Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 29 ℃ | Low: 19 ℃ | Fog or Mist would occur in early morning.
🧐 Did you know? Following Delhi, Bengaluru hosts the most weddings in the country.
🚂 Mallige line inspected
Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh recently inspected the Mallige Line of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP).
What’s it about? This line, extending from Kanakanagar to Hebbal, will feature an elevated track to eliminate six level crossings, addressing the challenges of the densely populated eastern Bengaluru area, where constructing traditional road overbridges (RoBs) is impractical.
- During her visit to level crossings 144A and 140, Rajneesh highlighted the strategic importance of the Mallige Line for urban mobility in high-traffic zones and urged officials to expedite the long-delayed project.
- The delays in the project are primarily due to encroachment issues, land acquisition delays, and the challenge of relocating utility services.
Construction process: Construction on the BSRP track will begin first, with Indian Railways trains temporarily diverted to new tracks. Afterwards, existing tracks will be elevated and restructured, allowing both BSRP and Indian Railways to operate independently without interrupting services.
✈️ Echoes of Earth
Kempegowda International Airport is partnering with the Echoes of Earth music festival for the fifth year in a row.
What’s it about? Leading up to the festival’s seventh edition on December 7-8, live performances by Echoes artists will be showcased at airport terminals and lounges throughout November.
- The festival, which promotes sustainability, will also engage youth through educational initiatives by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Echoes of Earth.
- Programs like Namma Shikshana and The Greener Side workshops will focus on sustainability, conservation, and skill-building through music, art sessions, and DIY projects.
What’s in store: The December event, to be held at Embassy Riding School, will feature international acts like Mount Kimbie, Satori, and French 79, blending genres and cultural influences. A unique highlight, Seasonal Soundscape by Prematron, will incorporate nature sounds from wildlife documentaries, creating an immersive experience.
🛣️ HUDCO funding for BBC
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) has pledged full funding of ₹27,000 crore for the construction of the Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC).
What’s it about? This 73-kilometre corridor will link Tumakuru Road and Hosur Road, passing through strategic points like Doddaballapur Road, Bellary Road, and Old Madras Road.
- The project has faced delays, particularly in securing government land and compensating private landowners.
- To streamline land acquisition, the BDA has appointed eight new officers dedicated to acquiring the required 2,560 acres, including 193 acres of government land, under a 2022 Government Order.
Measures taken: To address these challenges, the BDA is opening four new offices, including one in Yelahanka and three near the affected 76 villages, allowing landowners to receive compensation locally without travelling to the central BDA office. The acquisition and compensation processes are anticipated to conclude within six months.
🏢 Unauthorised structures identified
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has conducted a survey identifying around 200 unauthorised buildings citywide.
What’s it about? BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath revealed that the Revenue Department developed a mobile app to facilitate the identification of building infractions. The survey, which began on October 29, aims to curb building violations in the fast-growing urban landscape.
- Initially created for property tax purposes, the app now enables BBMP officials to detect unauthorised constructions by photographing buildings and quickly comparing the images to approved plans.
- This streamlined process allows for almost immediate identification of discrepancies.
Ongoing process: A team of 70 officials, including revenue staff and engineers, is actively surveying eight city zones. Preliminary data indicates high numbers of violations in the Mahadevapura (65 unauthorised buildings) and West zones (27 unauthorised buildings), with other zones expected to report similar findings.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Will you consider buying a house in the suburbs upon completion of the sub-urban railway project?
- I will consider buying a house in the suburbs.
- I will not consider buying a house in the suburbs.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What are the best music festivals in the country?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Sakra Hospital Road will remain shut for two months due to BBMP’s white topping work.
- UST has opened its second office in the city.
- BBMP has begun the road re-designing process near the Deepanjali Nagar Metro Station.
- The state will implement a Microsoft developed software to fast-track approvals of industrial projects.
- Bengaluru Bulls secured their second win of the season, clinching a thrilling contest against Tamil Thalaivas.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I use the metro for office commute: 44.4%
- I do not use the metro for office commute: 55.6% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!