Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 26 ℃ | Low: 20 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky.
🧐 Did you know? 40% of Karnataka’s electricity demand is from Bengaluru.
🛣️ Underpasses planned
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to construct underpasses along Ballari Road to ease severe traffic congestion on the route to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
What’s it about? The underpasses are proposed at key junctions, including Kodigehalli, Byatarayanapura, Jakkur, and Allalasandra, to eliminate traffic signals and improve traffic flow.
- The initiative comes as ongoing Metro construction on the Blue Line by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) exacerbates congestion on service roads.
- NHAI Project Director KB Jayakumar has also highlighted logistical challenges, such as limited land availability and the presence of massive elevated corridor pillars, which complicate the implementation of underpasses.
Preventing accidents: The authority also intends to address accident-prone zones on the highway, including the stretch near Café Coffee Day in Yelahanka, following directives from Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
💻 BTS in town
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) on November 19, a three-day event organised by the Karnataka Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology.
What’s it about? The summit will witness the signing of two MoUs with Switzerland and Finland and a Letter of Intent with the Sharjah Innovation Authority, emphasising global collaboration.
- Australia is the event’s official country partner, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alongside international dignitaries, will participate in the inaugural ceremony.
- This year’s theme, “Unbound”, reflects breaking boundaries and fostering innovation.
Global event: Over 15 countries, including the USA, UK, and France, will send government and private delegations, along with representatives from 33 Global Innovation Alliance countries to the event.
🛣️ Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru expressway
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the development of the Mumbai-Pune-Bengaluru Expressway, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Pimpri Chinchwad and other regions.
What’s it about? Speaking at a BJP rally in Chinchwad, Gadkari highlighted the expressway as part of a broader ₹55,000 crore ring road network. The new infrastructure is expected to provide significant traffic relief while enhancing connectivity between major cities.
- In addition to the expressway, Gadkari detailed multiple road infrastructure projects in Pune, with a combined budget of ₹80,000 crore.
- Gadkari also emphasised his commitment to timely execution, stating that his role extends beyond announcements to ensuring on-ground implementation of these ambitious projects.
Projects’ benefits: This comprehensive road infrastructure plan promises significant long-term benefits, including reduced travel time, improved safety, and enhanced economic connectivity across the region.
🏛️ Museum of Memories
Greenpeace India and the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) hosted the Climate at the Margins: Gender, Class, and Caste Vulnerabilities exhibition in the city alongside the COP29 meeting in Baku.
What’s it about? The exhibition highlighted the human impact of climate change, focusing on marginalised communities most affected by extreme weather events. The exhibit aimed to present raw, human narratives often overlooked in climate discussions.
- The exhibition’s centrepiece was the Museum of Memories, a digital showcase of real-life stories, highlighting the human toll behind climate disaster statistics.
- Other features included Story Circles, where storytellers shared experiences of resilience, and an immersive VR video exploring the Sundarbans through the life of a fisherman.
Last stop: The two-day exhibition had previously travelled to Delhi and Chennai before concluding its journey in the city on Sunday.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Will you be able to point out where Ballari is on a map of Karnataka?
- I will be able to point out where Ballari is on a map of Karnataka.
- I will not be able to point out where Ballari is on a map of Karnataka.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What has been your experience of attending the city’s tech events and meetups?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In Other News…
- BMRCL is inviting tenders for the design of Phase 3 of the city metro.
- Ashu Malik’s Super 10 helped Dabang Delhi defeat Bengaluru Bulls 35-25.
- The e-khata system is helping BBMP identify duplicate property entries.
- The state intends to create 10,000 startups outside of the city under the Beyond Bengaluru initiative.
- Church Street is set for a major facelift under the Namma Bengaluru, Namma Koduge initiative.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!