Good morning, Chennai!
🌧️ Today’s weather: Cloudy with possible rain.
🧐 Did you know? The Madras Special Economic Zone (MEPZ) was the first special economic zone set up in the state. It was established in 1984 and later changed into a special economic zone in 2003.
💡 Why the frequent power cuts?
Increased power demand and RMUs are to blame for the frequent power cuts in some parts.
What’s it about? Chennai is experiencing more power cuts this year compared to previous ones. It’s especially true in places like Mylapore where electricity is supplied through underground cables. The ring main units (RMUs), introduced to reduce breakdowns, are partly to blame.
- In many areas, RMUs have been installed to replace transformers since it’s an upgrade. Despite officials stating there’s been no pervasive power issue, it wasn’t until people took to the streets that they realised there was an issue.
- As the power demand increased during the summer, the RMUs tripped automatically. A manpower shortage meant delays in resetting the RMUs. When the cut-off limit was reached, multiple trippings led to power cuts.
Possible solution? Officials found that the cut-off limit was below the 100% load. Now, it’s being reset up to 105%. About 1,000 RMUs have already been attended to, and the remaining 3,000 will be reset. Increasing the cut-off point won’t affect RMUs since they’re equipped with a higher carrying capacity than transformers.
🚶 Foot overbridges become popular
The foot overbridges at OMR now have more users thanks to the metro rail work.
What’s it about? With the ongoing metro rail work at Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the foot overbridges on the stretch have become popular since pedestrians have no choice but to use them to cross the road.
- The specific ones at Sevaram, Mettukuppam, PTC Quarters section, and Karappakam sees a steady stream of pedestrians.
- The median in this section is just about two feet high, which needs to be increased once the metro work is complete.
Metro route: On this stretch, from Thiruvanmiyur and towards Siruseri, the metro line will be elevated. The foot overbridges will be retained since the tracks are above them.
🛬 Signage issues at the new terminal
As the new terminal begins operations, flyers are confused thanks to a lack of proper signage.
What’s it about? The new integrated terminal is now operating in full swing with 26 international airlines. It’s a hit among passengers with increased space and modern amenities. However, there’s still work to be done on having proper signage to guide passengers.
- Passengers can walk out of a twin exit, but there aren’t any signs to guide them to take a cab. It becomes difficult for people who aren’t familiar with the space. The pickup point is quite far from the terminal.
- In some cases, vehicles from the main road have to drive a long distance via the unused terminal to reach the exit of the new one. There’s also a lack of proper signage to guide those who want to board the metro.
🎒 Helping those in need
Two Chennaites want to expand education opportunities to those from underprivileged backgrounds and communities.
What’s it about? Feed of Love, from Johnson Jebakumar and his wife Shareen Joshua, first began as a way to feed the homeless. Then came Tool for School to provide school kits to kids. With the help of the Chennai Corporation, donations, and over 60 volunteers, they aim to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds have a shot at a better life.
- Every June, the Tool for School initiative distributes a school kit consisting of a school bag, a water bottle, and a stationery kit. The team has reached about 250 kids. Social media helped them raise some money for this.
- Volunteers also conduct classes to teach them art and other skills. In the summer drive between March and June, they distribute buttermilk and watermelon to help kids stay cool. In November, there’s a blanket drive to help people stay warm.
Future plans: There are plans for a community feeding initiative. Community fridges will be installed in different zones where people can deposit excess food.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Should the government allow 24×7 restaurants in Chennai?
- The government should allow 24×7 restaurants in Chennai.
- The government shouldn’t allow 24×7 restaurants in Chennai.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What off-the-beaten-path place would you take a first-time visitor to the city?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The CITIIS initiative will be expanded to 15 more schools in the city.
- A majority of people want the metro services to be extended till midnight, according to a new survey.
- A four-lane flyover will be built from Teynampet to Saidapet to help ease traffic congestion.
- The Harbour police station at Rajaji Salai will be restored by the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation (TNPHC).
- Chennai Corporation will spend ₹47 crore to relay 501 battered roads in the city’s western suburbs.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- The price hike in vegetables has affected our consumption: 75.0% 🏆
- The price hike in vegetables hasn’t affected our consumption: 25.0%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Who is your favourite Kollywood actor?
Kalaiarasi: “Ajith Kumar”
Chitra: “Kamal Hassan and Vijay Sethupathi. Please refrain from calling Tamil Film Industry as Kollywood.”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!