Bengaluru: With Krishna Byre Gowda formally assuming charge as Greater Bengaluru development minister on Tuesday, attention has shifted to chief minister DK Shivakumar’s decision to retain control of the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) — two agencies that wield enormous power over planning and land development in the metropolitan region.
Strategic Importance of BDA and BMRDA
Urban experts say the reason lies in the strategic importance of the two agencies, which are central to Bengaluru’s growth. As Bengaluru development minister during the previous administration led by Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, then deputy CM, positioned BDA as the key agency driving the city’s expansion. Its major projects include the Rs 27,000 crore Bengaluru Business Corridor (Peripheral Ring Road), the proposed Skydeck, upgrades at Hebbal Junction, the Kanteerava Studio underpass, and the expansion of key layouts.
Major Projects Under BDA
BDA also heads two high-profile tunnel projects. It has awarded the Rs 2,215 crore Hebbal-Mehkri Circle tunnel and elevated road project to Rithwik Projects, while Adani Enterprises has emerged as the lowest bidder for the proposed 16.7-km twin-tunnel road connecting Hebbal and Central Silk Board with a bid of Rs 22,267 crore. The authority has simultaneously pushed ahead with the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, Dr K Shivaram Karanth, and Arkavathi layouts, launched construction of 13,118 flats under 30 housing schemes, allotted more than 10,000 units, and undertaken rejuvenation of major lakes, including Bellandur, Varthur, and Chikkabanavara.
Administrative Reforms
On the administration front, Shivakumar, through commissioner Major P Manivannan, has sought to improve transparency in an authority long criticised for apathy and delays. BDA Sahaya, launched in August 2025, introduced a time-bound grievance redressal system. Until April 30 this year, it had recorded 4,797 complaints, conducted 54 open house meetings, heard 2,306 cases, and resolved 1,544 grievances.
Expert Opinions on Retained Control
“The Greater Bengaluru Development portfolio is important administratively, but BDA and BMRDA are where key planning and execution powers rest,” said Prof G Harikumar, urban affairs expert. “These agencies control land, layouts, infrastructure corridors, and long-term urban growth. Retaining them ensures continuity in major projects. It also provides both financial and political visibility.” Infrastructure analyst Ramesh Babu said retaining BDA allows Shivakumar to directly oversee projects involving land acquisition, financing, inter-agency coordination, and long-term planning. Urban planner CN Karumbaiah said BMRDA’s importance would only increase as Bengaluru expands into its peripheral regions. “BMRDA’s decisions on housing, industry, commercial hubs, and transport corridors will shape the metropolitan region for decades,” he said.
Political Angle
There is a political angle as well, say Congress functionaries pointing to the internal power structure within BDA. Congress legislator NA Haris serves as BDA chairman and is regarded as a senior figure in Bengaluru politics. They say transferring BDA to the Greater Bengaluru development minister could have created an unusual administrative arrangement, with the authority’s chairman functioning under a minister perceived as junior in political seniority. Shivakumar’s decision to retain BDA, therefore, is seen by some as a move that avoids potential issues of hierarchy while ensuring continuity in decision-making.
