Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 22 ℃ | Partly cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Bengaluru is around US$300 billion.
🚍 BMTC to add AC electric buses
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation plans to introduce 320 air-conditioned electric buses by March 2025, enhancing its green transportation efforts.
Replacing the old: The BMTC is set to bolster its fleet with 320 air-conditioned electric buses supplied by OHM Global Mobility, an Ashok Leyland subsidiary. This move aims to replace old Volvo buses on Vajra and Vayu Vajra airport routes, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility in Bengaluru.
- OHM Global Mobility will operate these buses on a Gross Cost Contract model, with BMTC paying ₹65.80 per kilometre.
- The buses will be 13 metres long, disabled-friendly, and equipped with retractable ramps, required to run 250 kilometres per day.
Sustainable initiative: With the inclusion of 320 air-conditioned electric buses, BMTC is advancing towards a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive public transport system in Bengaluru, further reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
⚠️ Cholera alert in Bengaluru PGs
Bengaluru’s PG accommodations heighten safety measures amid cholera cases in the city.
The advisory: The PG owners’ association in Bengaluru has issued guidelines to prevent the spread of cholera following the detection of several cases in the city. The guidelines include banning outside food, mandating RO water purifiers, and maintaining cleanliness in kitchens and surrounding areas. PG residents are advised to report any health discomforts to the caretaker immediately.
- The association plans a meeting to develop a detailed plan to curb cholera spread.
- Recent cases include 47 students from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute’s girls’ hostel, with two testing positive for cholera.
No outbreak: While the Karnataka Health Department assures that there is no cholera outbreak, the recent cases have prompted PG accommodations in Bengaluru to implement stringent safety measures to prevent the spread of the infection.
👮 Traffic Police battle summer heat
Bengaluru’s traffic police face the challenge of performing their duties under the scorching sun, with minimal support to cope with the heat.
Minimal protection: Traffic police officials in Bengaluru are enduring the city’s hot summer, spending long hours outdoors without adequate protection from the heat. Despite the challenging conditions, they continue to manage traffic and ensure safety on the roads. Many officials carry their own water and refreshments, while some receive support from generous members of the public.
- Female traffic police officials face additional challenges, including the lack of access to clean washrooms and the need to work through their menstrual cycle without a place to rest.
- Some police personnel rely on cooling Ayurvedic oils, while others avoid using sunscreen due to irritation caused by sweating.
A saviour: Syed Mujeeb, known as ‘Neer Saab,’ has been supplying water bottles to traffic police officials for over two years, earning appreciation from the police department.
🛤️ Suburban Rail Project to demolish 650 structures
The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) plans to demolish nearly 650 structures across its four corridors to pave the way for the 148-kilometre rail network.
What’s it about? The Social Impact Assessment and Resettlement Policy Framework report for the BSRP has outlined the demolition of residential, commercial, and other properties. Corridor-2 (Byappanahalli-Chikkabanavara) will see the highest impact with 289 structures marked for demolition. The project requires the permanent acquisition of approximately 233 hectares of land for constructing stations, depots, and running corridor sections.
- Corridor-4 (Heelalige to Rajankunte) will see 140 structures demolished, while Corridor-3 (Kengeri-Whitefield) and Corridor-1 (Majestic-Devanahalli) will have 135 and 85 structures demolished, respectively.
- The report also highlights the impact on Mathikere’s MR Jayaram Colony, a slum with 143 structures and 650 residents. Approximately 109 households will be affected, with residents being temporarily displaced during construction.
Balancing development and concerns: The BSRP is a significant infrastructure project that aims to improve urban mobility in Bengaluru. However, it comes with challenges, including the demolition of numerous structures and the displacement of residents. Balancing development with the needs and concerns of affected communities remains a critical part of the project’s implementation.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you taken a bike taxi?
- I have taken a bike taxi.
- I haven’t taken a bike taxi.
❓ Today’s Question
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Who’s your favourite Indian startup founder?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Migrant workers are bearing the brunt of Bengaluru’s severe water shortage.
- Lenskart’s CEO, Peyush Bansal, is seeking land near the airport in Bengaluru to establish a mega factory.
- IHG has announced the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra.
- Restaurants in Bengaluru are showcasing the varied culinary delights of our Asian neighbours.
- Skoda Rapid Owners Bengaluru go on a group drive from Bengaluru to Penukonda Fort.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I prefer wearing shorts while going out: 42.1%
- I don’t prefer wearing shorts while going out: 57.9% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!