Alcon and ARKCOM Business Solutions have undertaken a major urban transformation initiative in Bengaluru by planting more than 10,000 saplings across key city corridors as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The large-scale project focuses on restoring green cover, improving road infrastructure, and creating sustainable urban spaces in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.
The initiative has been implemented along prominent stretches of the Bengaluru International Airport Road, including areas near the National Tuberculosis Institute, Mekhri Circle Underpass, and the Hebbal Flyover corridor. These locations, once marked by neglected medians, debris, and overgrown spaces, have now been transformed into organized green corridors aimed at improving both aesthetics and environmental sustainability.
The project was executed in three phases, combining plantation activities with civil rehabilitation and safety improvements. More than 10,000 saplings of resilient native and climate-suitable species were planted to ensure long-term ecological sustainability in Bengaluru’s urban conditions. Before plantation began, teams carried out extensive groundwork, including removal of waste, dead vegetation, and encroachments, followed by soil replacement using nutrient-rich earth to improve plant survival rates.
Beyond tree plantation, the initiative also focused on improving commuter safety and public infrastructure. Damaged road medians were reconstructed, reflectors were installed across the stretches, and electrification systems were added for road signage and safety boards. These interventions aim not only to beautify the city but also to improve visibility, traffic management, and overall road usability.
ARKCOM Business Solutions managed the project end-to-end, integrating sustainable landscaping methods, eco-friendly materials, and efficient irrigation systems. According to the company, these measures are expected to help reduce dust pollution, improve air quality, and support Bengaluru’s broader environmental and livability goals.
An important aspect of the initiative was the coordination required with multiple government agencies. The project involved collaboration with around ten government bodies, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority. Successfully managing approvals, permissions, and execution timelines across several departments demonstrated the complexity and scale of the undertaking.
Commenting on the initiative, ARKCOM founder Ranganath Kudli stated that the project was designed not merely for beautification but to create functional and sustainable infrastructure with measurable public impact. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between corporates, institutions, and communities in addressing urban challenges and building scalable development models.
The project reflects a broader shift in CSR strategies, where companies are increasingly focusing on long-term urban development and environmental sustainability rather than symbolic activities. Bengaluru, which has experienced rapid urbanisation and shrinking green cover over the years, has seen several corporate-led plantation initiatives aimed at restoring ecological balance and mitigating the effects of rising temperatures and pollution.
With similar landscape and urban greening projects reportedly being explored in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, the Alcon–ARKCOM initiative highlights how CSR-driven collaborations can contribute to cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments.
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