KHIR City Project Near Bengaluru Aims To Boost Economy With Rs 40,000 Crore Investment

The Karnataka government is gearing up to establish the ambitious Knowledge, Healthcare, Innovation, and Research (KHIR) City between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur, approximately 60 km from Bengaluru. 

This significant project is expected to be a game-changer for the state's economy and innovation landscape.

On 20 August, Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil chaired the inaugural meeting of the advisory board for the KHIR City initiative. 

During the meeting, Patil confirmed that the project will span 2,000 acres, with the first phase set to cover 500 acres. This initial phase is anticipated to be launched soon by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The advisory board members were presented with a comprehensive demonstration of the KHIR City plan, developed by the Bhumiputra Institute. 

Emphasising the project's transformative potential, Patil stated, "This is an unconventional project that will elevate Bengaluru's economy to new heights. The suggestions provided by the advisory committee members will be taken seriously."

The state government is targeting an investment influx of Rs 40,000 crore in healthcare, innovation, and knowledge sectors, to create 80,000 jobs within KHIR City. 

Although the project was initially slated for launch on 23 August, it has been postponed to September or October.

Officials from the Industries Department clarified that the delay is unrelated to controversies, such as the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Instead, the rescheduling is due to some foreign delegates, including investors and developers, being unable to attend the event on short notice. 

"KHIR City is envisioned as a landmark project that will revolutionise healthcare, education, and technology on a global scale. There are also plans to expand the project to 5,000 acres in the future," an official explained.

The project is set to focus on critical sectors like future mobility, semiconductors and advanced materials, aerospace, defence and space technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. 

It will be equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including leading national and international universities, hospitals, research institutes, and startups, all supported by world-class social infrastructure to foster a thriving community of innovators and researchers.

Several prominent advisory board members participated in the meeting, including Dr Devi Shetty, chairman of Narayana Health; Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw; Infosys board member Mohandas Pai; cardiologist Dr Vivek Jawali; Prashant Prakash, partner at Accel; Ranch Kimball, Trustee at Boston University, USA; Thomas Osha, executive vice president of Wexford Science & Technology; and Stephen Eckert, dean of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Austin.