Good morning, Bengaluru!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 27 ℃ | Low: 18 ℃ | Fog/mist in the morning and partly cloudy sky later.
🧐 Did you know? The BBMP has 8 zones and 225 wards.
✂️ BTS inaugurated
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the 27th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) at Palace Grounds on Tuesday.
What’s it about? Jointly organised by the state’s IT&BT Department and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the event is attracting global delegates to the city, solidifying Bengaluru’s reputation as a global tech hub.
- A highlight of the summit was the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) by leading companies like Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, IBM, and the BFSI Consortium.
- These agreements aim to enhance the skills of 100,000 young professionals in Karnataka, addressing the state’s growing demand for a skilled tech workforce.
Decentralised growth: In his address, CM Siddaramaiah emphasised the government’s commitment to decentralising technological growth through a cluster-based approach. He highlighted regional hubs such as Mangaluru for fintech, Hubballi-Dharwad for advancements in electric vehicles and drones, and Mysuru as a centre for printed circuit board manufacturing.
🛣️ Decongesting Old Madras Road
Bengaluru Traffic Police has announced new diversions to address severe congestion on Old Madras Road.
What’s it about? A critical artery connecting Bengaluru with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, this road, especially the Krishnarajapura area, often experiences heavy traffic due to its role as a hub for industries, educational institutions, and large housing complexes.
- The stretch from BBMP Junction on Old Madras Road to the Veterinary Hospital near the KR Pura Law and Order Police Station is now a one-way route.
- The U-turn at BBMP Junction on Old Madras Road has now been closed.
Incoming traffic redirected: Traffic from Anandapura and KR Puram Village heading into the city should now take a left turn near Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple, proceed via Old Madras Road, and take a U-turn near GRT.
🚂 KSR revamp planned
The KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station is set for a major revamp at an estimated cost of ₹1,500 crore, with plans to model its transformation after the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
What’s it about? Union Minister of State for Railways, V Somanna, announced the initiative, emphasising that the project will provide modern amenities akin to those at an international airport and generate significant employment opportunities.
- The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the redevelopment has been submitted to the Railway Board for approval, with clarifications currently under review.
- The station’s redesign will utilise the extensive 160-acre area available for development, with a focus on elevating passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Not official yet: Somanna also mentioned plans to discuss the project further with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with an official announcement expected soon regarding its commencement.
🏗️ Hyderabad surpasses Bengaluru
Hyderabad is currently leading in real estate growth, achieving a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in residential launches over the past decade, ahead of Bengaluru.
What’s it about? Bengaluru ranks second in real estate growth but remains the top city on socio-economic parameters. With a workforce participation rate of 76% and an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, the lowest among the top six cities analysed by Knight Frank, Bengaluru’s robust service sector continues to attract a skilled workforce.
- Hyderabad follows Bengaluru on socio-economic rankings, with Mumbai-MMR, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Ahmedabad trailing.
- Mumbai-MMR, India’s financial capital, secures third place in real estate growth and demonstrates steady performance across all metrics.
Delhi’s lead: Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR leads in e-governance through initiatives like the Delhi Government Services Portal, which simplifies access to public services and ensures information security and privacy. Other top cities in e-governance include Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai-MMR, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you attended any events at Palace Grounds?
- I have attended events at Palace Grounds.
- I have not attended any events at Palace Grounds.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
How much time do you spend in traffic on a daily basis?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Emergency maintenance work at the 66/11KV Austin Town Station today will lead to a power cut at the 66/11KV Shobha Indraprastha Station from 10 am to 5 pm.
- University College London and IISc have joined hands to co-create pioneering new approaches to healthcare.
- Indigo’s Bengaluru-Male flight faced technical issues on Tuesday afternoon and had to be diverted to Kochi.
- No traffic is allowed on Church Street for a week due to revamp work.
- Bengaluru’s private schools’ dropout rates are between 9-16%, higher than Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- My office provides a cab facility: 27.3%
- My office does not provide a cab facility: 72.7% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!