For thousands of labourers who have spent years building their lives in Bengaluru without ever being able to buy a home, a new housing push by the Karnataka Housing Board could offer long-awaited relief.
The board is preparing to launch a large-scale affordable housing project aimed specifically at the city’s working-class and low-to-middle-income families.
The Karnataka Housing Board plans to construct 5,000 flats in Bengaluru as part of a broader state initiative to expand access to affordable housing. The project is part of a larger proposal that includes the development of 1 lakh residential plots and 10,000 houses across Karnataka, at a total estimated cost of Rs 8778.50 crore. The Bengaluru component alone is expected to cost around Rs 1370 crore.
The initiative is designed for families who migrated to Bengaluru for work and have lived in the city for many years but remain priced out of the private real estate market. By offering homes at significantly reduced prices, the board aims to help such households finally secure a permanent roof of their own.
Homes at Nearly Half the Market Price
One of the key features of the project is affordability. The flats will be offered at prices nearly 50 percent lower than prevailing market rates. This concessional pricing is intended to make home ownership viable for workers and middle-income earners who currently depend on rental housing and face rising costs across the city.
Officials say the project is focused on providing dignified housing rather than high-end development, with the emphasis firmly on accessibility and long-term stability for working families.
230 Acres Identified Across Key Areas
To support the project, the housing board has identified and reserved around 230 acres of land in multiple parts of Bengaluru. The largest parcel, measuring 90 acres, is located in Suryanagar. Another 80 acres have been earmarked at B M Kaval. Smaller parcels include 25 acres in Lingapura, 15 acres in Donnenahalli, 10 acres in Kaudenahalli near KR Puram, and 10 acres in Chunchanakuppe.
These locations have been chosen to spread affordable housing across different zones of the city, including peripheral and growth areas, rather than concentrating projects in one region.
Land Acquisition and Approval Status
Most of the required land has already been secured. The housing board has followed a 50:50 land-sharing model in several cases, where landowners partner with the government in exchange for a share of developed property. In other instances, land has been acquired directly using the board’s own funds.
A detailed proposal has been submitted to the state government and is currently undergoing final verification and review. Once approvals are cleared, construction is expected to move ahead in phases.
Focus on Workers’ Housing Needs
While the state-wide plan includes 10,000 plots in Bengaluru overall, the immediate focus is on these 5,000 flats, particularly in areas such as Yelahanka, Suryanagar, Kengeri, and Devanahalli. These zones are seen as crucial for addressing the housing needs of Bengaluru’s vast labour force, which includes industrial workers, service employees, and lower-income professionals.
If implemented as planned, the project could mark a significant step toward easing Bengaluru’s housing affordability crisis for those who keep the city running but struggle to find a place they can truly call home.
