Bengaluru, 8 July

Karnataka has set a target of attracting 500 new Global Capability Centres (GCCs), generating 3.5 lakh high-quality jobs and creating $50 billion in economic output by 2029 as part of its next phase of innovation-led growth.

Speaking at ‘Katalyst Connect: The Chief Minister’s Meet with Global Capability Centre Leaders’, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the government was also considering establishing an AI university and had sought industry suggestions.

Shivakumar reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating an ecosystem where businesses can innovate, access world-class talent and scale globally. He said more than 200 GCC leaders attended the meeting, seeking better mobility, centres of excellence, stronger research collaboration and growth beyond Bengaluru.

The government plans to encourage GCCs to expand into tier-II and tier-III cities, including Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Dharwad, by offering cheaper land, infrastructure support and double the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for projects creating employment.

He noted that Bengaluru hosts more than 35 per cent of India's GCCs and said Karnataka would strengthen policies to remain the preferred destination for global firms. 

500km of metro 

Shivakumar also outlined an ambitious mobility roadmap, including expanding Bengaluru's Metro network to 500 km. With nearly 30,000 vehicles added every month, he said traffic remained a key challenge, adding that the State was investing Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Bengaluru's infrastructure.

The government is also building a 40-km tunnel road in Bengaluru, which will be discussed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting, and an order will be issued as soon as possible. “Along with these, we have planned a 44-km double-decker flyover project. We have planned a 133-km flyover project. We are also constructing a 123-km Bengaluru Business Corridor,” he said.