Government rolls out B‑SMILE: A ₹7,000 crore vision to transform the city’s infrastructure
Bengaluru’s urban landscape is poised for a grand overhaul with the launch of Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B‑SMILE), a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) created by the Karnataka government to advance major infrastructure developments across the city. Approved in early May 2025, B‑SMILE brings together central funding, expert leadership, and corporate agility to tackle some of Bengaluru’s most pressing challenges.
Substantial capital, singular focus
Initially seeded with ₹7,000 crore, wholly allocated in the state budget, this fund marks a pivotal investment into the city’s infrastructure. The state will retain a 90 percent stake in B‑SMILE, while the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) holds the remaining 10 percent. Crucially, although public funding forms the backbone of the initiative, B‑SMILE is structured to welcome private investments for future projects.
Tackling big-ticket projects with precision
At the top of B‑SMILE’s agenda is the construction of approximately 40 kilometres of tunnel roads criss-crossing congested parts of the city—a flagship project championed by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar. Other high-profile initiatives include a sweeping network of flyovers and underpasses, roads along buffer zones of stormwater drains (rajkaluves), and a striking 250-meter skydeck intended both as a transportation enhancement and a tourist attraction.
Through this portfolio, B‑SMILE aims to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance urban mobility, and boost connectivity—all while integrating structures that double as civic amenities and city landmarks.
Governance: expertise meets execution
B‑SMILE’s governance model deviates from traditional bureaucratic setups. Its 10‑member board is headed by the additional chief secretary of the Urban Development Department, with the CEO being a full‑time IAS officer. Membership spans across senior functionaries including the BBMP chief commissioner (who acts as managing director), the mayor of Bengaluru, and commissioners from BDA and BWSSB. Complementing them, select private‑sector infrastructure experts and a woman professional specialising in urban development add depth and perspective to decision‑making.
This strategic assembly enables coordination across various civic agencies while maintaining nimble, professionally overseen execution processes—especially with provisions that potentially allow certain exemptions under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act to expedite delivery.
Clear demarcation of roles
While B‑SMILE will spearhead large-scale, long-term infrastructure projects, the BBMP will continue to manage routine civic functions such as pothole repairs, street lighting, and sanitation. This dual‑track model aligns operational efficiency with strategic vision. Expected structural reforms under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, may further bolster roles via the segmentation of BBMP into smaller, zone-based corporations.