Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka government unveiled a range of significant infrastructure, transportation, tourism, and cultural initiatives within the State Budget on Friday. Key highlights include the launch of new road projects in Bengaluru, the enhancement of Anjanadri Hill as a global tourist spot, and the proposal for a second airport in the city.

During the Budget presentation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that a tunnel road and an elevated road will be developed from Hebbal Junction to Mekhri Circle by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). This project, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in northern Bengaluru, is estimated to cost Rs 2,250 crore.

Additionally, the government has laid out a detailed plan to transform Anjanadri Hill, recognized as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, into a globally renowned tourist destination, with an anticipated budget of Rs 100 crore. The subsequent development phases will commence once the necessary forest and environmental clearances are granted by the Union government and approval from UNESCO is obtained.

To tackle the increasing air traffic and reduce congestion at Kempegowda International Airport, which ranks as the third-largest airport in India, the government is proposing a second airport for the city. A feasibility study will be conducted following technical consultations with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), as announced by CM Siddaramaiah.

Thus far, the state government has allocated Rs 1,593 crore to support the development of seven domestic airports across Karnataka, with Rs 200 crore set aside for the current fiscal year.

In the railway sector, nine railway routes are being developed under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement with the Ministry of Railways. The government has already invested Rs 2,950 crore in land acquisition and Rs 2,682 crore in construction. For the 2026–27 financial year, Rs 600 crore has been earmarked for these endeavors, according to the Chief Minister.

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is currently in progress, with construction activities underway. The land acquisition for Corridor-4 (Heelalige–Rajanukunte) is ongoing, and the government aims to conclude works on both corridors by December 2030. An allocation of Rs 500 crore has been designated for the project in this fiscal year.

In the Budget, CM Siddaramaiah also emphasized the expansion of Namma Metro, which is the second-largest metro rail network in the country, covering an operational span of 96 km and serving approximately 10 lakh commuters daily. Out of the Rs 67,460 crore invested in the project so far, the state government’s contribution is Rs 59,376 crore, while the Centre has provided Rs 8,084 crore. Notably, the central share accounts for only 12 percent compared to the state's 88 percent.

The government aims to complete an additional 41 km of metro lines during the 2026–27 financial year, which is projected to benefit around 15 lakh commuters daily.

To foster balanced regional growth and alleviate pressure on Bengaluru, the government has announced plans to develop Mysuru as the state’s second IT hub. Currently, over 30,000 employees are engaged in approximately 100 companies within Mysuru’s IT sector, as stated by CM Siddaramaiah.

The Budget also featured various cultural initiatives, including the establishment of foundations honoring Saint Shishunal Shariff, known for his promotion of spiritual harmony, and Veera Rani Belavadi Mallamma.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Dalit Literature Movement, the government plans to publish a book titled “Ardhashatamanada Dalita Sahitya”, which will compile the works of Dalit poet Siddalingaiah alongside other Dalit writers from the past five decades. An allocation of Rs 1 crore has been set for this initiative.

A night-long theatrical performance centered around Khwaja Bande Nawaz, comparable in scale to Kuvempu’s acclaimed play “Malegalalli Madumagalu”, will also be organized.

Moreover, the government has announced the construction of a new wrestling arena (Kusti Akhada) in Belagundi, Belagavi district, to support and promote wrestling talent within the state.