Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 6: The Karnataka government has decided to reclaim a substantial portion of the land currently occupied by the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), allowing the club to retain just four acres on a fresh 30-year lease. The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting on Thursday, which also cleared an ambitious package of road infrastructure projects involving an expenditure of around Rs 20,000 crore across Karnataka.

With the existing lease agreement of the Bangalore Turf Club nearing expiry, the club had sought a fresh 30-year lease. However, the government has decided against renewing the lease for the entire property, opting instead to allot only four acres and take back the remaining land for its own development initiatives.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) minister Eshwar Khandre said the government would retain the remaining property and undertake development activities on it.

On the long-discussed proposal to shift the Bangalore Turf Club to Kunigal, the minister clarified that no decision had been taken so far. The club has sought more time on the relocation issue, and the government will obtain a detailed report before taking a final call.

Rs 20,000-crore road infrastructure boost

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved road development works worth approximately Rs 20,000 crore under various Public Works Department (PWD) programmes, covering state highways, major district roads, bridges and other infrastructure across Karnataka.

One of the major components is the development of 1,897 km of roads under Phase II of Stage V of the State Highway Development Project.

The government has also earmarked an additional Rs 6,000 crore for developing roads, bridges and buildings in various Assembly constituencies. Another Rs 3,000 crore will be spent on additional road development works.

In a separate initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between important administrative centres, the Cabinet approved a new Rs 6,000-crore programme to develop around 3,986 km of roads connecting district headquarters, taluk headquarters and neighbouring taluks.

Bengaluru to get road works in 10 packages

Giving a major push to infrastructure development in and around the state capital, the Cabinet granted administrative approval for a revised estimate of Rs 3,409.02 crore for road development works to be executed in 10 packages through the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL).

The project is aimed at strengthening Bengaluru's road network, improving connectivity to surrounding areas and easing the growing traffic congestion in the rapidly expanding metropolitan region.

Bridges, water projects and commercial infrastructure

The Cabinet also cleared several district-level infrastructure proposals covering bridges, irrigation, commercial development and judicial facilities.

The major approvals include:

• Shivamogga: Reconstruction of the old Tunga bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore.

• Bhadravathi: Construction of a new bridge connecting Siddaroodha Nagar with the KSRTC bus stand at a cost of Rs 42 crore.

• Kalaburagi: Construction of a bridge across the Bennethora river at Kannur, along with an elevated approach road, at an estimated cost of Rs 21 crore.

• Chitradurga: A Rs 35-crore lift irrigation project to fill several lakes in Dharmapura village of Hiriyur taluk. The project is intended to strengthen drinking water availability, particularly during drought conditions.

• Challakere: Construction of a commercial complex at an estimated cost of Rs 35.04 crore.

• Hassan: Sanction of Rs 12.40 crore for additional court buildings and a family court building within the Hassan District Court complex.

Winter session from Dec 2 to 11

The Cabinet also decided to convene the winter session of the Karnataka Legislature from December 2 to 11.

In another important decision, it approved the Sannati Development Authority Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated development authority for Sannati.

Multi-level parking facility at Malpe Harbour

In a significant decision concerning coastal infrastructure, the Cabinet approved a multi-level parking facility spread across 1,800 square metres at Malpe fishing harbour.

The facility will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework.