The Karnataka government has notified a network of proposed road corridors in rapidly developing areas outside the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area, aiming to prevent unplanned urbanisation from hindering future infrastructure projects. The move, announced by Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda, seeks to safeguard land for future road widening and Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) roads under the Revised Master Plan. The corridors are intended to support Bengaluru’s expansion beyond its current urban footprint of around 750 square kilometres.

Gowda stated that the notification covers hundreds of roads, many of which are proposed to be widened from existing widths of around 10 metres to 30 metres, 45 metres, and in some cases, up to 90 metres. The corridors are designed to connect taluk headquarters, hobli centres, district roads, state highways, the Peripheral Ring Road, and the Satellite Town Ring Road. Officials estimate that Bengaluru’s urban footprint could expand to between 1,400 and 1,800 square kilometres as development spreads into surrounding areas.

The government cited past mistakes as a rationale for the new policy. Gowda noted that nearly 110 villages were brought into the city’s limits two decades ago without adequate infrastructure planning, leading to difficulties in acquiring land for roads, water supply, and drainage. He warned that without proactive planning, the same issues would recur on the city’s outskirts. Officials estimate that around 90% of the land required for the proposed corridors remains greenfield, while about 10% has already seen development.

Landowners are being urged to consult the notified plans on the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) website before undertaking new construction. The notification does not amount to immediate land acquisition, but new development within the corridors is prohibited. Properties with existing approvals will retain their rights. The BMRDA and local authorities are also tasked with marking the corridors and identifying priority stretches for development.

The government has not provided details on the total number or length of the roads, though officials have stated that the network will be developed in phases over the coming years. The BMRDA has been directed to upload maps and video documentation of the corridors on its website. While the plan aims to avoid the pitfalls of past urbanisation, the long-term impact on local communities and landowners remains uncertain.