Karnataka to build 65-acre tree park on former New Government Electrical Factory land in Bengaluru | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: A day after the govt sanctioned Rs 50 crore for a 153-acre green space in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, it said a 65-acre tree park would be developed on the former New Govt Electrical Factory (NGEF) land in Byappanahalli. The first phase of this project will open to the public in March, and once developed, the park will become one of the largest green spaces in east Bengaluru. Of the 105 acres that earlier belonged to NGEF at Byappanahalli, 65 acres will be converted into a tree park. Minister for large and medium industries MB Patil inspected the land parcel Saturday and directed officials to expedite work and open it for public.The minister said the tree park is being developed in four stages — Phase 1, 1A, 1B, and Phase 2 — at an estimated cost of Rs 37.7 crore. He added that works under Phase 1A are expected to be completed within the next six months. The campus has around 8,500 trees of various species, with their scientific names displayed across the premises.Patil maintained that no trees will be felled for the project. He said a scientific assessment is under way to decide on the future management of eucalyptus trees on the campus. The govt has already released Rs 11.5 crore for Phase 1 works. The tree park will include an entrance plaza, elevated walkways, cycling tracks, water cascades, springs and fountains, children’s play zones, pet-friendly areas, public toilets, and other essential infrastructure.NGEF, established in 1956, was once a leading manufacturer of pumps, switchgears, transformers, and other electrical equipment. The factory shut down in 2002 because of financial losses and other factors.Citing an assessment by experts from the Indian Institute of Science, the minister said the administrative office buildings and industrial sheds on the NGEF premises are structurally sound. As the structures are strong, they will be refurbished and repurposed to meet current requirements.The state also plans to build a multi-level parking facility accommodating 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles on 4.5 acres of factory-owned land outside the compound. Two convention centres, each with a seating capacity of at least 15,000, will be developed inside the existing electric motor sheds to host conferences, seminars, ceremonies, and public events. In addition, the govt-run Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) will establish a startup incubation centre named Innoverse, offering dedicated workspace for entrepreneurs. The IT-BT department will also develop a technology innovation museum at the site at a cost of Rs 100 crore. An amount of Rs 26.2 crore is being spent under Phase 1B, which includes additional elevated walkways, an observation tower, renovation of the administrative block, and an open amphitheatre. Under Phase 2, the old industrial sheds from the factory’s operational period will be redeveloped into a sports hub, an arts and culture centre, a community hall, and a food court through a public–private partnership (PPP) model.The minister clarified that no shopping mall will be built inside the premises. He said only a small portion of land needed for the entrance gate falls under Namma Metro’s jurisdiction, and discussions will be held to secure it.The 153-acre Vishwa Guru Basavanna Biodiversity Park near Yelahanka, in the meantime, will be the third largest in Bengaluru, after Lalbagh Botanical Garden (240 acres) and Cubbon Park (197 acres).