The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has unveiled a Rs 199.3 billion budget for FY 2025-26, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. Developed under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, the budget prioritises large-scale infrastructure projects, including tunnel roads, elevated corridors, double-decker flyovers, and a sky deck project, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. However, citizen groups have raised concerns over the lack of focus on basic infrastructure and public consultation.Financial overviewThe budget estimates Rs 111.49 billion from BBMP’s own revenue sources, including an expected Rs 57.16 billion from property tax—India’s highest for the second consecutive year. Additionally, Rs 87.78 billion will come from state and central government grants. With an estimated expenditure of Rs 199.27 billion, the BBMP projects a marginal surplus of Rs 35 million.Major infrastructure allocationsUnder the Brand Bengaluru initiative, Rs 28.28 billion has been earmarked for mega projects over three years, with a dedicated escrow account for implementation. So far, Rs 6.6 billion has been transferred, and Rs 7 billion has been allocated for FY 2025-26, bringing the total to Rs 13.6 billion.As part of Sugama Sanchara Bengaluru, BBMP will execute projects worth Rs 736 billion through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), including:Rs 420 billion for North-South and East-West tunnel roadsRs 132 billion for 110 km of elevated corridorsRs 90 billion for 40 km of Integrated Metro-Flyover (Double Decker) projectsRs 30 billion for 300 km of stormwater drain-side roadsAdditionally, BBMP will build 1,000 km of footpaths as part of arterial and sub-arterial road development.IT corridor developmentTo address chronic infrastructure issues in the Silk Board-KR Puram-Lowry Junction IT corridor, BBMP plans to develop 22.7 km of world-class roads at Rs 4 billion in collaboration with the state government and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).Waste management reformsBBMP has proposed a solid waste management user fee, to be collected alongside property tax from FY 2025-26. Additionally, Rs 14 billion has been allocated to Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited for waste collection, segregation, processing, landfill development, and maintenance.(newindianexpress)