With a large influx of migrants, Bengaluru needs more central help, says Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at a NITI Aayog meeting
Seeking additional infrastructure grants for Bengaluru to cope with rising demands due to migration from other states, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said states must work as equal partners in devising solutions tailored to different regional realities.
“Approximately 40% of Bengaluru’s population is from other states. Hence, the heavy pressure to deal with infrastructure modernization requires central assistance. The state has identified and started implementing ₹1,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Bengaluru for mobility and making the city climate-resilient,” the Chief Minister said at the 11th NITIoghiay Governing Council meeting in Delhi.
Global city
“We are seeking increased support from the Center under the Urban Challenge Fund or otherwise to support these programs as Bengaluru retains its status as a global city. We have sought sanction for Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) to connect central Bengaluru with satellite towns and cities like Kolar, Mysuru, Tumakuru and Chickballapur,” he said.
He also suggested strengthening urban and regional economic growth centers to create quality employment opportunities outside Bengaluru.
Urging the Center to drive states to make measurable improvements in nutrition, health, learning outcomes, skills, employment generation and sustainable indicators, Mr. Shivakumar sought a one-time infrastructure grant for government schools and colleges to provide quality education at par with the private sector.
He also sought the centre’s continued support in promoting heritage conservation, improving air connectivity, facilitating tourism investment and strengthening destination management.
Enumerating the state’s achievements, he said, “Our vision is to become not only India’s technology capital, but also a global hub for responsible innovation in AI, semiconductors, biotech, quantum technology and climate solutions. Ideas generated in Karnataka will generate solutions for India and the world.”
Centralized job portal
The Chief Minister also suggested building resilience against global economic and geopolitical uncertainties through investment in technology, research and human capital. “Enforce CSR rules through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to focus on improving rural health and education infrastructure within the given time frame,” he suggested, urging the industry to share job requirements through a centralized job portal with skill parameters for the next three years.
He said rapid technological disruption, climate change and global competition called for bold and coordinated action between the Center and the states. “The vision of inclusive human development can only be realized through cooperative federalism, collaborative governance and collective national effort. States are not merely implementing agencies but centers of innovation and cumulative growth. Karnataka remains fully committed to working with the Center and other states to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.”
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo credit: special arrangement
During his visit to Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman and submitted memoranda to them on issues concerning the state.
What did Karnataka ask for
Quickly clean up the Mekedat drinking water project
Inform the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal II award
Release of ₹ 5,300 crore central assistance to Upper Bhadra project
A bright project by Kalasa and Banduri
Provide at least 40 to 45 tmcft of water in Godavari-Cauvery and Bedthi-Varada projects
Provide special grants of ₹ 26,000 crore to strengthen infrastructure
Approve Bengaluru Satellite City Circuit
Release funds for Bengaluru Suburban Rail and launch the Bengaluru-Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor
Approve Namma Metro Phase 3 covering 44.5 km with double decker flyover
Approve the revised completion cost of ₹ 40,425 crore for Namma Metro Phase 2
Approve Namma Metro Phase 3A covering 37.8 km from Sarjapur to Hebbal
Approve the introduction of a regional rapid rail transport system
Approve and implement new national highway projects
Speed up the completion of the Sharavati Pumped Storage project
Provide ₹25,000 crore for the development of Kalyana Karnataka
Provide ₹ 5,000 crore as special assistance to states for capital investment
Give ₹5,000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
Published – 11 Jun 2026 20:27 IST