In a major development concerning Bengaluru’s racecourse land, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) to vacate its current premises within two years and relocate operations to Kunigal Stud Farm in Tumakuru district. The announcement came after a high-level meeting with Urban Development Department officials, where the government reiterated its decision to repurpose the prime 100-acre racecourse land for public infrastructure and green development projects. The Chief Minister stressed that the relocation plan had been under discussion for years and now requires immediate execution.
Environmental planners are already exploring sustainable ways to redesign the racecourse land once BTC vacates it. Ideas include creating rainwater harvesting systems, biodiversity corridors, and public art spaces. Several NGOs have shown interest in partnering with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to develop and maintain sections of the proposed park. Such collaborations, experts believe, can reduce administrative burden while promoting civic engagement. “This transformation could redefine how Bengaluru approaches urban green policy,” said a conservationist, adding that proper oversight will be crucial to prevent commercialization.
At the same time, BTC members are preparing to negotiate for adequate compensation and logistical support. They argue that the transition must respect the club’s historical value and the livelihoods it sustains. The club’s managing committee has sought a detailed timeline and funding assistance for building new facilities in Kunigal. They have also requested government mediation with the Mysore Race Club to ensure smooth integration. Despite disagreements, both sides have expressed willingness to cooperate if mutual interests are safeguarded.
As discussions advance, the racecourse’s fate symbolizes a broader story about Bengaluru’s evolution. Once a city defined by leisure and greenery, it now stands at the crossroads of modernization and heritage preservation. The government’s decision to reclaim the racecourse land could either rejuvenate the city’s ecological balance or spark a prolonged legal and social battle. In the end, the outcome will depend on how transparently the process unfolds, how inclusively citizens are involved, and whether the government can transform its promise of a “people’s park” into lasting reality.
Long-Pending Issue Nears Conclusion
The government’s directive brings an end to a long-standing debate over whether BTC should continue functioning within city limits. The current racecourse, situated on one of the most valuable plots in Bengaluru, has faced criticism for years from civic activists who argue that the land could be better utilized for public spaces, parks, or transportation infrastructure. The Chief Minister noted that despite repeated extensions and proposals for relocation since 2010, the club had failed to move forward. He emphasized that the government would provide logistical assistance to facilitate the move but would not allow further delays.
During the meeting, officials highlighted that the relocation site in Kunigal, owned by the Mysore Race Club, offers adequate space for racing and breeding activities. The Kunigal Stud Farm, one of India’s oldest and most reputed, already has essential infrastructure that could be expanded to accommodate BTC’s facilities. The Chief Minister reportedly directed the Urban Development Department to prepare a phased relocation blueprint, detailing timelines, cost estimates, and environmental assessments. He added that this decision was taken in the broader interest of Bengaluru’s urban planning and ecological preservation.
The decision has sparked varied reactions among stakeholders. While environmental groups have welcomed the move as a step toward reclaiming open space within the congested city, race enthusiasts and BTC members expressed concern over the feasibility and economic impact of shifting. Many club members argue that the Kunigal location, nearly 80 km from central Bengaluru, could reduce public participation and affect the betting industry. “Relocation will disrupt livelihoods connected to the club — from jockeys to stable staff,” said a senior BTC official, urging the government to consider alternate sites closer to the city.
Environmental and Civic Considerations
Environmentalists have long campaigned for the conversion of the racecourse into a public lung space. Bengaluru’s shrinking green cover has been a subject of concern, and many activists have proposed transforming the area into a botanical garden or urban forest. They argue that the land’s central location offers a rare opportunity to improve air quality, reduce heat islands, and create a sustainable public space. The Chief Minister echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that “development should serve the people, not just private interests.” He added that urban projects prioritizing ecology and inclusivity would define Bengaluru’s growth model.
However, BTC management maintains that it has complied with all lease conditions and invested heavily in maintaining the premises. The club’s governing body pointed out that horse racing contributes significant revenue to the state through taxes, licenses, and tourism. According to estimates, BTC directly employs over 1,500 people and supports several ancillary industries, including horse breeding, hospitality, and logistics. The management has requested the government to extend the deadline or consider a joint-use model that allows partial operations to continue while transitioning gradually to Kunigal.
