The phase three Metro projects including corridors one and two may be completed by December 2029. Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, during his Republic Day address at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground, announced that Phase 3 Metro projects in Bengaluru are expected to be completed by December 2029. He shared details about Phase-2A, a 19.75 km stretch from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura, and Phase-2B, a 38.44 km stretch from Krishnarajapura to Kempegowda International Airport, which is currently under progress with an estimated cost of `147 billion. Phase-3 Corridor-1, stretching 32.15 km from Kempapura to JP Nagar 4th Phase, and Corridor-2, a 12.50 km stretch from Hosahalli to Kadabagere, are set to be completed at a cost of `15,611 crore. The governor said that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) aims to allocate 30,000 housing units across 34 locations. Currently, 10,615 flats have been completed out of 14,909 under construction in 25 projects. Planning work for Dr K Shivarama Karanth Layout is progressing rapidly, and plot allotment will begin soon. “The Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994, have been revised to simplify granting mining leases for stone quarrying to SC/ST individuals and organisations. Regulations for sand and M-sand have also been eased for accessibility at fair prices. The Integrated Lease Management System (ILMS) software was successfully upgraded in December 2024 to streamline mineral administration,” the Governor added. He said that Bengaluru continues to solidify its position as a global tech hub, housing over 875 Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which account for more than 30% of India’s GCCs. To build on this foundation, the Karnataka Government introduced the Karnataka Global Capability Centre Policy 2024-29. “Public service vehicles in Karnataka, including school buses and taxis, are being equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices and Emergency Panic Buttons as part of the Nirbhaya Fund initiative. So far, 40,848 out of 6,04,863 public service vehicles have been equipped, with plans to expand installation further,” he added. Gehlot said that to combat Bengaluru’s traffic congestion, the Bengaluru Traffic Police has adopted ASTRAM (Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management), an AI-based platform to monitor and control traffic in real-time. This system prioritises emergency vehicles at signals. Additionally, 2,519 students in Bengaluru have been appointed as Police Marshals, and officers are conducting awareness programs in schools and colleges against drug abuse. Governor Gehlot highlighted the growing concern of cybercrime, which now accounts for 10% of all reported crimes in the State. The government is focused on providing advanced technology and training to tackle this menace while raising public awareness to prevent cyber threats.