Karnataka CM seeks ₹22,400 crore drought relief; Bengaluru Metro expansion in memorandum to PM Modi

The memorandum outlines Karnataka's infrastructure and agricultural priorities while calling for stronger cooperation between the Centre and the State. Shivakumar emphasised that timely approvals, equitable financial arrangements and policy reforms were essential to address the State's development requirements and economic challenges.

A major focus of the memorandum is the financing of Metro rail projects. Shivakumar has sought a more balanced financial partnership between the Union and State governments, including shared responsibility for operational losses and foreign exchange risks associated with international borrowings. He also called for affordable long-term financing, faster project approvals and realistic cost assessments reflecting the requirements of individual cities. The Chief Minister proposed establishing a National Technical Institution for Metros to improve planning and implementation standards.

For Bengaluru, Shivakumar sought early approval for Metro Phase 3A, particularly the proposed Sarjapur-Hebbal Red Line, which is expected to improve connectivity between major residential areas, commercial centres and employment corridors. The proposed route is also intended to strengthen access towards the airport and reduce pressure on the city's congested road network.

Another significant proposal concerns double-decker infrastructure combining elevated Metro corridors with road infrastructure. Shivakumar urged the Centre to permit such projects wherever they are technically feasible, economically justified and compliant with safety requirements. He indicated that Karnataka was prepared to bear the additional expenditure involved in developing these integrated transport corridors.

On the agricultural front, the Chief Minister sought the immediate approval and release of ₹22,400.58 crore in assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to address the consequences of severe drought conditions. The requested financial support is intended to help farmers affected by crop losses and address drinking water shortages and fodder scarcity in drought-hit areas.

Shivakumar also raised the demands of sugarcane growers, urging the Union government to review pricing policies in response to rising cultivation costs. He highlighted farmers' demand for ₹5,500 per tonne against the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹3,650 for the 2026-27 season. The memorandum called for a revision of the minimum selling price of sugar and broader policy reforms that take into account revenue generated from ethanol production and other sugarcane by-products.

The Chief Minister argued that pricing mechanisms should adequately reflect the economic contribution of farmers and ensure that they receive a fair share of the value generated throughout the sugar industry.

The sixth major issue concerns the proposed Eco-Sensitive Area notification for the Western Ghats under the Kasturirangan Report. Shivakumar requested the Union government to reconsider the notification, conduct a detailed ground-level survey and consult Karnataka before taking further decisions. He stressed the importance of balancing environmental conservation with the livelihoods of communities residing in the region.

The Western Ghats issue has remained sensitive because of concerns among residents about the potential impact of environmental restrictions on agriculture, settlements and other livelihood activities. Karnataka has sought greater consultation in determining the extent and implementation of conservation measures.

Concluding his memorandum, Shivakumar expressed hope that the Union government would respond positively to the State's demands. He reiterated Karnataka's willingness to work constructively with the Centre to accelerate infrastructure development, protect farmers' interests and safeguard the economic security of its people.

The memorandum places Bengaluru's rapidly expanding infrastructure requirements alongside Karnataka's agricultural and environmental concerns, seeking coordinated policy decisions and financial support from the Union government.