Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, laid foundation stones, and flagged off various development projects worth over ₹15,600 crore in Bengaluru, Karnataka on November 13, 2026. The projects span connectivity and energy security infrastructure, aimed at strengthening Karnataka's development trajectory and reinforcing Bengaluru's identity as a technology hub.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects
The Bengaluru Metro's new Pink Line was dedicated, significantly improving connectivity to IIM Bengaluru, educational institutions, and major business, technology, and commercial hubs across the city. The Namma Metro network has expanded from just 17 kilometers in 2014 to over 100 kilometers today, making Bengaluru the third Indian city after Delhi-NCR and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to cross the 100-kilometer metro milestone.
Railway Developments
Indian Railways is modernizing with Vande Bharat trains and Amrit Bharat stations, including over 60 stations in Karnataka such as Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur, and Subrahmanya Road. These stations offer special amenities for senior citizens and Divyangjans. Karnataka received a new Vande Bharat train connecting the state with Goa, following the state's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train received just days earlier. The railway budget for Karnataka has seen a ninefold increase over the past 10-12 years.
Energy Security Projects
Three key energy projects were highlighted: the Mangaluru LPG Project adding 80,000 metric tonnes of storage capacity, the Devangonthi Marketing Terminal streamlining petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel supply, and the Bengaluru CBG plant producing 13 tonnes of biogas daily. The CBG plant is expected to improve waste management and reduce natural gas import costs.
Renewable Energy and Solar Initiatives
India's renewable energy capacity has exceeded 300 gigawatts nationwide. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 60 lakh households nationwide have installed rooftop solar plants with Central assistance of approximately ₹80,000 per family, including more than 40,000 families in Karnataka. Under the PM KUSUM Yojana, irrigation through over 8 lakh solar pumps is being arranged for Karnataka's farmers to reduce power costs and generate new income.
Economic and Social Context
The Prime Minister emphasized that infrastructure development and improved connectivity create new avenues for progress, employment, and industry, contributing to poverty reduction with nearly 50 crore citizens emerging from extreme poverty in recent years. The government is focusing on expanding the middle class and creating a new Aspirational Class through measures such as exempting annual income up to ₹12 lakh from income tax, revising TDS rules for senior citizens and rental earners, and abolishing GST on personal health and life insurance to make insurance more affordable.