The defunct New Government Electrical Factory's (NGEF) 105-acre land at Byappanahalli in eastern Bengaluru is set to be transformed into a 70-acre tree park.
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), which is executing the project, plans to develop the park in two phases. In the first phase of the project, 15 acres will be developed. The work order for the first phase has been recently awarded to SR Construction Company at a cost of Rs 10.9 crore.
"The work will commence in a few days," said an official.
The officials said the proposed park would incorporate the existing greenery, preserve natural trees and also add walkways and recreational spaces. “The facilities will include an entrance plaza with a coffee shop, seating and waiting areas, a food court, water front, a children’s play area, a pet zone, restrooms, benches, and dedicated paths for cycling and walking,” said an official.
Also, read: Bengaluru: NGEF land in Byappanahalli to get 105-acre tree park, readymade work-space with Wi-Fi facility
The officials said that the park’s design lays emphasis on sustainability, aiming to retain the site’s ecological balance. “The project seeks to create a serene green space without disturbing the existing ecology or polluting the environment. The contractor has been instructed to avoid cutting or uprooting trees and to refrain from dumping construction materials. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed within six months,” the official added.
Earlier, the NGEF plot was considered for a 250-meter Skydeck proposed by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar. However, the project changed its scope due to airspace restrictions following objections raised by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Now, the focus has shifted to a land parcel in Hemmigepura along the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road.
Two-phase development
In the first phase, which includes the construction of an entrance gate, an entrance plaza, a sculpture court, a block for restrooms, a 1.4-kilometre (km)-long walkway, a food court, a waterfront, and a 450-metre-long elevated walkway. Additional features, such as a children’s play area, an outdoor gymnasium, a pet zone, and a watchtower, will follow.
Also, read: Bengaluru to get 250-metre Skydeck; DK Shivakumar finalises location
In the second phase, the focus will shift to constructing an innovation hub, a cultural centre, a nursery, a sports complex, a multipurpose theatre, and ready-to-use workspaces equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. “These additions aim to enhance the park’s utility as a community space and a tourist attraction,” said an official.
Karnataka’s Medium and Large-Scale Industries Minister MB Patil had said that the tree park would showcase Karnataka’s heritage while preserving the history of NGEF. He had maintained that industrial sheds in good condition would be retained to maintain the site’s historical character.
History of NGEF
Founded in 1956 through a collaboration with German partners, the NGEF was once a prominent manufacturer of pumps, switch gears, and transformers. However, the company ceased operations in 2002 due to financial difficulties. Initially, the NGEF spanned 240 acres, but portions of the land were later allocated to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited for the Byappanahalli Metro Station and depot.
In 2022, former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced plans for an Innovation Experience Museum at the NGEF campus under the "Experience Bengaluru Project". The state government had also established the Bengaluru Heritage and Environment Trust to preserve the NGEF site and other landmarks such as the Mysore Lamp Works in Malleswaram.
Also, read: Global AI Conclave: If 100 people come to Bengaluru, only 5 leave, says MB Patil
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