Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Fog or Mist would occur in early morning.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru’s road network spans over 14,000 kilometres.
🚇 Metro hike likely
Namma Metro fares may soon see a 20% hike despite substantial opposition from commuters.
What’s it about? Currently, fares range from ₹10 to ₹60; with the hike, this will increase to ₹15 to ₹75. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had sought public feedback on this fare revision between October 3 and October 28, with most responses opposing the hike.
- Nevertheless, BMRCL is moving forward with the increase, citing the need to manage rising operational costs.
- Meetings following the feedback period have reportedly set the stage for an official fare hike announcement.
Metro lines above party lines: In a related development, the long-awaited Green Line extension of the Namma Metro is set to open today. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar took a test ride on the new line a day before its official launch with Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya also participating with him.
🕉️ Sunak spiritual
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty and her parents, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy, visited the Guru Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar.
What’s it about? Known for openly embracing his Hindu faith, Sunak has often spoken about the influence of his beliefs on his public service and life philosophy. He previously shared that being sworn in as a Member of Parliament on the Bhagavad Gita was a proud moment for him.
- The visit was planned during Kartika Masa, a time considered highly favourable for blessings.
- Sunak noted that his faith, rooted in the concept of dharma, guides his approach to life and governance.
Keeping culture alive: Sunak has frequently visited temples to reconnect with his roots, expressing a desire to pass on these traditions to his daughters, thereby keeping his cultural identity alive within his family.
🍽️ Open, 24/7
City restaurants are seeking police approval to operate 24/7 following a state government order on September 27 permitting businesses with over 10 employees to stay open round the clock.
What’s it about? PC Rao, president of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA), stated that the association has formally notified the police about the order and plans to meet with the Bengaluru police commissioner, B Dayananda, to discuss this issue.
- Currently, restaurants can operate until 1 am, but despite the new directive, police have yet to approve extended hours.
- Dayananda clarified that the decision falls under government policy and is beyond police jurisdiction.
Location-based needs: BBHA’s request for blanket permission allows individual restaurant owners to decide if they wish to stay open 24/7. Some establishments, particularly near transport hubs like bus and railway stations, see a potential need for extended hours, though not all restaurants plan to operate around the clock.
🛣️ Underground DPR completed
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed 18-km underground tunnel road.
What’s it about? Finished in just three months, a timeline much shorter than the typical year required for such projects, the estimated ₹16,500 crore corridor will connect Hebbal in the north to the Central Silk Board junction in the south.
- This six-lane tunnel, an ambitious solution for the city’s traffic woes, will be constructed using six large Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) sourced from China.
- Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s development, noted the decision to procure the machines from China was made to reduce costs by 10 per cent.
Strategic planning: The tunnel design includes multiple strategic entry and exit points to manage traffic efficiently and prevent bottlenecks. At the Central Silk Board junction, exits will lead to Outer Ring Road (ORR) and Hosur Road, while the Hebbal end will provide exits toward KR Puram and Ballari Road.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Is the metro fare hike reasonable?
- The metro fare hike is reasonable.
- The metro fare hike is not reasonable.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What moments in your have life impacted your belief, or the lack thereof, in a higher power?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- City’s cab drivers are protesting against the alleged illegal use of private vehicles for commercial purposes.
- City-based robotics startup CynLr raised $10 million in funding.
- Bescom has won the ‘Charge India 2024 Excellence’ award for its contribution to the establishment of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure in the city.
- Rental inquiries in the city’s prime locations have dropped nearly 20 per cent over the last three months.
- Fireworks’ smoke and the seasonal flu wave have triggered breathing woes for citizens.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I will consider buying a house in the suburbs: 28.6%
- I will not consider buying a house in the suburbs: 71.4% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!