A quiet stretch on the outskirts of Mandya in Karnataka is set for a major infrastructure upgrade after the state government approved Rs 11.4 crore for renovating a key road expected to be used by former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama during a proposed visit to the district. The 7.5-km road connects SI Kodihalli Gate to the Basaralu-Koppa Road near Hallegere village and is expected to serve as an important access route for guests attending the foundation-laying ceremony of an international yoga and meditation centre.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved funds for the road redevelopment on Thursday, paving the way for the Public Works Department to begin work on the worn-out stretch. The route is expected to be used by high-profile guests, including former US President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who are likely to attend the upcoming event organised by Bhutayi Trust.
Mandya district in-charge minister N Chaluvarayaswamy said the trust had not yet finalised the date for the ceremony. Officials, however, revealed that the programme had originally been planned for December 2023 but was postponed because of delays in infrastructure work and difficulties in coordinating the Obamas’ availability. According to the minister, the government has addressed nearly all requests submitted by the trust regarding arrangements for the event. N Chaluvarayaswamy said the 7.5-km stretch plays a crucial role as it connects the proposed event venue with the helipad and the main approach road. He noted that portions of the surrounding road network had already been relaid earlier at a cost of nearly Rs 20 crore, though this particular section had remained unfinished until now.
The newly approved funds will allow the Public Works Department to complete the remaining roadwork ahead of the expected international gathering.
The proposed meditation and yoga centre is estimated to cost around Rs 80 crore and is being developed under the leadership of Dr Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy, a US-based doctor of Indian origin. Dr Murthy is also the father of former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who previously served as a medical adviser to Barack Obama. The project is expected to draw global attention because of the participation of internationally recognised personalities and spiritual leaders.