Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to seek substantial central government funding for critical infrastructure and irrigation projects across the state. During the meeting on July 31, 2026, Shivakumar formally presented a detailed appeal, emphasizing the urgent need for financial assistance to address Bengaluru's rapidly expanding infrastructure requirements and to accelerate key agricultural development initiatives. A significant portion of the request, amounting to ₹36,950 crore, is earmarked for a proposed tunnel project in Bengaluru, aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. Furthermore, Shivakumar highlighted the necessity of securing ₹53,000 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the Upper Bhadra Project, a crucial irrigation scheme designed to provide water security to drought-prone regions of Karnataka. The Deputy CM underscored Bengaluru's substantial contribution as the second-highest tax generator for the national exchequer, arguing that the city has not received adequate financial support in return, particularly in the recent Union budget. He also reiterated a past request for a GIFT City-like development in Bengaluru, which had not been favorably considered previously. Prime Minister Modi reportedly assured Shivakumar that the matter regarding the Upper Bhadra project would be addressed in an upcoming Cabinet meeting. This appeal is a critical step in Karnataka's efforts to secure central government partnership for its ambitious development agenda, aiming to bolster urban infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens, marking a strategic shift towards cooperative engagement to secure central funds.
