Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? On average, the Kempegowda International Airport handles more than 1,45,000 passengers daily.
🚂 Faster travel
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The travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai on the Vande Bharat Express is set to reduce to four hours, saving 25 minutes, as South Western Railway (SWR) works on increasing the speed limit on the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai section from 110 kmph to 130 kmph.
What’s it about? A speed trial was conducted on Thursday for the same, with final implementation pending approval from the commissioner of railway safety. Public safety measures, including warnings against trespassing and maintaining distance from tracks, had been emphasised by the authorities prior to the trial.
- This speed upgrade follows a similar enhancement last year on the Chennai-Jolarpettai section, allowing the entire Chennai-Bengaluru route to operate at 130 kmph once the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai section is cleared.
- The improvement will benefit two daily Vande Bharat and two Shatabdi Express trains, the latter expected to cut travel time by at least 20 minutes.
Speed cap: Although the Vande Bharat train has demonstrated a top speed of 183 kmph in trials, its operational speed is capped at 160 kmph due to track infrastructure limitations.
🎞️ Shows cancelled
The Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner (DC), G Jagadeesha, cancelled the 3 am and 4 am screenings of the much-anticipated film Pushpa 2, citing regulatory and safety concerns.
What’s it about? Hours before its release, notices were issued to 42 theatres for planning early morning shows that violated the Karnataka Cinema Regulation Act. The Act’s Rule 41 prohibits film screenings before 6:30 am and after 10:30 pm.
- The decision was rooted in concerns over public safety and maintaining peace during the early hours.
- The DC has questioned how the public’s security could be ensured during these hours.
KFCC supports: The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President NM Suresh backed the DC’s decision, stating that early screenings of out-of-state films, like Pushpa 2, were detrimental to the Kannada film industry as they monopolised cinema slots and investments.
🥛 Milk thieves
Bengaluru is witnessing a surprising new crime trend: milk thefts.
What’s it about? Two notable thefts were reported this week. In one case a crate of milk worth approximately ₹1,000 was stolen near the Konanakunte Metro station on Tuesday morning. Thieves on a scooter took the crate, which had been left by a KMF dairy vehicle before the vendor could set up his booth.
- CCTV footage captured the theft, but the unclear registration number of the vehicle hindered police efforts.
- Although a Hoysala patrol vehicle responded, the suspects remain at large.
Another incident: In another case, in Indiranagar, two women were seen on CCTV stealing milk packets from bags hanging on residents’ gates during early Monday morning hours.
🏢 WeWork expands
WeWork India has further expanded its footprint by opening a new 1.10 lakh square foot co-working centre in Bengaluru, achieving a milestone of operating over 1 lakh desks.
What’s it about? Since its establishment in India in 2016, the company has grown to 62 locations across eight cities, including Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
- The company had opened its first building in Bengaluru in 2017.
- In addition to the new Bengaluru centre, WeWork India is preparing to launch two more centres in Gurugram and Chennai.
Booming market: The flexible office space market in India has grown significantly, with operators managing 67 million square feet of prime office space. This figure is projected to surpass 100 million square feet by the end of 2026.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Attend Echoes of Earth, India’s one-of-a-kind music and lifestyle event that aims to spread a larger message through music, sustainability, and conservation.
- Be there at the Fortress as Bengaluru FC take on Kerala Blasters FC.
- Be a witness to Masha Vincent’s incredible techno act at the Sunburn Union.
- Step into the future of nightlife as IGNITE Super Club opens its doors with an electrifying launch event featuring none other than Sunny Leone!
- Chill at the super fun Late Night Comedy Show at the Ministry of Comedy.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I live in a high-rise building: 30.0%
- I do not live in a high-rise building: 70.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your preferred method of purchasing metro tickets?
Deeksha: “Whatsapp bot”
Nemo: “My Louvre Ticket works on the Bangalore Metro! (It’s glued to the smart card, because I hate the new Smart Card designs)”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!