Bangalore’s Lalbagh to unveil 25‑acre park modeled on Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay

The Karnataka government has approved a 25‑acre addition to Bangalore’s historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, drawing design cues from Singapore’s celebrated Gardens by the Bay, The Hindu reported. The new enclave will feature a series of climate‑controlled conservatories, elevated walkways and signature “Supertree”‑like structures that blend horticulture with modern architecture. Officials say the project aims to boost the city’s green footprint while offering visitors a fresh, immersive experience.

Construction is slated to begin later this year, with an estimated budget of several hundred crore rupees. Landscape architects from a consortium of Indian and Singaporean firms have been tapped to translate the tropical aesthetic into a setting suited to Bengaluru’s climate. The plan includes water‑recycling systems, solar‑powered lighting and a mix of native and exotic plant species, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of the development.

Lalbagh, established in 1760 and later expanded under the British, is one of India’s oldest botanical institutions, attracting millions of tourists annually. Over the decades, the garden has evolved from a private estate to a public haven for recreation, research and education. The upcoming expansion reflects a broader push by Indian cities to modernise public spaces, a trend that gained momentum after the success of projects like Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses and Hyderabad’s KBR National Park revitalisation.

Gardens by the Bay, opened in 2012, has become a global benchmark for integrating high‑tech design with environmental stewardship. Its iconic Supertrees and cooled conservatories have inspired numerous urban park projects worldwide. By emulating this model, Bangalore hopes to position Lalbagh as a contemporary tourist magnet while preserving its legacy of botanical conservation.

The new garden is expected to generate employment for local horticulturists, artisans and service staff, and could stimulate ancillary businesses such as cafés, souvenir shops and guided tour operators. City planners also anticipate that the attraction will draw additional domestic and international visitors, supporting Karnataka’s tourism objectives.

Once completed, the extension will join Lalbagh’s existing attractions – the glass house, the historic lake and the centuries‑old tree‑lined avenues – offering a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. The project underscores the state’s commitment to expanding urban green spaces in line with global best practices, a priority that aligns with India’s broader climate and biodiversity goals.