The Karnataka government has unveiled plans to create India’s first and largest artificial intelligence-powered township, the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT), located at Bidadi, approximately 30 km from Bengaluru city. Spanning 9,000 acres, including a dedicated 2,000 acres for AI industries and ancillary businesses, the township is designed as Bengaluru’s second central business district (CBD).
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the project will follow a ‘work-live-play’ model, integrating residential, commercial, and green spaces, with completion targeted within three years. The township aims to decongest Bengaluru by shifting business activities outside the city and promises to generate lakhs of jobs, especially prioritising employment for Karnataka’s youth through a ‘local-first employment policy.’
The government has earmarked over Rs 20,000 crore to fund land acquisition, infrastructure, and development of the township.
Vision of a Smart, Sustainable City
GBIT has been thoughtfully designed to blend cutting-edge technology with sustainability. It will feature wide arterial roads, including a 300-metre business corridor connecting multiple national highways such as NH-209 and NICE Road, ensuring smooth connectivity. Over 1,100 acres will be reserved for parks, green spaces, and rejuvenation of water bodies, including the restoration of the iconic Bairamangala Lake through an investment of around Rs 750–1,000 crore.
The township envisions zero-carbon emissions, zero waste, and zero traffic congestion, supported by AI-powered management of traffic, energy, water, and waste systems. Public transport, including links to Bangalore Metro Phase-3 and suburban rail, will be prioritised. Skill centres will be established to prepare local youth for emerging AI-driven jobs, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and a technologically advanced lifestyle.
Land Acquisition and Farmer Engagement
Land acquisition for the project covers nine villages and roughly 8,500 acres, of which approximately 6,700 acres are privately owned. Anticipating protests and resistance, the Karnataka government has introduced a transparent, digitised land acquisition process intended to treat farmers as partners rather than mere stakeholders.
Compensation packages include payouts ranging from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2.5 crore per acre based on land type, along with a 50:50 scheme offering developed land in return for land left with the government. Additionally, annual grants will support farmers’ livelihoods from notification until final compensation or land allotment, combined with tax exemptions and job and education reservations to support affected families. The government also plans to upgrade villages within the notified area with smart city amenities like modern healthcare, education, underground electricity, and parks.
Despite these efforts, farmers have staged protests seeking fairer compensation, with the Deputy Chief Minister underscoring legal compliance and refusing land de-notification, stressing the importance of honouring agreements timely with payouts within 30 days of acquisition closure.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township is an ambitious leap into an AI-driven future, promising sustainability, job creation, and enhanced urban living. It showcases a vision aligned with empathy and coexistence, where technology and environment can harmoniously coalesce for the public good.
However, The Logical Indian believes that successful implementation depends not only on advanced technology and infrastructure but also on maintaining open, transparent dialogue with landowners and the surrounding communities. Ensuring fair compensation and genuine partnership with farmers remains essential to prevent social friction and build a shared vision of growth.
