BDA invites global tender for Revised Master Plan – 2041

Bengaluru

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has announced a global tender seeking the services of a professional agency to prepare the Revised Master Plan-2041 (RMP-2041) for the Bengaluru City Local Planning Area. The initiative aims to provide a long-term vision for the city’s urban growth and development.

According to the notification issued by the BDA, the selected agency will be engaged through an e-tender process to provide expertise in framing the revised plan. Tender documents outlining eligibility criteria, scope of work, and other conditions are available on the state government’s e-procurement portal. Interested agencies must submit their bids by September 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. on www.kppp.karnataka.gov.in. The BDA has reserved the right to reject any or all proposals without assigning reasons.

Master Plans serve as the guiding blueprint for a city’s development over two decades, laying down policies on land use, transport, housing, environment, infrastructure, and zoning regulations. Bengaluru’s rapid growth has placed unprecedented stress on its urban infrastructure, making the upcoming RMP-2041 critical for sustainable planning.

Earlier, the Revised Master Plan-2015 (RMP-2015) had provided a roadmap for the city, but its goals were only partially achieved due to rapid population growth and unregulated expansion. The subsequent RMP-2031, which was drafted in 2017, faced widespread criticism and public objections for failing to adequately address environmental concerns, mobility, and citizen participation. As a result, RMP-2031 was never formally approved.

The new RMP-2041 is therefore expected to correct past shortcomings and introduce a more inclusive, forward-looking approach that balances economic development with ecological sustainability.

Key challenges ahead

Urban experts note that the revised plan must address pressing challenges, including:

• Traffic Congestion & Mobility: Bengaluru’s road infrastructure remains under severe strain despite metro expansion. Integrating mass transit, non-motorised transport, and last-mile connectivity will be crucial.
• Water and Environment: With lakes disappearing and groundwater levels falling, ensuring water security and protecting ecological zones will be a top priority.
• Affordable Housing: Rising real-estate prices and encroachments have marginalized low-income groups. RMP-2041 is expected to include provisions for inclusive housing.
• Governance & Implementation: Past master plans often failed at the execution stage due to weak coordination among civic bodies. Experts stress that RMP-2041 should incorporate clear accountability mechanisms.

Public expectations

Citizens and civic groups in Bengaluru have long demanded that urban planning be more participatory. Many are urging the BDA to ensure transparency and community involvement in the drafting process, unlike previous plans that were criticized for being prepared behind closed doors.

Urban planners argue that a truly effective master plan must move beyond traditional zoning and instead focus on resilience, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.