In a significant boost to Bengaluru's green cover, the Karnataka government has announced the development of a sprawling 65-acre tree park on the former New Government Electrical Factory (NGEF) land in Byappanahalli. This comes just a day after sanctioning Rs 50 crore for a 153-acre biodiversity park near Yelahanka.
A Phased Transformation for Public Access
Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, inspected the site on Saturday and directed officials to speed up the work. The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 37.7 crore, is being developed in four distinct stages: Phase 1, 1A, 1B, and Phase 2. The public will get its first glimpse when the initial phase opens in March 2025.
Patil confirmed that Rs 11.5 crore has already been released for Phase 1 works. He emphasized that no trees will be cut down for the park. The campus is already home to around 8,500 trees of various species, each slated to have its scientific name displayed.
Blending Heritage with Modern Amenities
The park design promises a rich blend of nature, recreation, and preserved heritage. Key features planned include:
- An entrance plaza and elevated walkways
- Cycling tracks and water features like cascades and fountains
- Children's play zones and pet-friendly areas
- Public toilets and essential infrastructure
Experts from the Indian Institute of Science have assessed the old NGEF structures as structurally sound. Consequently, the administrative buildings and industrial sheds will be refurbished and repurposed instead of being demolished.
Beyond the Park: A Hub for Innovation and Community
The vision for the 105-acre former NGEF plot extends beyond the 65-acre tree park. The state plans a comprehensive redevelopment to create a multi-utility hub for the city's east.
Major ancillary projects include:
- A multi-level parking facility for 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles on 4.5 acres outside the compound.
- Two large convention centres inside old motor sheds, each seating at least 15,000 people.
- An innovation centre named Innoverse by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) for startups.
- A Rs 100 crore technology innovation museum by the IT-BT department.
- Phase 1B (Rs 26.2 crore) will add an observation tower, an amphitheatre, and more walkways.
- Phase 2 will transform old sheds into a sports hub, arts centre, community hall, and food court via PPP.
The minister clarified that no shopping mall will be built within the premises. NGEF, established in 1956, was a leading electrical equipment manufacturer before shutting down in 2002 due to financial woes.
Meanwhile, the newly sanctioned 153-acre Vishwa Guru Basavanna Biodiversity Park in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka is set to become Bengaluru's third-largest green space, after Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.
