Karnataka Budget 2026-27 Unveiled
On March 6, 2026, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Karnataka Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, highlighting a ₹5,000-crore action plan aimed at the Kalyana Karnataka region. This budget aims to address regional disparities and enhance local infrastructure.
Among the key initiatives, the budget allocates ₹200 crore for the construction of 1,668 anganwadi buildings in the Kalyana Karnataka region. This move is expected to improve early childhood education and health services in the area.
Furthermore, the budget proposes the establishment of new residential first-grade colleges in Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, and Koppal districts, with an estimated cost of ₹18 crore. This initiative aims to bolster educational opportunities for students in these regions.
In terms of infrastructure, the budget outlines a ₹450 crore investment for the development of the Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram Metro Station. This project is anticipated to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in Bengaluru.
Additionally, the budget includes plans for the white-topping of 158 km of roads at a cost of ₹1,700 crore, enhancing road durability and safety. The expansion of the Namma Metro network is also on the agenda, with 41 km of additional metro lines proposed for completion in the 2026-27 period.
In a notable social initiative, the budget introduces a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16, aiming to promote healthier digital habits among the youth.
Healthcare improvements are also addressed, with plans for a 1,000-bed charitable super-speciality hospital to be built at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation.
The Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), established under Article 371(J) of the Constitution, is central to these initiatives, focusing on targeted investments to rectify regional imbalances.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the effectiveness of the KKRDB in supplementing development versus substituting regular sectoral spending. The budget reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of the Kalyana Karnataka region while also enhancing infrastructure and social services across the state.
