Draft Bengaluru region plan targets 75% public transport share by 2037

Public transport’s share in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region could rise from 35% to 75% under a draft economic masterplan presented to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

The proposal calls for expanded metro, suburban rail and regional rapid transit system corridors, alongside multimodal hubs. It also includes a second airport and plans to strengthen ring, radial and chord roads.

Prepared by the Karnataka government with the ISEG Foundation, the plan covers a region of about 16 million people across three districts. It sets a 2037 target of growing the BMR economy from $149 billion to $400 billion and creating up to 2.5 million jobs.

Technology, high-tech manufacturing, healthcare and education, infrastructure and sustainability, and planned urbanisation and housing are identified as growth areas. Proposed housing measures include affordable and shared rental homes for industrial, gig and service workers, as well as a slum rehabilitation programme.

The recommendations are to be discussed with relevant government departments before the plan is finalised.