Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? The Bengaluru Marathon record for men is 2:22:32, untouched since 2007.
🛺 Fare revision demanded
Commuters are likely to face increased auto-rickshaw fares as their drivers’ unions are pushing for a fare revision to address rising costs and inflation.
What’s it about? The proposed revision includes raising the minimum fare from ₹30 to ₹40 for the first two kilometres and increasing the per-kilometre fare beyond that from ₹15 to ₹20.
- A meeting between the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and auto unions is scheduled for December 23 to review the demands.
- Night rides between 10 PM and 5 AM may see a 50% premium charge if the unions’ demands are accepted.
Increasing costs: Auto drivers argue that the last fare adjustment occurred in December 2021, and the current rates are inadequate given the sharp rise in expenses. The cost of Auto LPG, for instance, has risen to ₹61.49 per litre, significantly increasing operational costs.
🚇 Metro expansion
Bengaluru’s Metro network is set for significant expansion as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced plans to extend services to Nelamangala, Hoskote, and Bidadi.
What’s it about? The announcement came during a state assembly session where traffic concerns between KR Puram and Hoskote were raised. This move aims to alleviate the city’s chronic traffic congestion, particularly on Old Madras Road, and improve connectivity for thousands of commuters.
- Shivakumar acknowledged the traffic issues and revealed that a detailed survey is underway to assess the feasibility of the proposed metro extensions.
- Embassy Office Parks REIT has pledged over ₹100 crore for these projects.
Previous private investments: Private sector involvement has played a crucial role in previous metro developments as well. The Embassy Group had funded the ₹140 crore Bettahalasur metro station project in 2020 which connected Bagalur Cross and Trumpet Junction.
🛣️ No bidders
Bengaluru’s first elevated rotary flyover, planned near Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli, remains stalled almost a year after its sanctioning in February.
What’s it about? Despite its ₹380 crore approval (including GST) and its potential to ease traffic for areas like Banaswadi, Maruthi Seva Nagar, Kamanahalli, Ramamurthy Nagar, and Baiyappanahalli, construction has yet to commence due to complications in the tendering process.
- The first round of bidding saw only one participant and was cancelled.
- In the second round, four companies, Star Infrastructure, Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon, RNS Infrastructure, and NCC, submitted proposals.
Budget exceeded: All quoted prices in the second round significantly exceeded the sanctioned budget. Star Infrastructure had emerged as the lowest bidder, quoting ₹424 crore, 24.1% higher than the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) estimate.
✈️ New routes
Air India Express has announced a major expansion of its operations in Karnataka, including new routes and increased flight frequency, reflecting a 25% growth in flights from the state this winter.
What’s it about? Two new direct routes from Bengaluru will commence soon. Starting December 27, four weekly flights will connect Bengaluru to Amritsar, and from January 1, three weekly flights will operate to Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
- Weekly flights from Karnataka have risen from 380 last year to over 475 this season.
- The airline has also recently launched flights from Bengaluru to Indore and Port Blair, and daily flights to Abu Dhabi.
Other expansions: At Mangaluru Airport, Air India Express is adding new connections to Pune (from January 4), Singapore (from January 21), and Delhi (from February 1).
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Vibe to Massano’s aggressive sound design with hypnotic grooves and melodies at Sunburn Union.
- Plan an electrifying weekend of adrenaline-pumping action at the National Drag Racing Championship.
- Combine a night of UV art with electrifying techno beats and Church Street Social.
- Experience art, craft, music, food, fashion and more at the Xmas Edition of Sunday Soul Sante.
- Prepare to be swept off your feet by the legendary trio of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I keep emergency lights at my home: 50.0% 🏆
- I do not keep emergency lights at my home: 50.0% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!