Karnataka cabinet approves 'Greater Bengaluru: Major Civic Overhaul Begins from May 15

May 14, 2025
Karnataka cabinet approves 'Greater Bengaluru: Major Civic Overhaul Begins from May 15

In a landmark move to revamp Bengaluru’s civic governance, the Karnataka government approves BBMP rebranding as "Greater Bengaluru" which will come into effect on May 15. The Act marks the end of the existing BBMP Act, 2021, and introduces a new framework to transform urban administration, improve service delivery, and decentralize governance.


Key Highlights

  1. New Act: GBGA, 2024 replaces the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Act.
  2. Effective Date: The rebranding and structural change take effect from May 15, 2025.
  3. Administrative Change: BBMP to be split into multiple corporations, up to seven, under a unified framework.
  4. Governing Authority: A new Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will oversee city-wide planning and coordination.
  5. Chief Minister-led Oversight: GBA to be chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
  6. Decentralization Drive: Each corporation may have independent budgets and leadership.
  7. New Civic Norms: Introduction of heritage conservation, mobility plans, and stronger ward committees.


A New Era in Urban Governance


The Karnataka Cabinet’s approval of the Greater Bengaluru rebranding is not just symbolic—it signals a deep structural reform aimed at handling the growing complexity of urban Bengaluru. With over 709 sq km of jurisdiction and a rapidly expanding population, the current BBMP model has been widely criticized for its inefficiencies and over-centralization.

By enabling the formation of up to seven separate city corporations, the government aims to create a more localized and responsive administrative system. Each corporation will be able to focus more closely on the unique challenges of its jurisdiction.


Role of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)


One of the most significant outcomes of the Act is the creation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). This overarching body will:

  1. Coordinate infrastructure projects
  2. Manage urban planning and land use
  3. Oversee mobility and transport development
  4. Unify public service delivery among the new corporations

The GBA will be chaired by the Chief Minister, making it a high-level body with significant executive authority.


Transition Period & Leadership


During the transition:

  1. An administrator will oversee the division process.
  2. The current BBMP commissioner will continue to lead the civic body under the new legal structure.
  3. Detailed implementation guidelines will be released in the GBGA notification on May 15.


Opposition & Legal Challenge


Despite its broad scope, the GBGA has faced political and civil resistance:

  1. Opposition parties, including the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular), staged walkouts, citing a violation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which mandates devolution to urban local bodies.
  2. Critics argue the Act centralizes power under the state government, reducing the autonomy of civic institutions.
  3. Bengaluru Town Hall, a prominent citizen group, has announced plans to challenge the Act in the Supreme Court, alleging it undermines the spirit of federalism in urban governance.


The rebranding of BBMP to Greater Bengaluru under the GBGA, 2024, is more than a cosmetic change it’s a foundational shift in the way Bengaluru will be governed in the coming decades. The new legislation promises localized governance, strategic planning, and citizen-centric services, all while grappling with the challenges of political consensus and constitutional scrutiny.

As India’s tech capital evolves, so must its governance. Whether the Greater Bengaluru model becomes a blueprint for other megacities or a cautionary tale depends on how effectively the Act is implemented and received by its citizens.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA), 2024?

It’s a new law replacing the BBMP Act, aimed at restructuring civic governance in Bengaluru by creating multiple corporations and a central planning authority.


2. When will the GBGA come into effect?

The Act will be enforced from May 15, 2025, as per the official notification.


3. Will the BBMP cease to exist?

The BBMP, as a name, may continue, but its existing structure under the 2021 Act will be dissolved and restructured under the new GBGA framework.


4. How many corporations will Bengaluru be split into?

The Act allows for up to seven corporations, though the exact number is yet to be finalized.


5. What is the role of the Greater Bengaluru Authority?

The GBA will handle high-level planning, inter-agency coordination, infrastructure execution, and policy implementation across all city corporations.


Stay tuned to Proppulse.ai for the latest updates on Bengaluru’s transformation and other key civic developments across India.