Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny and clear weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The first standalone clock tower in the city was built at Doveton junction in Purasawalkam in the early 1900s. It was originally built in the Gothic style, but later art deco elements were added as modifications.
🚇 Further Metro extensions
Officials have suggested the Metro should be extended to the upcoming Kuthambakkam bus terminus.
What’s it about? The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has suggested the Metro should be extended till the upcoming bus terminus in the western suburbs, where 70% of the work is complete.
- The terminus is spread over 25 acres and is scheduled to open in July or August. It’ll have 70 bays for mofussil buses and 30 for private services, bound for places like Bengaluru and Krishnagiri.
- If the Metro is extended to the terminus, it’ll be only one stop from the proposed Poonamalee station. It’ll also help those arriving or going to Bengaluru.
Who said what? Farmer and entrepreneur KS Mohan said last-mile connectivity is essential since there are several villages, educational institutions, and factories around Kuthambakkam. Some residents also want an entrance to the terminus from the Tiruvallur side.
🛫 New airport terminal
The new integral terminal promises a smoother flying experience.
What’s it about? Phase 1 of the new integral terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Construction began in 2018, with the first phase costing ₹1,260 crore. International operations will soon be shifted to the new terminal.
- Passengers have complained about inadequate counters resulting in long lines and poorly maintained toilets in the old terminal. They wanted better infrastructure for hassle-free movement.
- The terminal will have 100 check-in counters, self-baggage drop kiosks, e-gates for boarding, and 108 immigration counters. The airport’s passenger capacity will increase to 30 million from 25 million annually.
Next phase: Under Phase 2, the old Anna International Terminal will be demolished, and the remaining portion of the new terminal will be built in its place. Once the entire project is complete, the domestic terminal will operate at the two ends, with the international terminal at the centre.
🦁 Amongst the lions
The Vandalur Zoo plans to add more lions and restart its lion safari this summer.
What’s it about? Vandalur Zoo is gearing up for summer. They’re planning to add more lions and restart the lion safari, one of its major attractions. The safari was suspended in 2021 after most of the lions tested positive for Covid-19 and two died.
- The Central Zoo Authority has approved the arrival of two lions from the Lucknow Zoo and the Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park in exchange for two tigers.
- Previously, experts warned about the lack of genetic diversity among lions at the zoo. In 2021, the zoo lost four lions, three tigers, and a leopard. In 2022, they lost four big cats, including a jaguar.
Who said what? The zoo’s deputy director R Kanchana said adding lions will improve the genetic variation in the current gene pool of lions at the zoo. The zoo’s director Srinivas R Reddy said they want to take advantage of the increased patronage during the summer to restart the lion safari.
🏏 Street Child Cricket World Cup
Chennai will host the tournament this September to showcase the talent and advocate for the rights of street kids.
What’s it about? The Street Child Cricket World Cup is organised by the Shree Dayaa Foundation in partnership with Street Child United. It will take place at Amir Mahal from September 20 to 30. This will be the second edition of the tournament. The inaugural tournament was held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2019.
- The tournament is a platform for kids to show their talent and advocate for them. The T-20 tournament will also have art workshops and other kid-friendly sessions.
- The World Cup will see 168 kids from 15 countries participate. The mixed teams of boys and girls will represent countries, and seven Indian teams representing different organisations will also participate.
Who said what? John Wroe, the co-founder and CEO of Street Child United, said they’re working with different groups like the British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai and the NGO Save The Children-India to facilitate their advocacy work. Paul Sunder Singh of the NGO Karunalaya said this tournament is an opportunity to discuss issues these kids face.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Would you opt for Vande Bharat Express over an airline?
- Yes, I would prefer to travel by Vande Bharat Express.
- No, I would prefer to travel by flight.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite brand of chocolate?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Chennai Corporation continues its beautification work across city parks for the summer.
- The pigeon problem in the city is due to unchecked urbanisation.
- Chrompet residents want officials to work on the 40-foot-wide road linking the interiors with the Grant Southern Trunk (GST) Road to fix potholes.
- Ticket booking for the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express has begun.
- Modi’s six-hour visit to Chennai was filled with cheers and inaugurating infrastructure projects.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!