Bengaluru’s infrastructure projects could see faster progress if pending defence-related land and clearance issues are resolved. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has approached Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with seven requests covering road projects, the twin-tunnel corridor, building height restrictions and other urban infrastructure matters.
730 acres near Iblur for a public park
The Karnataka government has requested permission to use around 730 acres of unused Defence land near the Iblur Firing Range in Bengaluru for a permanent public park and green space. The proposal is specifically for public and environmental use, with no commercial development planned on the land. Importantly, the state is not seeking ownership transfer; the land would continue to remain with the Defence authorities.
The request is aimed at creating a large open space as Bengaluru continues to expand and faces increasing pressure on its available green areas. The state has therefore asked the Defence Ministry to allow the land to be developed as a park while retaining Defence ownership.
Solution for 10 Notified Slums on Defence Land
The second request concerns 10 notified slums spread across about 43.838 acres of Defence land in Bengaluru. The state has asked the Defence Ministry for a practical solution that would allow these settlements to be repaired and redeveloped, particularly because monsoon rains have caused flooding in the areas.
Since identifying equivalent-value land within Bengaluru has been difficult, Karnataka has proposed providing government land of an equivalent area at a suitable alternative location. The state has also sought urgent working permission to undertake repairs and redevelopment in the existing slum areas.
Review of building height restrictions around HAL and Yelahanka
The Karnataka government has requested a review of building height restrictions within the 20-km radius of HAL Airport and Air Force Station Yelahanka. At present, construction proposals in these areas can require clearance from defence authorities, which the state says creates additional constraints for Bengaluru’s urban development.
The state has proposed limiting the mandatory Defence NOC requirement to a 15-km radius from the aerodrome reference point, while continuing to maintain flight-safety requirements. The request is aimed at allowing more development in Bengaluru’s built-up areas, where land availability is increasingly constrained, while retaining necessary safeguards around the defence airports.
Defence land for 24-Metre Bellandur lake road
The fourth request relates to a 24-metre-wide road along Bellandur Lake, connecting Lower Agaram Road near the Government Hospital to Sarjapur Road via Ejipura Junction. Karnataka has sought the required Defence land and early working permission, as the project has already been tendered and awarded.
The proposed road is intended to strengthen east-south Bengaluru connectivity and provide an additional route between the Lower Agaram-Ejipura and Sarjapur Road areas. The state expects it to help reduce traffic pressure on the Inner Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. Since the alignment involves Defence land, the project requires clearance from the Defence Ministry before work can proceed on the affected stretch.
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Defence land for Bengaluru Twin-Tunnel project
The fifth request concerns the proposed Bengaluru Urban Vehicular Twin Tunnel Project, which is planned to connect Hebbal (Esteem Mall Junction) with Central Silk Board. Karnataka has sought 2.039 acres of Defence land near Hebbal for a tunnel ramp and permission to construct the underground section through Defence areas near Mekhri Circle, without disturbing the land surface.
The state has also raised an issue over the licence fee demanded for the Defence land. A Board of Officers fixed the fee at 33% of the land value, amounting to ₹60.72 crore. CM Shivakumar has requested that this be reduced to 2%, arguing that the tunnel would run underground and would not affect surface Defence operations.
Bellary road to Sarovara Layout link road
The sixth request is for 6.837 acres of Defence land to build an 18-metre-wide link road connecting Airport Road (Bellary Road) with Sarovara Layout in Bengaluru. The state has asked the Defence Ministry to expedite approval for transferring the required land.
The proposed alignment has been planned in a way to avoid disruption to Defence operations. The road is expected to provide an additional connection between the airport-side corridor and Sarovara Layout, improving local accessibility and helping ease traffic on existing routes.
Widening of Bellary road at Mekhri circle
The seventh request is for 0.775 acres of Defence land from DGQA and PRTC to widen the existing two-lane Bellary Road at Mekhri Circle to three lanes. The Greater Bengaluru Authority has sought the Defence Ministry’s approval to use the required land for the road expansion.
Mekhri Circle is an important junction on the Bellary Road corridor towards Kempegowda International Airport, and the proposed widening is aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic movement along this route. The request is therefore focused on obtaining the small stretch of Defence land needed to expand the road capacity at the junction.
Conclusion
The seven requests focus on resolving Defence-related land and clearance issues affecting Bengaluru’s roads, tunnel infrastructure, green spaces, slum redevelopment and building regulations. Faster approvals could help move several key urban infrastructure projects forward.