Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that a total of ₹203 crore is set aside for projects honouring Bengaluru’s founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.
Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, he said ₹103 crore has been reserved for the development and restoration of all Kempegowda memorials, while ₹100 crore has been set aside for establishing a College of Urban Design in Kempegowda’s name.
Mr. Shivakumar informed that nearly 50% of the restoration work at Magadi Fort has been completed. “To ensure better coordination, a dedicated committee will be formed. At Kempegowda’s samadhi site, 10 acres of land is being acquired, and about 90 per cent of the process is complete. Funds have been earmarked for this as well,” he stated.
He further said that the proposed Urban Design College will accommodate around 300 students. The government is in discussions with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) to adopt its curriculum. For the Kempegowda Bhavan coming up on five acres near Sumanahalli, architects have been invited to submit innovative designs.
Highlighting Bengaluru’s growing demand for urban planners, Mr. Shivakumar said students graduating from the college will be considered for employment in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and municipal bodies. The Urban Development Department, Kempegowda Authority, and GBA will jointly fund the initiative.
He further announced that Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing a theme park near the Kempegowda statue at the Bengaluru airport.
Published – October 04, 2025 11:42 pm IST
