Bengaluru development body plans expansion of Karanth Layout project

Time of India

28-05-2025

While development work on the
Dr K Shivarama Karanth Layout
is still in progress, the
Bangalore Development Authority
(BDA) is now moving ahead with plans to expand the layout further under the same name.
In a major step, BDA is considering acquiring an additional 3,000 acres spread across 18 villages in
Yelahanka
and
Bengaluru
North taluk to continue building on the success of the current phase. This would make it the second-largest housing project being developed by BDA.
Earlier, a final notification was issued for acquiring 3,837 acres and 5.25 guntas of land. Out of this, 3,173 acres and 22.6 guntas have already been acquired without any legal disputes. On this acquired land, BDA has created approximately 30,000 plots across nine blocks, covering a total layout area of around 63.05 lakh sq. meters. An estimated `1,800 crore has been spent on the project so far.
Even as this phase progresses, BDA issued a notification on May 5 for identifying new land parcels for the expanded layout. A team comprising four land acquisition officers has been tasked with gathering necessary data and identifying eligible land in coordination with engineers and land surveyors. The team was instructed to submit a report including maps, land records, and detailed descriptions by May 10. An official stated, 'Most of the field survey has already been completed. Land identification and necessary documentation have been submitted to the BDA. A proposal will be placed before the state government shortly.'
18 villages identified for potential acquisition include Kondashettihalli, Lingarajasagara, Soladevanahalli, Chikkabanavara, Kempapura, Kasaghatapura, Kumbarahalli, Avalahalli, Mavallipura, JB Kaval, Lingarajapura, Mailappanahalli, Byalakere, Madhugirihalli, Shivakote, Muttugadahalli, Krishnarajapura, and Krishnarajasagara. Notably, villages like Soladevanahalli, Chikkabanavara, and JB Kaval lie near the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) corridor, making them strategically important for expansion.
Proximity to PRR a key factor
Most of the villages marked for expansion fall within the jurisdiction of Yelahanka and Bengaluru North taluks. BDA officials highlight that areas closer to the PRR will benefit from enhanced connectivity and are witnessing growing demand for residential plots.
Need for expansion
According to BDA, while around 85% of the work is complete in some blocks, other areas are still 30% incomplete. Installation of electric poles, roadworks, underground drainage (UGD), water pipelines, and junction upgrades are underway. Contractors have been instructed to complete all remaining works within three months. Despite public criticism about the rush to expand before completing the current phase, BDA defends the move. 'There is still undeveloped land in North Bengaluru, and the PRR will significantly boost connectivity and demand. Therefore, we must act swiftly,' a senior BDA official said.