Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 34 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Sunny weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? Broken Bridge, also known as the Adyar Bridge, got its name because a portion of it collapsed during the 1977 floods.
🕹️ VR gaming centres propping up
Virtuality Reality (VR) gaming is gaining popularity in Chennai with new gaming centres.
What’s it about? Apart from kids, adults are realising the potential and fun in VR gaming. Chennai is among the Indian cities where VR gaming has gained traction thanks to new gaming centres with VR capabilities.
- Among the places Chennaites go to experience VR gaming are Ctrl VR and VR Game Cafe. The latter sees about 600 visitors every week, with most coming on weekends.
- For those new to gaming, VR presents a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a virtual world. Gaming centres have now become a go-to for those willing to give it a shot, with attendees on hand to help.
At-home experience: VR gaming can be done at home too, with several VR headsets like the PlayStation VR and the Meta Quest headset. However, these are expensive and are usually bought by ardent gamers.
🏃 Running for a cause
Filmmaker Rajesh Vijayakumar and his group help spotlight differently-abled athletes.
What’s it about? Through his sports management company Jozh Universe, Rajesh ensures differently-abled athletes are supported and given their time to shine. To help with that effort, a marathon was organised in the city to support differently-abled cricketers.
- Rajesh is gearing up to launch the Disabled Cricket Premier League (DPCL) later this year. He has plans to showcase their talents on the world stage.
- He began Jozh Universe last year after he listened to the stories of the athletes. They didn’t have basic amenities or coaches to nurture their talents.
Balancing both worlds: Rajesh said a similar skill set is needed to run a company and be a filmmaker, like a producer needs to allocate resources, etc. He’s currently working on his second script, a romantic thriller.
✈️ New terminal in two years
The upcoming terminal will be used for both domestic and international passengers.
What’s it about? The new terminal will come up where the old international terminal’s arrival building stood. It’s adjacent to phase 1 of the integrated terminal (T2) currently used for international arrivals and departures. The site has been handed over to the contractor, and construction will begin this month.
- The new terminal will be spread over 60,000 sq metres and be merged with T2 to handle international and domestic flights. Once completed, this large integrated terminal will be flanked by two domestic terminals.
- Once complete, the new terminal will have more aerobridges to help airlines operate more international flights. It’ll also have self-baggage drop facilities, e-gates, and a passenger flow monitoring system.
It’s a necessity: The airport currently handles about 50,000 passengers a day and sees high demand for domestic flights during peak hours, long weekends, and holidays. However, there isn’t enough space for airlines to add slots to increase frequency.
🌉 Opening Elephant Gate Bridge
One lane of the bridge will open in the next few days ahead of the model code of conduct.
What’s it about? The Elephant Gate Bridge in George Town has been under construction for five years. One lane will be opened to the public in the coming days and the other in a few months. Southern Railway has placed three girders on one lane, and the Corporation has finished the approach roads at both ends.
- One lane is wide enough for two-way traffic. The other lane will be opened after the three remaining girders are placed. The bridge is 480 metres long and about 14 metres wide, connecting Raja Muthiah Salai from Vepery and Wall Tax Road.
- The bridge benefits merchants and rail commuters to central station and others travelling to south and central Chennai.
Congestion elsewhere: Since this bridge isn’t operational yet, it has led to congestion at Basin Bridge near Mint as vehicles heading to Vepery and Pulianthope use it.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Pen enthusiasts, visit the Chennai Pen Show this weekend.
- Pet lovers, celebrate your pets at the PETGALA this Sunday.
- To celebrate Women’s Day, lace up your shoes for the Women’s Walkathon this Sunday.
- Experience progressive Carnatic Rock with Agam performing live this Saturday.
- Art lovers gather for a unique open mic Art series, Kala-Aksharam, this Sunday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I prefer North Indian food: 33.3%
- I prefer South Indian food: 66.7% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What animal would you have as a sidekick?
Suchi: “Dog”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!