Can you imagine if it was possible to take a train for your commute within Bengaluru? For starters, it would be cheaper, it would decongest the roads, and you’d possibly get to where you wanted much quicker. This may become a possibility if you extend your support to the Namma Railu campaign.

In this edition, we tell you how you can #SupportNammaRailu, ahead of the railway budget and beyond. Also read the latest updates on what is happening with the pipeline that is being laid by GAIL. All this and more…

This week’s highlight: #SupportNammaRailu

Whitefield railway station. File pic

Bengaluru needs better railway network, because trains are cheaper and faster than any other mode of public transport. And the city does have a good enough network that can be used to beat the traffic. The Namma Railu group, working under the banner of Praja-RAAG, has been championing the cause of better suburban railway network for the city.  

Their ask from the upcoming rail budget: 1) Give us more rails at convenient times, because it will help reduce Bengaluru’s traffic, and 2) Give us better commuter rail network, to lay the foundation for an integrate public transport solution that works with bus, metro and other options for a growing city.

Read how to extend your support to the Namma Railu campaign.

In the ‘hood

Within months of GAIL Gas Ltd initiating work on its ambitious City Gas Distribution Project in Bengaluru, it has attracted the wrath of residents of HSR Layout. Residents have accused GAIL of carrying out the work by violating BBMP norms. Read: Gail pipeline – Is there a violation?

Living by the lake

Madiwala Lake will host the second Kere Habba of 2016 on January 23rd. Activities include bird watching, cycling, clay modelling and more… Will you be going?

Voice of the people

There are many things about Bangalore that can and should be criticised. However, it is always better if the criticism is constructive, says Nikhil Jois. Read: My home, my city, my love.

The heroes among us

The happy children with their paper crowns. Pic: Ritvik Mandyam

On New Years, our youngest blogger, Ritvik Mandyam, set out on a mission to treat 1,000 orphans to burgers. Read how he made it happen: One thousand smiles.

Last weekend, a group of volunteers got together at Lalbagh to spread the message about keeping the place clean. Read what the Beautiful Bengaluru campaign is all about.

On the road

Here’s a campaign that was rolled out near South End Circle last Sunday, asking people not to use their phones while driving. What would you do to make the roads safer for fellow drivers/riders/pedestrians? Read: A valuable campaign.

The week that was

• Hearing a PIL on alleged financial irregularities in BBMP, the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday suggested that the State government take a call on dissolving the civic body and appointing an Administrator. The bench also ordered that notices be issued to the Union Ministry of Finance, State government, BBMP and CAG.
• Bengaluru Mayor Manjunath Reddy, in a recent meeting with BBMP engineers, has directed them to finish the tender process for many works in BBMP wards by January 29th. The various projects are estimated at a cost of Rs 260 crore.
• A new policy on monitoring the disposal of debris, will soon make it mandatory for citizens to seek permission from BBMP for construction or demolition of a building. The policy requires the building owner to estimate the quantity of debris that will be generated during demolition and pay a fee to the Palike for disposing of it.
• For all those who love eating avarekai (broad beans) delicacies, it is time to head to VV Puram Food Street. The 18-day long Avarekai Mela being organised at Food Street will end on January 24th.
• BBMP is likely to reorganise its zones from the existing eight to 10 zones within two months, for better administration. The Standing Committee on Establishment and Administrative Reforms recently held a meeting to discuss the proposal that the last BBMP Administrator Vijay Bhaskar had sent to the government on reorganising the zones.
• The Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force has booked criminal cases against 15 companies for displaying illegal advertisements causing revenue loss to BBMP. The companies include a nationalised bank, a popular jewellery store and a clothing store.

Events this week

 Exhibition: Carnets de Voyage, Alliance Francaise

• Contemporary Carnatic prog-rock band, Agam is performing at Hard Rock Cafe today at 9 pm.
• Get a dose of laughter at stand-up shows at Bierre Club on January 21st and at Urban Solace on January 27th.
• Pay a visit to Alliance Francaise to view Carnets de Voyage, an exhibit by French graphic novelist, Simon Lamouret. The exhibit starts today.
• To mark Gustav Krumbiegel’s 150th birth anniversary as well as the Republic Day flower show, Bengaluru By Foot is organising a heritage walk in Lalbagh on January 23rd.
• ET – Space and Beyond, an astronomy workshop for children about the journey the universe has gone through, will be held at Easy Library on January 23rd.
• The presentation ceremony of the TOTO Awards 2016 is taking place at Alliance Francaise on January 23rd.
• Watch award-winning UK theatre company, HandleBards’ rendition of Hamlet at KEA Prabhath Rangamandira on January 23rd.
• Attend a talk on Medicine in the Light of Biological and Cultural Evolution at Bangalore International Centre on January 27th.

To know more about events in Bengaluru, click here

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