Bengaluru: A key stretch of the long-delayed Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), earlier known as the Peripheral Ring Road, is set to move forward, with
the Bangalore Development Authority planning to prioritise civil works on a 23-km section linking the city’s airport and NICE Road. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is preparing to float tenders by February or March for the first phase of the project. The prioritised 23-km stretch forms part of the 73-km Bengaluru Business Corridor connecting Tumakuru Road and Ballari Road and is expected to attract heavy traffic and stronger toll revenue. “This section connects Kempegowda International Airport and NICE Road. The DPR is ready, and tenders for the first phase will be floated soon,” said LK Atheeq, chairperson of the BBC project.
Project Split to Speed Up Execution
To ease land acquisition and accelerate construction, the project has been divided into three packages:
- 23 km: Kempegowda International Airport to NICE Road
- 29 km: Hosur Road to Old Madras Road
- 18 km: Old Madras Road to Ballari Road
The corridor will also feature a Y-shaped integration with NICE Road, extending 4–5 km each towards Hosur Road and Tumakuru Road.
Land Acquisition Progress and Hurdles
Officials said land acquisition has seen partial success:
- Around 500 farmers have given consent
- Nearly 100 acres acquired so far
- Target to secure 50% land before tenders, rising to 80% by contract award
However, while land acquisition has progressed in western Bengaluru, resistance remains strong in the east, where landowners are demanding compensation under the 2013 land acquisition law.
Compensation Row in East Bengaluru
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called a meeting with dissatisfied landowners on February 2 at 11.30 am at the UR Bhavan Complex, High Grounds. Landowners have objected to the government’s five compensation models, calling them significantly below market rates.
Krishna, a landowner from east Bengaluru, said the opposition stems from what residents see as unfair valuation. “The BDA is offering about ₹5 crore per acre, while similar land nearby has sold for over ₹10 crore,” he said.
Despite the challenges, officials maintain that the phased approach will help push the long-pending infrastructure project closer to execution.
