Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital and largest city of Karnataka, India. It is a major economic and technological hub, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India" due to its role in the information technology (IT) sector. The city covers an area of 741 square kilometres and has a population of over 8.4 million as per the 2011 Census, making it the third most populous city in India. The metropolitan area has a population of around 10.5 million.

The city was founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I and has a long history under various South Indian dynasties, including the Western Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire. During the British rule, Bengaluru developed into a major administrative and military centre. Post-independence, it became the capital of Karnataka in 1956.

Bengaluru has a diverse economy, with industries in IT, biotechnology, aerospace, and manufacturing. It also has major institutions for education and research, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and several universities. The city has a tropical savanna climate and is known for its parks and lakes. It has a well-developed transport system, including an international airport, metro, and extensive road networks.

• Population Growth: Bangalore's population has reached approximately 12.35 million in 2025, increasing significantly from 8.4 million in 2011.
• Metro Expansion: The Namma Metro's Yellow Line, connecting Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road to Bommasandra, is set to begin operations in April 2025.
• Pink Line Development: The Pink Line, stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, is expected to open in phases, with the first section operational by December 2025.
• Blue Line Progress: The Blue Line, which will provide direct metro connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport, is projected to be operational by June 2026.
• New Entertainment Hub: A popular international entertainment chain, Dave & Buster's, is opening its first Indian location in Bangalore in February 2025.
• Economic Growth: In 2025, Bangalore continues to lead India's economic transformation with major advancements in digital learning and vocational training programs.
• Historical Significance: Founded in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has developed into a major technological and cultural centre.
• Cultural Diversity: Known as the "Garden City" and "Silicon Valley of India," Bangalore combines a rich cultural heritage with a thriving technology industry.
• Transportation Infrastructure: The city's metro system is expanding rapidly, improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion across key areas.
• Climate: Bangalore remains known for its pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures throughout the year, making it one of India's most liveable cities.

Bangalore is governed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which manages the city's civic infrastructure and services. The BBMP was formed in 2007 by merging the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike with seven city municipal councils, one town municipal council, and 111 village panchayats. It covers an area of 741 square kilometres and is divided into ten zones and 243 wards. Each ward elects a councillor, and the mayor is elected by the councillors. However, since 2020, BBMP has been under the administration of a government-appointed administrator.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) oversees city planning and urban development, while the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) manages the larger metropolitan area. The city’s law and order are maintained by the Bangalore City Police (BCP), which operates under the Karnataka Police Department. The Karnataka High Court, located in Bangalore, is the highest judicial authority in the state.

Bangalore is represented in four parliamentary constituencies and elects 28 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The Vidhana Soudha houses the state government, and various ministries operate from the Vikasa Soudha. The city also has a dedicated traffic police force, the Bangalore City Traffic Police (BCTP), to manage traffic congestion.

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a major economic hub in India, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. As of 2023, the city's metropolitan area had an estimated GDP of $359.9 billion, making it one of the most productive regions in the country. The economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as information technology (IT), biotechnology, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing.

The IT industry is a cornerstone of Bangalore's economy, with the city often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India." In 2024, IT exports from Bangalore were valued at approximately $64 billion, accounting for more than one-third of India's total IT exports. The city hosts numerous technology parks, including Electronic City and International Tech Park, which house a multitude of IT companies.

Biotechnology is another vital sector, with Bangalore being home to over 40 biotech companies. In the fiscal year 2021–22, the biotech industry in the city was valued at nearly $25 billion. The presence of esteemed institutions and research facilities has fostered growth in this domain.

Manufacturing also plays a significant role, with industries spanning automobiles, textiles, and heavy machinery. State-owned enterprises like Bharat Electronics Limited and BEML Limited are headquartered in Bangalore, producing a range of products from aerospace components to heavy equipment.

In February 2025, the Karnataka Global Investor Meet secured investment commitments totaling ?10.27 lakh crore (approximately $118.26 billion), with a substantial portion directed towards Bangalore. These investments are expected to generate over 600,000 jobs, further bolstering the city's economic landscape. Additionally, the unveiling of the Industrial Policy 2025-30 aims to create two million jobs by 2029 and attract ?7.5 lakh crore (approximately $86.31 billion) in investments, focusing on sectors like electronics system design and advanced manufacturing.

