Karnataka govt spending over Rs 1 lakh cr to improve infrastructure in Bengaluru city: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Pitching Bengaluru as an "ever-evolving engine of transformation", Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the state government is improving the infrastructure by spending over Rs 1 lakh crore on the city.
Shivakumar, who is also the Minister incharge of Bengaluru Development, was speaking at the inaugural of the 28th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025.
Touted to be Asia's largest technology event, it is being organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & Bt, Government of Karnataka and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
"We recognise that technology, innovation, and investment flourish only when the foundations are strong. That's why our government is accelerating infrastructure at unprecedented speed," Shivakumar said.
Addressing the gathering, he highlighted that the government has launched mega infrastructure projects in Bengaluru -- twin tunnel project of 40 KMs at Rs 42,500 crore, double Decker Metro 41 KMs at Rs 18,000 crore, elevated corridor 110 KMs at Rs 15,000 crore, buffer roads 320 KMs at Rs 5,000 crore, SkyDeck at Rs 500 crore, and Bangalore Business Corridor of 74 KMs at Rs 27,000 crore.
"We are spending over 1 lakh crore on Bengaluru city to improve infrastructure," he added.
Pointing out that a second airport is being planned for Bengaluru, the Deputy CM said, in order to help and co-ordinate the NRI's, the Government of Karnataka is starting a separate Secretariat for NRIs.
"We are developing residential layouts for NRI's; a world class city near Bidadi in 9,000 acres - AI City. We are building an international complex to house all international business houses," he said, adding that no other cities match Bengaluru weather and culture.
Asserting that technology and talent are Bengaluru's twin pillars, Shivakumar said, Bengaluru's strength lies not just in its infrastructure or policy incentives--it lies in its people.
Appealing industry captains to help the government in making rural education strong with CSR, while stating that necessary policies are being brought in this regard, the Deputy CM said, together, let us build a future where technology, creativity, and enterprise create opportunities not only for our state or our country, but for the entire world.
"I assure you on behalf of Karnataka that we will co-operate and extend all possible support for mutual growth," he said.
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Karnataka: Home Department asks motorists to drive on highways with caution to avoid robbery
Belagavi: The Home Department has advised motorists to stay alert while travelling on national and state highways, warning that gangs involved in robbery and extortion have been active in several stretches. It said people should be extra cautious if anyone tries to stop their vehicle in isolated areas.
Replying to an unstarred question on Thursday, the department said Karnataka has recorded 403 highway robbery cases in the past three years. According to the data, national highways saw 81 extortion and 23 robbery cases in 2023, followed by 66 extortion and 16 robbery cases in 2024. Until November 15 this year, 51 extortion and 14 robbery cases have been reported.
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On state highways, 39 extortion and 17 robberies were reported in 2023, while 2024 saw 35 extortion and 22 robbery cases. In 2025 so far, 20 extortion and 19 robbery cases have taken place. The department noted that curbing highway robberies remains a major challenge for the police.
To tackle the issue, police stations have been directed to set up regular checkpoints on stretches of highways passing through their limits. Suspicious individuals and vehicles are being checked. Two-wheelers have been allocated to every station for night patrol, and staff have been instructed to conduct night rounds using vehicles fitted with sirens and red lights.
