Karnataka Budget 2026: Key Highlights
The Karnataka Budget for 2026-27 was presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 6, 2026, outlining significant allocations aimed at regional development and infrastructure improvements.
One of the major proposals includes a ₹5,000-crore action plan for the development of the Kalyana Karnataka region, funded through the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB). This initiative aims to address regional imbalances and enhance local infrastructure.
As part of this effort, the budget allocates ₹200 crore for the construction of 1,668 anganwadi buildings in Kalyana Karnataka. Additionally, new residential first-grade colleges are proposed in four districts at a cost of ₹18 crore, further supporting educational development in the region.
Infrastructure development is also a key focus, with plans to develop the Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram Metro Station at a cost of ₹450 crore. Furthermore, the budget proposes the completion of 41 km of additional metro lines under Namma Metro in the upcoming fiscal year.
Healthcare initiatives include the establishment of a 1,000-bed charitable super-speciality hospital at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation. This facility aims to enhance healthcare access for the population.
In response to ongoing flooding issues in Bengaluru, a five-year disaster management programme worth ₹5,000 crore has been proposed to mitigate future risks. Additionally, the budget includes a ₹6,939 crore allocation for the Cauvery Phase-VI water supply project, supported by assistance from JICA.
The budget also addresses social issues by proposing the establishment of 10 working women’s hostels for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in major cities, including Bengaluru. Moreover, ₹5 crore has been allocated for the establishment of a Minority Development and Training Centre in Kengeri.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the effectiveness of the KKRDB in supplementing development versus substituting regular sectoral spending. However, the budget reflects a commitment to addressing various social and infrastructural needs across Karnataka.
