The Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) is set to develop three integrated townships on the outskirts of Bengaluru, reviving a proposal that has been in the works for nearly two decades.
The townships are planned for the suburbs of Bidadi, Solur near
Magadi, and Nandagudi in Hoskote. According to officials, the Bidadi Township
will be the first to be developed, serving as a pilot project.
“We are focusing on these three areas because they are connected
to the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR),” explained Rajendra P Cholan,
Metropolitan Commissioner of BMRDA.
“Bidadi will be the first to be developed. It is strategically
located, surrounded by four highways. Our plan is to create an integrated
township with a mix of commercial establishments like logistics parks and data
centres, alongside high-rise residential units,” he added.
Planned townships on map. (Artha Midas)
Nandagudi was selected due to its location along the
under-construction Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway, while Solur was chosen for its
proximity to Nelamangala and Bengaluru, Cholan added.
As part of the preparatory work, BMRDA has reached out to Namma
Metro to assess the feasibility of extending metro connectivity to these
regions. In addition, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has
been asked to develop infrastructure for supplying potable water to these
areas.
The BMRDA has several tasks ahead as it moves forward with the
project. The authority is seeking state government approval to notify a large
parcel of land for acquisition. Additionally, it is gearing up to prepare a
detailed project report (DPR), while the Bengaluru Urban district
administration will conduct a social impact assessment study.
Cholan noted that the government has already deployed three land
acquisition officers to begin groundwork for the project. “We will also
establish an engineering wing, and the file is currently awaiting approval from
the finance department,” he said. “Additionally, we are in discussions with
several financial institutions to secure loans for the project.”
The three regions were part of a broader proposal made in 2006,
during H D Kumaraswamy’s tenure as chief minister, to develop five suburbs,
including Ramanagara and Sathanur, into integrated townships. However, the
project stalled following a change in government.
In November of last year, the Siddaramaiah-led government established
the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA), which has the mandate to
carry out development work in the BMRDA region.
The region includes 12 local planning authorities spread over
8,000 square kilometres. Similar to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA),
the GBDA is expected to handle land acquisition and engineering work for the
proposed townships.
