Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 21 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? The Kempegowda International Airport is spread over 4,000 acres.
🚕 Cab shortage
The city faced a transportation crisis as heavy rains from the previous day caused a severe shortage of auto-rickshaws and cabs, leaving many commuters stranded.
What’s it about? Ride-hailing apps were overwhelmed, and passengers at key locations like Cantonment Railway Station and Shantinagar bus stand reported either unavailability of cabs or fares double the usual rate.
- Although buses and the metro remained operational, high demand and waterlogged streets caused delays and overcrowding.
- Many commuters were returning to the city after the Dasara holidays, and traffic controllers expect a further influx after the long weekend.
Shortage explained: Auto-rickshaw drivers explained that they often avoid operating during heavy rains due to safety concerns, such as hidden potholes and flooded streets. This exacerbated the transportation shortage, with demand surging as even those who normally walk or use bike taxis switched to autos and cabs.
🧪 Micro Labs go macro
Micro Labs Ltd, the prominent Bengaluru-based life sciences company, has made a significant real estate acquisition by purchasing a 3-acre plot in Hoodi for a total consideration of ₹111 crore.
What’s it about? The deal was registered on October 5, with the seller identified as Anushka Constructions. This transaction ranks among the most expensive real estate deals in the city over the past few years.
- Micro Labs paid ₹6.22 crore in stamp duty as part of the transaction.
- Micro Labs is known for its strong presence in various therapeutic areas and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Purpose unknown: While Micro Labs is yet to disclose its plans for the newly acquired land, the purchase indicates potential expansion or diversification in its operations, given the scale and strategic location of the property in a growing industrial area.
💦 Taking more from Cauvery
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that Bengaluru will draw an additional 500 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Cauvery River, located about 110 km away, to meet the city’s growing water demand.
What’s it about? This initiative is part of the upcoming sixth phase of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme, which is estimated to cost ₹7,200 crore. The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has completed a feasibility study for the project.
- Siddaramaiah made the announcement during the inauguration of the fifth phase of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme in Mandya.
- This phase, costing ₹4,336 crore, will supply 775 MLD of water to Bengaluru, increasing the city’s total water supply to 2,225 MLD and benefiting around 15 lakh water connections.
Funding plans: To fund the sixth phase, the government plans to seek financial assistance from international lenders, similar to the approach taken for the fifth phase. Siddaramaiah also criticised the central government for stalling water projects like Mekedatu and Mahadayi, citing political reasons and delays in receiving necessary approvals.
🌊 Normalcy returns
Normalcy is slowly returning to the Manyata Tech Park after heavy rains flooded its 300-acre campus.
What’s it about? Flood risk management measures, including new culverts, desilting, raised embankments, and high-capacity dewatering systems, helped restore normalcy within 2 to 4 hours of the flooding.
- The Embassy Group, which operates the tech park, pumped out the rainwater, clearing waterlogged roads.
- Many companies in the tech park allowed employees to work from home to avoid commuting issues, following advice from the Karnataka government.
Other damages: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reported that its disaster management team addressed flooding in 102 homes across the city. In total, 142 residences were affected by waterlogging, and 39 trees fell due to the heavy rains.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Experience Shaan live at Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield.
- Catch Anubhav Singh Bassi returning to live shows with his new special.
- Illuminate the Bollywood Night at BIGG DADDY Kormangala.
- Get your hands dirty with pottery and clay to create spooky Halloween moulds or festive Diwali diyas.
- Pick up on playing the ukulele with Coldplay classics.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have travelled in a tractor’s trolley: 28.6%
- I have not travelled in a tractor’s trolley: 71.4% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!