Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌫️ Today’s weather: High: 28 ℃ | Low: 15 ℃ | Mist.
🧐 Did you know? Government-approved rates for auto trips up to 2 kilometres in the city is ₹30.
🛫 KIA figures
Bangalore International Airport recorded a significant 9% year-on-year growth in 2024 in passenger traffic, handling 40.73 million passengers compared to 37.2 million in 2023.
What’s it about? The airport’s highest single-day passenger count of 126,532 was recorded on October 20, 2024, alongside a peak of 782 air traffic movements (ATMs) on October 17, with a daily average of 723 ATMs throughout the year.
- These milestones have elevated KIA’s status to a globally recognised “Large Airport” under Airport Council International’s categorisation.
- The airport has also expanded its domestic and international reach by servicing 75 domestic and 30 international destinations by year-end, bolstered by the addition of airline partners such as Virgin Atlantic, Salam Air, Manta Air, and Fly91.
Cargo growth: Cargo operations also saw robust growth, with the airport handling a record 496,227 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2024, marking a 17% increase from 2023. International cargo volumes rose 23% to 313,981 MT, driven by high demand for perishables, spare parts, engineering goods, and e-commerce shipments.
🏗️ Puravankara’s purchase
Bengaluru-based real estate developer Puravankara Limited has acquired a 3.63-acre land parcel in Vajrahalli, Kanakapura Road, with a gross development value (GDV) exceeding ₹700 crore.
What’s it about? The acquired site offers a saleable area of 5.42 lakh sq ft and is strategically located with excellent road and metro connectivity, including proximity to Thalaghattapura Metro Station on Namma Metro’s Green Line, just 1 km away.
- This acquisition is part of Puravankara’s strategy to target micro-markets with high demand and limited land availability.
- The area’s established infrastructure and connectivity make it ideal for premium residential development.
Future plans: Puravankara is working towards expanding its land bank to 45 million square feet by 2026, focusing on key markets like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Delhi-NCR. In Mumbai, the company is prioritising redevelopment projects.
📂 Illegal conversions
Bengaluru’s urban challenges have reportedly been significantly worsened by the illegal conversion of agricultural land into unauthorised layouts.
What’s it about? Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda revealed that 13,000 acres of agricultural land in Bengaluru Urban had been converted illegally, bypassing legal procedures. Had these conversions been lawful, 45% of the land, around 6,000 acres, would have been earmarked for essential infrastructure like roads, parks, and playgrounds.
- The lack of legal compliance in land conversion has led to unplanned development, resulting in issues such as flooding and traffic congestion.
- Inadequate drainage systems and poorly planned urban infrastructure have compounded these problems.
Beyond Bengaluru: Across Karnataka, nearly 90% of agricultural land repurposed for non-agricultural activities lacks legal approval. Of the 72.11 lakh land parcels in the state, only 4.69 lakh have obtained the required ‘DC conversion’ orders from deputy commissioners.
🖥️ Arena Animation expands
Arena Animation, the leading animation training institute under Aptech Limited, has inaugurated two new centres in Bengaluru, located at Hesarghatta Road and Vijayanagar.
What’s it about? This expansion is part of Arena Animation’s mission to deliver world-class education in animation, gaming, graphic design, and multimedia technologies, catering to aspirants seeking careers in the rapidly growing AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), media, and entertainment industries.
- The new centres are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering students access to the latest tools and technologies essential for excelling in dynamic creative fields.
- The Hesarghatta centre spans 1,800 square feet and can accommodate over 200 students, while the Vijayanagar centre covers 1,600 square feet with a capacity for 180 students.
Aptech’s vision: This strategic expansion aligns with Arena Animation’s broader vision to increase its presence across India, ensuring that aspiring students, regardless of location, have access to premier education and training in creative disciplines.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Attend the sixth edition of Bengaluru Climate Party this Saturday.
- Experience Japanese culture and connect with fellow anime enthusiasts at the Japan Habba.
- Immerse yourself in raw, electrifying energy with a lineup of rock/punk bands.
- Be there at the Fortress as Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan SC.
- Experience the ultimate Kerala Brunch at Ganbeii Rooftop.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have used a gender-neutral washroom: 41.7%
- I haven’t used a gender-neutral washroom: 58.3% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!