The Karnataka government has approved three separate action plans for Bengaluru, covering a total of 70 civic works worth over Rs 4.05 billion (Rs 405 crore), in anticipation of special funds from the 15th Finance Commission.

While the approval allows preparatory work to begin, the funds are unlikely to be released soon. The Finance Commission has repeatedly reminded the state to hold the long-pending civic body elections, which were due in September 2020, before disbursing any grants.

According to an Urban Development Department (UDD) order dated 2 September, the action plans correspond to three grants earmarked for 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26. All projects fall within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA), which includes five municipal corporations.

The now-dissolved Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) prepared the plan in August to address air pollution in the city. Following its dissolution, responsibility for implementation has been assigned to the five municipal corporations, in line with the mandates of the 15th Finance Commission.

Although the government’s approval enables the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), actual work cannot commence until civic elections are conducted. The UDD has also directed that tenders be issued only after the Union government releases the funds.

Earlier this year, when Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar visited Bengaluru, the state government requested an exemption from the election condition, citing that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. The delay in local elections, both in Bengaluru and across panchayats, has held up multiple infrastructure projects throughout Karnataka.

Citizen groups have expressed mixed reactions to the move. Some activists have urged the government to withdraw the plan until new councillors are elected, arguing that representatives should decide on civic priorities. Others have welcomed the allocations, particularly for improving pedestrian infrastructure.

Clement Jayakumar, a member of the Mahadevapura Task Force, said contractors usually prefer asphalting since it is faster and more profitable. “Footpath work is labour-intensive and takes about a month to complete,” he noted, recommending the use of brushed concrete instead of paver blocks for greater durability.