Bengaluru, February 9, 2026 — In a significant move to promote vertical development and optimize land use, the Karnataka government has expanded building norms in designated industrial areas by allowing a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 5.2. The revised regulations are expected to transform Bengaluru’s skyline and draw fresh investment into high-rise industrial and commercial developments.

Higher FAR Aimed at Promoting Vertical Growth

Under the updated norms issued through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), developers can now construct much taller buildings within approved industrial zones by paying a premium for additional floor space. The increase in FAR allows built-up areas to be more than five times the size of the land parcel, a substantial jump from earlier limits.

The policy seeks to encourage efficient land utilization in regions where industrial expansion has been constrained by limited availability of large land parcels.

Bengaluru’s Industrial Corridors Set for Transformation

The revised building rules are expected to have the greatest impact in Bengaluru’s key industrial corridors, where demand for modern infrastructure such as logistics parks, multi-storey manufacturing units, data centers, and technology hubs is growing rapidly.

Urban planners believe the change will lead to a shift from low-rise industrial sheds to high-rise, mixed-use industrial campuses, helping the city accommodate economic growth without continuous outward sprawl.

Boost for Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment

Industry experts say the higher FAR allowance will improve project viability and attract both domestic and international investors. With more built-up area permitted on the same land footprint, developers can enhance returns while meeting the rising demand for industrial and commercial space.

The policy is also expected to generate employment and stimulate related sectors such as construction, logistics, and urban services, strengthening Karnataka’s position as a leading industrial and technology destination.

Balancing Growth with Urban Planning Needs

While the new norms promise accelerated development, experts caution that increased building heights and density must be matched with upgrades in road networks, power supply, water systems, and public transport connectivity.

State authorities have indicated that the revised regulations will be implemented alongside infrastructure planning to ensure that industrial zones develop in a sustainable and organized manner.

A Step Toward a New Urban Skyline

With taller buildings now permitted in industrial areas, Bengaluru is poised for a visible change in its urban profile. The shift toward vertical development reflects a broader strategy to modernize industrial spaces while maximizing land efficiency.

The government views the policy as a long-term measure to support economic expansion, encourage innovation-driven industries, and reshape the city’s skyline through structured and high-density development.

  Bengaluru Skyline, Floor Area Ratio, Karnataka Government, Urban Development