Bengaluru: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri has urged the Karnataka government to “seriously consider” developing a second Bengaluru to ease the growing pressure on the state capital.
Lahiri made the suggestion during a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at the CM’s official residence, “Krishna,” reported News 18. He praised Karnataka’s growth trajectory and said the state “has all the potential to grow rapidly.”
The proposal comes as Bengaluru continues to expand rapidly, driven largely by its IT sector. Once known largely as a retirement town, the city transformed into India’s Silicon Valley over the past three decades as IT companies attracted young professionals from across the country.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Bengaluru is now home to roughly 26 lakh IT professionals, with the number continuing to rise as more people move to the city for employment.
The rapid growth has also placed considerable pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Commutes that would ordinarily take minutes can stretch to an hour for a few kilometres during peak traffic. Monsoon waterlogging and garbage management also remain persistent civic challenges.
The strain on roads, housing, water and sanitation has prompted the suggestion of creating another urban hub that could absorb some of Bengaluru’s growing population and economic activity.
Shivakumar said the state government would prepare a formal roadmap in response to NITI Aayog’s recommendation.
“A proper plan will be prepared as per NITI Aayog’s expectations,” he said, adding that Karnataka would also study how other states have approached similar projects.
The idea has a precedent in Maharashtra, which developed Navi Mumbai as a satellite city to absorb the overflow from Mumbai. Maharashtra is now also planning a “Third Mumbai.”
‘Second Bengaluru’ Location Yet to Be Decided
For now, the proposal for a “second Bengaluru” remains a concept rather than a concrete plan. NITI Aayog has made the recommendation, but the Karnataka government has yet to identify a location, timeline or funding model for the proposed city.
Shivakumar’s assurance of a “detailed plan” indicates that the proposal will be studied further before any site is finalised.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also made a broader case for greater Central support to Karnataka, invoking India’s federal structure.
“Only if states develop can the country develop,” Shivakumar said, while requesting NITI Aayog’s assistance in securing Karnataka’s due share of funds, including grants promised in the Union Budget.
The proposed second urban hub, if taken forward, would seek to address some of the infrastructure pressures created by Bengaluru’s rapid growth while providing space for further economic expansion in Karnataka.
