Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has confirmed that detailed project reports are being drafted to extend both Namma Metro and inter-city rail services from Bengaluru to Tumakuru, alongside plans for a new satellite town intended to ease pressure on the capital and upgrade infrastructure in surrounding districts.

Speaking at Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s seventy-fifth birthday celebrations in Tumakuru, Mr Shivakumar described the district as “Kalpataru Nadu”, rich in history, religion and education, and said the proposed transport links would further strengthen its development prospects.

His announcement follows Home Minister G Parameshwara’s call for Tumakuru to be included within the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority and comes on the heels of the state’s suggestion that the district host Bengaluru’s second airport.

Reaffirming the government’s wider commitments, Mr Shivakumar also pledged to finish the Yettinahole drinking-water scheme and supply water to Kolar by 2027, with lake rejuvenation to follow. “The chief minister has instructed me to give the Yettinahole project top priority, even if other works are delayed,” he said.