Karnataka CM Shivakumar points to migration pressure on Bengaluru, seeks Centre’s support

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday urged the Centre to provide additional infrastructure funding for Bengaluru, as the city's position as India's technology hub has made it a magnet for migration from other states, placing enormous pressure on its infrastructure.

Karnataka has sought Central support for a Regional Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) connecting Bengaluru with neighbouring cities and satellite towns, including Mysuru, Kolar, Tumakuru and Chikkaballapura, Shivakumar said addressing the governing council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi,

The proposed network is aimed at improving regional connectivity, reducing congestion within Bengaluru and supporting the city's long-term economic expansion.


Service Exports

Highlighting Karnataka's contribution to the national economy, Shivakumar said the state accounts for more than 40% of India's services exports and remains one of the country's leading centres for technology, innovation and research.

"There are more IT professionals in Bengaluru than in the entire state of California," the CM said, underscoring the city's role as a global technology hub.

Karnataka, he said, will continue to serve as a key innovation centre, human capital powerhouse and driver of economic growth for the country. A developed Karnataka would significantly contribute to the realisation of the Centre's vision of a developed India, he added.

The CM said nearly 40% of Bengaluru's residents have migrated from other states, making substantial investments in infrastructure essential to maintaining the city's competitiveness and quality of life.

Digital Governance

Shivakumar said the state has already identified and initiated infrastructure projects worth about Rs 1 lakh crore in Bengaluru, focused on improving mobility, strengthening climate resilience and enhancing urban services.

He sought higher support from the Centre through the Urban Challenge Fund and other schemes to help finance these initiatives.

Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka's efforts to improve ease of doing business through digital governance. A single-window clearance platform currently provides 116 government services and approvals online within defined timelines, helping create a more investor-friendly ecosystem.

Investments in data centres, renewable energy integration, digital infrastructure and transparent governance systems are laying the foundation for the state's next phase of growth, he said.

Focus on Jobs

Calling for stronger collaboration between industry and government, Shivakumar urged companies to share their workforce requirements through a centralised jobs portal, including skill needs for the next three years. Such a platform would help align skilling programmes with industry demand and improve employment outcomes, he said.

The CM highlighted Karnataka's welfare programmes, including free bus travel for women, subsidised electricity, direct cash transfers to women, food security initiatives and unemployment assistance for graduates and diploma holders.