Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? The first time BMRCL turned profitable (after interest) was in 2023.
🚇 Pink line delayed
The Namma Metro Pink Line, covering 21.3 km from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, is projected to open by December 2026, a year later than initially planned.
What’s it about? Construction on 90% of the line’s 18 stations is in advanced stages, with the remaining work, including ramps and finishing touches, still pending. Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) will supply 16 driverless trains, with the first expected by June 2025, followed by monthly deliveries of two to three trains.
- A Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system by Elm Company is being installed for safe driverless operation, mirroring the system in place for the Blue Line connecting to Kempegowda International Airport.
- Progress has been marked in key areas, with ballastless tracks laid between the National Military School and Cantonment Bamboo Bazaar stations.
Delay why: The Pink Line’s tunnelling presented significant challenges due to the length and complexity of the underground route, leading to machinery delays. Despite setbacks, the project is on track for the revised 2026 deadline.
🚕 Metered taxis
Cab drivers are shifting from app-based ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber to a government-regulated metered fare system to avoid high commission fees.
What’s it about? Brand Pride Mobility, led by CEO Niranjanaradhya N, is aiding the transition by working with about 200 drivers adopting this commission-free metered model. By switching to metered taxis and following government-fixed rates, drivers will be able to retain their full earnings without sharing them with aggregators.
- Brand Pride is also partnering with meter suppliers to offer meters at discounted rates, facilitating the shift to metered fares.
- Karnataka’s recent fare regulation supports this transition by setting standardised minimum rates based on vehicle cost, with a ₹100 minimum fare for the first four kilometres for taxis priced under ₹10 lakh and ₹24 per kilometre thereafter.
Adoption required: If more drivers join the metered fare model, the ride-hailing market could see a balanced competition between the metered and app-based models, potentially leading to a more efficient and equitable transport option for drivers and passengers alike.
🏢 Century’s expansion
Century Real Estate is planning to launch eight housing projects covering over 55 acres in North and East Bengaluru within the next 18 months.
What’s it about? These projects will target the premium housing segment, with units priced above ₹1.4 crore, and are anticipated to strengthen the company’s position in the city’s residential real estate market.
- Among the new projects, Codename Built Rare in Indiranagar and Codename UnbeLivable in Yelahanka have already generated ₹650 crore in pre-launch bookings.
- Set on 8.5 acres, Codename Built Rare will feature 345 high-end apartments, townhouses, and penthouses, potentially bringing in a projected revenue of ₹2,200 crore.
Fiscal plans: Century Real Estate aims to double its revenue in the current financial year to ₹2,100 crore, following a strong first-half performance of ₹1,024 crore. This would mark another year of significant growth, as the company reached ₹1,000 crore in revenue last year.
🛣️ Bellandur Lake Road closed
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has closed a key stretch of road between Myntra Apartments and Bellandur Kodi on the Devarabisanahalli-Sakra Hospital Main Road for 60 days.
What’s it about? The stretch has been closed for white-topping work. The project, intended to improve road quality, has also led to traffic diversions within the HAL Airport Traffic Police limits.
- Those coming from Yamalur to Devarabisanahalli and Bellandur are advised to take the Old Airport Road via Yamalur Junction, then proceed to Marathahalli Bridge, Kadubeesanahalli Bridge, and finally the Outer Ring Road.
- Those coming from Devarabisanahalli and Bellandur to the city are advised to take a left onto Outer Ring Road, then proceed to Kadubeesanahalli Bridge, and continue through Marathahalli Bridge to Yamalur Junction and the city.
Cooperation requested: The Bengaluru Traffic Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Kumar R. Jain, IPS, has requested public cooperation during this period, emphasising that the white-topping project will yield long-term improvements in road infrastructure.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Get ready to be mesmerised, because P.C. Sorcar’s magic show is back in town after a full five years.
- Visit a dentist who will make you laugh for a change at Dr Gaurav Gupta’s India tour.
- Illuminate the night at BIG DADDY KORAMANGALA’s Bollywood night.
- Celebrate 160 years of legacy at Bishop Cotton Girls’ School’s extravaganza.
- Fold paper into Zenful meditation at this origami workshop.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have personally seen a delivery rider drive rashly: 60.0% 🏆
- I have not personally seen a delivery rider drive rashly: 40.0%
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!