To tackle emergency service delays in traffic-clogged central Bengaluru, the Central City Corporation announced the introduction of bike ambulances to help affected within the critical “golden hour” as part of its maiden budget 2026-27 on Friday, with broader emphasis on road infrastructure, healthcare expansion and market redevelopment while presenting a surplus budget.

Presenting its first budget, the corporation pegged total receipts at ₹3,427.34 crore and expenditure at ₹3,426.60 crore, projecting a marginal surplus of ₹78.65 lakh.

Healthcare expansion

Apart from focus on road infrastructure, with development works taking more than 60% of the budget, healthcare expansion was one of key focuses under the budget under the ‘Brand Bengaluru – Healthy Bengaluru’ initiative. An allocation of ₹40 crore has been made to upgrade seven maternity hospitals into 30-bed First Referral Unit (FRU) Community Health Centres (CHCs), and one hospital into a 50-bed FRU Urban Community Health Centre (UCHC) compliant with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).

In addition, a dedicated day-care centre, Vatsalya Mane, will be launched at Pobbatti Hospital for the rehabilitation and development of specially abled children. The corporation has also proposed shelter homes and protection centres for economically disadvantaged groups, alongside budgetary provisions for mental health services and advanced treatment through primary health centres. Under the Arogya Mitra initiative, ₹19 crore has been earmarked for setting up Smart Virtual Clinics across 22 locations.

Market infrastructure

Market infrastructure is another area of focus, with ₹90 crore allocated for redevelopment. Of this, ₹70 crore has been set aside for the redevelopment of Russell Market, while ₹20 crore will be used to upgrade other three markets, including K.R. Market, Johnson Market, and Kalasipalya Market. The corporation currently manages 112 markets with 4,772 shops and expects to generate ₹25 crore in rental income. 

The corporation, has also proposed a pilot project titled ‘Kirumalige – Shuddha Aahaara’ with a budget of ₹25 lakh. The scheme will focus on training street vendors under FSSAI guidelines and developing designated hygienic food zones in each ward.  

However, activist Vinay Sreenivasa, involved with urban poor, pourakarmikas and street vendors, said that the budget lacks a systemic approach to addressing issues such as housing and livelihoods. “For example, street vendor unions have been demanding budgetary allocations for Town Vending Committees and basic facilities in markets, but the budget instead proposes providing e-carts. There is also no mention of slum development or land rights for slum dwellers,” he said.

Cyber awareness

The corporation also announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) training in its schools, alongside a ‘Cyber Kavacha’ awareness campaign that will conduct ward-level workshops to protect citizens from cyber fraud and online scams. A hybrid pilot programme focusing on physical education, yoga, and mental wellness will be rolled out, with trained instructors conducting weekly sessions on yoga to help students manage exam stress, with active participants receiving official certification. The budget also proposes professional coaching in disciplines such as badminton, karate, cricket, and swimming.  

Focus on PPP mode

Mr. Sreenivasa said there was a strong emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs), owing to low revenues of the corporations, which he said was affected by the limited flow of grants from the Central government to cities.

Bike ambulances, homes for destitute senior citizens, skywalks, new bus shelters are all proposed to be taken up under PPP mode.