The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is moving forward with plans to expand the Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Layout by acquiring approximately 3,000 acres of land across 18 villages in the Yelahanka and Bengaluru North taluks.
This expansion aims to address the growing demand for residential plots in northern Bengaluru, a region experiencing rapid urbanisation and population growth. Currently, the initial phase of the layout development is nearing completion, with about 30,000 plots under construction and ready to be handed over to buyers. The BDA has emphasised that all pending infrastructure works, including road construction, sewage and water pipeline installations, and related amenities, are expected to be completed within the next three months. This deadline underscores the authority’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely progress.
Significantly, the expansion of Karanth Layout has been planned in close coordination with the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), a major infrastructure project aimed at decongesting Bengaluru’s traffic by creating an outer ring road around the city. The PRR will improve connectivity to the northern suburbs and enhance accessibility to the expanded layout, making it an attractive proposition for homebuyers and investors alike. The villages identified for land acquisition include Soladevanahalli, Chikkabanavara, and JB Kaval, all of which lie in proximity to the PRR corridor. The BDA has already deployed a dedicated team of land acquisition officers to identify suitable land parcels and collect detailed data, which will form the basis of a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Karnataka state government for necessary approvals.
Despite these forward strides, the BDA continues to face hurdles, particularly concerning land acquisition and fair compensation for the farmers affected. Reports indicate that protests and legal challenges have arisen over the adequacy of compensation packages offered to landowners. To address these concerns, the BDA has constituted a special committee tasked with assessing land values and recommending equitable compensation. The committee’s findings will be forwarded to the government for approval to ensure that landowners receive fair settlements. Historically, the BDA’s projects in Bengaluru have often encountered delays due to such land acquisition disputes, and the current expansion plan appears no different. However, the authority’s proactive approach in setting deadlines and forming committees aims to mitigate these issues and move the project forward efficiently.
While the proposed 3,000-acre addition promises enhanced residential options aligned with major infrastructure developments like the Peripheral Ring Road, the initiative’s success will depend heavily on the authority’s ability to navigate land acquisition challenges and ensure prompt completion of infrastructure. Effective resolution of compensation disputes and transparent communication with stakeholders will be crucial to maintaining momentum and public trust as this significant urban development unfolds.
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