Bengaluru, July 2: The Karnataka cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Bengaluru City University in honour of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, recognizing his significant contributions to the development of the state capital.
The decision highlights Dr. Singh’s instrumental role in launching major infrastructure projects that shaped the city's modern landscape. Notably, on June 24, 2006, during his tenure as Prime Minister, Singh laid the foundation stone for key projects, including the Bangalore–Electronic City Elevated Expressway — a critical corridor connecting the city to its booming IT and manufacturing hubs.
He also initiated the six-laning of the Bengaluru–Nelamangala stretch on National Highway 4, which featured a four-kilometre-long elevated section, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity for commuters.
Another landmark achievement under his leadership was the launch of Bengaluru’s Metro project. Singh laid its foundation in 2006 and later inaugurated the first operational stretch of Namma Metro from Baiyappanahalli to MG Road on November 20, 2011. The project was a joint venture between the state and central governments and carried an initial investment of ₹6,000 crore.
In 2008, Singh also inaugurated the Kempegowda International Airport, now India’s third busiest airport, handling more than 37 million passengers in FY 2023–24.
Beyond infrastructure, Singh maintained strong academic ties with the state. In 2017, he was invited to teach the first batch at the newly established Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE). He also addressed students of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) during their 16th convocation in the 1990s.
The renaming of Bengaluru City University is intended as a tribute to Singh’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in shaping Karnataka’s capital into a modern urban hub.
