The Karnataka Cabinet is set to discuss the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to take charge of key infrastructure projects in Bengaluru, a move aimed at streamlining the city’s development and reducing traffic congestion.

The proposed SPV will have the state government and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) as stakeholders. The Cabinet is expected to finalise the shareholding ratio between the two. Once operational, the SPV will oversee major infrastructure initiatives such as tunnel roads, elevated corridors, buffer zone roads along stormwater drains, white-topping projects, and the Sky Deck.

Announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the state budget, the SPV is expected to function from an office in Vasanthnagar, with a leadership team comprising an Additional Chief Secretary from the Urban Development Department as its head and the BBMP Chief Commissioner as chairperson. Additionally, three independent experts, including at least one woman, will serve on the board.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve project execution efficiency and decongest Bengaluru’s roads, marking a shift from BBMP-led project implementation to a more centralised and specialised model.

(Deccan Herald)