Karnataka CM directs identification of five cities for industrial growth

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has tasked government officials with identifying five additional cities for industrial development, signalling the state's strategy to distribute economic growth beyond its capital city Bengaluru. The directive reflects efforts to unlock investment opportunities in tier-two and tier-three cities while reducing concentration of industrial activity in the tech hub.

The move comes as Karnataka seeks to leverage its established manufacturing base and infrastructure advantages beyond Bengaluru's congested urban landscape. By designating new industrial zones across the state, the government aims to attract factories, warehouses, and logistics operations that have traditionally gravitated towards the capital.

The identification process will likely evaluate factors including existing connectivity, proximity to transport networks, availability of skilled labour, and land accessibility. Officials are expected to prioritize cities with strategic geographic locations and development potential.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by state governments across India to encourage industrial decentralization and ease urban congestion. Karnataka's push could create employment opportunities in secondary cities while supporting sustainable urban development patterns across the state.