Infrastructure developments, such as the ongoing construction of the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway and expansions of the Namma Metro, are poised to enhance connectivity and support economic growth. These projects aim to reduce travel times and improve transportation efficiency, benefiting both businesses and residents.

Bangalore has a dynamic business environment driven by its strong technology sector, industrial base, and startup ecosystem. It is home to over 13,000 startups, making it India’s startup capital. The city has a strong presence of global technology companies, including multinational corporations that have set up Global Capability Centers (GCCs) for research, development, and innovation.

The information technology (IT) sector dominates the business landscape, contributing to over 35% of India’s IT exports. Business hubs such as Electronic City, Manyata Tech Park, and International Tech Park house companies in software services, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The biotechnology sector has also expanded, with Bangalore housing over 40 biotech firms and research institutions.

The manufacturing industry, including aerospace and automobile production, plays a key role in the city’s economy. Bangalore is home to state-owned enterprises like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), along with private industrial zones.

Infrastructure developments such as the Namma Metro expansion and Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway support business growth by improving transport and logistics. The government’s Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025-30 aims to attract investments in electronics, renewable energy, and semiconductor industries, strengthening Bangalore’s position as a business hub.

Bangalore is one of India’s fastest-growing cities, with significant infrastructure developments in transportation, utilities, and urban planning.

Transportation

Bangalore has an extensive road network, including the Outer Ring Road and the Inner Ring Road, which improve connectivity within the city. National Highways such as NH-44, NH-48, and NH-75 link Bangalore to major cities. The Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway, operational since 2023, has reduced travel time, while the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is under construction to improve connectivity between the two metro regions.

Public transport is managed by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), operating over 6,000 buses across various routes. The Namma Metro rapid transit system is expanding with the Yellow Line expected to be operational by late 2024, the Pink Line between 2025 and 2026, and the Blue Line linking the city to Kempegowda International Airport by 2026. The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is also in progress, aiming to improve commuter rail services with 57 modern stations.

Utilities

Water supply in Bangalore is managed by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), primarily sourcing water from the Cauvery River. Despite this, the city faces periodic water shortages due to increasing demand. Electricity is supplied by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), and efforts are underway to transition overhead power lines to underground systems to improve reliability.

Urban Development

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) oversees urban planning, including residential layouts and commercial zones. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) manages civic services, such as road maintenance, public health, and waste management.

Challenges and Future Projects

Bangalore faces challenges like traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure due to rapid urbanisation. To address these, major projects such as double-decker flyovers and tunnel roads are planned. The state government has allocated significant funds for infrastructure projects aimed at improving the city’s transport, utilities, and public spaces.

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a major technology hub in India, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India." The city hosts numerous technology parks that accommodate a wide range of IT and software companies. Notable among these is the International Tech Park Bangalore (ITPB), established in 1998 in Whitefield, which spans 42 acres and houses several multinational corporations. Another significant facility is Manyata Embassy Business Park, spread over 424 acres in Nagavara, hosting over 150 companies and tens of thousands of professionals daily. Bagmane Tech Park, located in CV Raman Nagar, is known for its modern infrastructure and is home to companies like Dell, Ericsson, and EY. Additionally, Prestige Tech Park on Sarjapur-Marathahalli Outer Ring Road accommodates firms such as Cisco, JP Morgan, and Capgemini.

The city's technology landscape is further enriched by research institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which offers advanced research facilities and contributes significantly to scientific and technological advancements. The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is another premier institution focusing on multidisciplinary research in science and engineering. The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is dedicated to research in artificial intelligence and robotics for defence applications.

In recent developments, German optical technology firm Carl Zeiss AG inaugurated its first global capability centre in Bengaluru in November 2024, aiming to double its local workforce to 5,000 within three years. This centre focuses on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network operations, underscoring Bengaluru's appeal to global technology companies.

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