377 have been repaired, while work on the rest is ongoing. To tackle flooding caused by heavy rains, the government plans 300 km of road construction along stormwater drains at an estimated cost of ₹3,000 crore.
Tunnel Project Controversy and PRR Issues Dominate Bengaluru Development Talks
The proposed 16.5 km Bengaluru tunnel project, estimated at ₹770 crore per km, has sparked debate. Critics, including BJP leaders, have dismissed it as a “money-making scheme” and raised concerns over central funding. However, officials defended the project, highlighting that construction costs in Karnataka are 40% lower than in other states.
Shivakumar also addressed the contentious Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) land acquisition, revealing that even his mother’s land was included. He assured transparency, while urging opposition parties to support the state in securing more central funds for Bengaluru’s development. A postponed meeting with MLAs will soon be resumed under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship.
Summary:
The Karnataka government will convert 7.5 lakh B Khata properties into A Khata, easing ownership issues for families. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar announced massive infrastructure upgrades, including flyovers, corridors, and stormwater roads. While pothole and flooding fixes progress, the costly tunnel project and Peripheral Ring Road land acquisition sparked political debate.
