CM D.K. Shivakumar Seeks Enhanced Central Funding for Urban Infrastructure, Irrigation and Road Development in Karnataka
New Delhi, June 11: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to extend greater financial support and policy assistance for urban infrastructure development, irrigation projects and road connectivity initiatives across the state.
During his visit to the Union Finance Minister’s office in New Delhi, the Chief Minister submitted a detailed memorandum outlining Karnataka’s key funding requirements and seeking central assistance for several strategic infrastructure and irrigation projects.
Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh and senior government officials were present during the meeting.
The Chief Minister’s memorandum highlighted the following key demands:
₹5,000 Crore Under SASCI for Capital Infrastructure Investments
D.K. Shivakumar requested an additional allocation of ₹5,000 crore under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
The Chief Minister stated that the additional funding would help accelerate high-priority infrastructure projects in urban development, irrigation and road networks, thereby strengthening Karnataka’s economic growth and public infrastructure.
₹5,000 Crore for Bengaluru Under Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
Seeking greater support for Bengaluru’s transformation, the Chief Minister requested an additional ₹5,000 crore under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF).
He informed the Finance Minister that the Karnataka Government has launched the ambitious Brand Bengaluru master plan to address infrastructure gaps in the state capital, which continues to be one of India’s leading economic engines.
To sustain the momentum of large-scale urban development works, the state has requested enhancement of Karnataka’s normative UIDF allocation by ₹5,000 crore.
The funding is expected to support projects related to mobility, drainage, roads, civic infrastructure, urban renewal and public services in Bengaluru.
₹3,500 Crore Under RIDF for Rural Roads and Connectivity
The Chief Minister also sought an allocation of ₹3,500 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the financial year 2026-27.
According to the memorandum, Karnataka fully utilized its ₹2,000 crore RIDF allocation during 2025-26 for the construction of rural roads, bridges and irrigation-related infrastructure.
Considering the increasing demand for rural connectivity and infrastructure expansion, the state has requested a higher allocation to support ongoing and new development projects in rural areas.
Support Sought for Major Irrigation Projects
The Chief Minister appealed for the Union Finance Minister’s intervention in securing approvals and financial support for several major irrigation projects that are considered critical to Karnataka’s water security and agricultural development.
Bhadra Upper Bank Project
D.K. Shivakumar requested the Centre to declare the Bhadra Upper Bank Project a National Project and release the ₹5,300 crore central assistance promised in the Union Budget 2023-24.
The state government pointed out that despite the budget announcement, the committed funds are yet to be released.
Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Kalasa-Banduri Nala Project, a crucial drinking water scheme, remains stalled while awaiting forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
He sought intervention to expedite the approval process and facilitate early implementation.
Mekedatu Project
The memorandum also requested support for obtaining the final statutory forest clearance required for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project, which remains pending with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The state government has consistently maintained that the project is essential for drinking water security and regional development.
Krishna Upper Bank Project
The Chief Minister urged the Centre to facilitate the notification of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) award in the official gazette and approve the Krishna Upper Bank Project as a National Project.
He emphasized that timely intervention would help Karnataka move forward with critical irrigation infrastructure benefiting farmers and drought-prone regions.
Call for Stronger Centre-State Cooperation
The Chief Minister reiterated that Karnataka continues to play a significant role in India’s economic growth and requires sustained investment in urban infrastructure, irrigation systems and rural development.
He urged the Union Government to provide timely approvals, enhanced financial support and policy cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of key development projects across the state.
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