Legal experts note that the BTC lease had expired in 2018, and since then, the club has been functioning on temporary renewals. The High Court had previously instructed the government to make a final decision on the matter. “This decision aligns with the court’s direction and the city’s master plan, which discourages private recreational activities on public land,” said an urban policy analyst. The government now plans to set up a task force to oversee the relocation process, ensuring legal compliance and transparency throughout.
Meanwhile, the Turf Club’s trainers and horse owners have expressed apprehension about the shift. They argue that transporting horses to Kunigal and maintaining racing operations there would increase costs significantly. “The infrastructure required for large-scale events — spectator stands, stables, and tracks — cannot be replicated overnight,” said one trainer. Others voiced concerns about the loss of accessibility for regular patrons who depend on public transport to reach the current venue in central Bengaluru.
The government, however, appears determined to proceed. A senior Urban Development Department official confirmed that the new site in Kunigal would be developed as a modern racing complex, integrating training, breeding, and recreational facilities. He stated that the relocation aligns with the state’s long-term vision of decentralizing entertainment zones and reducing urban congestion. “Bengaluru is choking under overdevelopment. This step is part of creating a more balanced regional growth model,” he added.
Public opinion remains divided. Some citizens have applauded the move, calling it a “historic correction” that will reclaim vital green space for the city. Others argue that the government should have consulted BTC members and the public before announcing the decision. Local shop owners and vendors who depend on race day crowds worry about losing income once operations move out of the city. Opposition parties, too, have questioned the government’s priorities, accusing it of targeting institutions instead of addressing pressing urban issues like waste management and traffic congestion.
Urban planners believe that if implemented effectively, the redevelopment of the racecourse land could become a model for sustainable urban transformation. Proposals include a large central park, biodiversity zone, and public recreation areas. Some experts suggest integrating the project with the city’s green corridor initiative to ensure continuity of ecological zones. “This is an opportunity to reshape Bengaluru’s identity — from a congested tech hub to a city that values nature and livability,” said a town planning expert.
As the two-year clock starts ticking, BTC faces a challenging transition. Negotiations between the club and government agencies are expected to intensify in the coming months. While relocation may disrupt traditions dating back over a century, the government insists that modernization and sustainability must take precedence. The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by saying, “The Bangalore Turf Club has had its time in the city’s heart. Now, it’s time for the city to reclaim that space for the people.”
Politically, the issue has gained traction as well. Opposition leaders have accused the government of making a populist decision aimed at diverting attention from civic challenges in Bengaluru. They argue that the land’s repurposing must undergo proper public consultation before any redevelopment begins. BJP leaders claimed that the racecourse land could be leased to private developers under the guise of a “green project,” a charge the Chief Minister’s Office firmly denied. The government clarified that the land would remain under public ownership and used strictly for community purposes.
Supporters of the Chief Minister’s decision say it reflects a broader vision to address Bengaluru’s chronic lack of open spaces. Studies have shown that per capita access to green areas in the city has fallen dramatically over the last two decades. “The racecourse land offers a rare chance to correct that imbalance,” said an urban ecology researcher. “With proper planning, it could become a model for integrating environment and recreation.” Citizen groups have already begun discussing ideas such as building a heritage park that retains traces of the site’s historical identity.
The Mysore Race Club (MRC), which owns the Kunigal Stud Farm, has welcomed the idea of collaboration. MRC officials indicated that the farm’s vast land can be expanded to host full-fledged racing events, subject to infrastructural investment. “Kunigal already has one of the finest breeding environments in India,” said an MRC representative. “With government support, it can easily become the new heart of South Indian racing.” The club is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the state in the coming months to formalize the transition framework.
Socially, the debate also raises questions about urban inclusivity. Critics have pointed out that BTC’s elite membership and exclusive access model contradict the spirit of public land use. They argue that converting the area into an open civic space would democratize access to one of the most scenic patches of central Bengaluru. The proposal aligns with the government’s broader “Green Bengaluru” mission, which seeks to reclaim public spaces for citizens through eco-restoration and equitable design. If realized effectively, the project could set a precedent for how cities can balance heritage and modernization.
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