Bengaluru City University to be Renamed After Former PM Manmohan Singh

In a major move to honour the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Bengaluru City University after him. The decision is seen as a tribute to Singh’s pivotal contributions to the city’s development, especially in the areas of urban infrastructure and education.

Why in News?

On July 2, 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet passed a resolution to rename Bengaluru City University in honour of former PM Manmohan Singh. The decision commemorates his lasting impact on Bengaluru’s infrastructure through several key initiatives undertaken during his tenure.

Key Contributions by Dr. Manmohan Singh to Bengaluru

Urban Infrastructure

• Laid the foundation stone for the Bangalore-Electronic City Elevated Highway on June 24, 2006.
• Oversaw the six-laning of NH4 (Bengaluru-Nelamangala stretch) including a 4-km-long elevated corridor.

Bengaluru Metro

• On June 24, 2006, inaugurated the Bengaluru Metro project, worth ₹6,000 crore.
• Flagged off Namma Metro’s inaugural stretch on November 20, 2011, connecting Baiyappanahalli to MG Road.

Aviation

• Inaugurated Kempegowda International Airport on May 24, 2008 — now India’s third busiest airport with 37 million passengers in FY 2023–24.

Education & Academia

• Taught at Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) in 2017.
• Addressed IIM Bangalore students during the 1990s

North Campus Development – Phase 2

• The Karnataka Cabinet also approved ₹123.50 crore for Phase-2 development of Bangalore City University’s North Campus at Amaravati, Chikkaballapur district.
• Phase 1, worth ₹91 crore, already completed administrative and residential buildings.
• The Karnataka Housing Board will execute this phase using university and internal revenue department funds.