Triumph for Informal Workers: New bus route in B'luru to help 3000+ people with better connectivity
In what can be described as a major triumph for women's collective Alli Serona and for the women of Bengaluru’s informal workforce, BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) has taken cognisance of their demand for a new bus route that will connect approximately 3000 residents living in and around Seegehalli. In a recent poll conducted by the women from the community, over 1131 individuals had expressed their need for a bus stop at Seegehalli, not counting the thousands more who had also put forth their requirements for a bus stop on this route. In a pleasant start to 2024, buses have begun to ply on this route since 3rd January, offering residents of Mallappa Layout, Sonnenhalli, Priyanka Nagar, SBQ, and Medahalli, better connectivity to educational institutions and employment opportunities, impacting their overall quality of life in the city.
On the 11th of January 2024, children and women from Priyanka Nagar and Seegehalli who form a part of the Alli Serona Collective, gathered to ride in the bus as a mark of celebration. Alli Serona, a collective of civil society organizations, ideators, and think tanks working to address the transport needs of women from the informal sector has repeatedly highlighted mobility gaps in the city and also brought together experts and underserved women to co-create solutions like bus routes and walkable footpaths. Based on an audit report by the women from the collective itself, Alli Serona had suggested five critically needed bus routes to BMTC in 2023 and in January 2024, their efforts to plug mobility gaps notched up a big win to kick off the new year.
An elated resident from Priyanka Nagar, Anuradha, who is also an Alli Serona Woman Leader, shares, “Being part of Alli Serona, I've had the privilege to engage with BMTC officials, discussing the underserved bus services in our community. We expressed our transportation challenges, and officials pledged to address them. During one interaction, we met DTO Mr. Avinash, who later visited and assessed the proposed bus route by Alli Serona Women, understanding our needs well. The route from Shivaji Nagar to KR Pura, Seegehalli, and Medahalli now benefits housekeeping workers, high school students, single women, and visually impaired individuals. This route, particularly to Medahalli, serves Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar, especially children.”
The Medahalli route holds significant importance as it is a crucial gateway for communities, providing access to various key destinations. This route facilitates travel to essential areas such as Hoskote, the International Airport, and Silk Board, and also links to KR Pura, KR Market, and Shivaji Nagar. The newly operational Seegehalli bus route will now also ensure first and last-mile connectivity to women who need to commute to Majestic, which is a central transport hub, KR Market, the largest wholesale market in the city, and Shivajinagar, one of the busiest commercial areas.
“This development brings immense joy and satisfaction. The dedicated efforts of the women in Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar have borne fruit, and for that, I extend our heartfelt gratitude. Let's unite in celebrating this achievement” said I.S Patil, Senior Community Coordinator at Seegehalli and Priyanka Nagar, Alli Serona Collective.
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Five to six opposition MLAs might cross over to Mahayuti in few months: NCP chief whip Anil Patil
Mumbai, Nov 24: There is unrest in the Maha Vikas Aghadi camp and its five to six MLAs might join the ruling Mahayuti in the next few months, claimed NCP chief whip Anil Patil, who has retained his Amalner assembly seat, on Sunday.
The MVA of Congress, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a crushing blow in the Maharashtra assembly polls, winning only 46 of the state's 288 seats. By contrast, the BJP-led ruling coalition, which also has NCP and Shiv Sena as partners, bagged an impressive 230 seats.
“There is tremendous unrest among some NCP (SP), Congress and Sena (UBT) MLAs who have been re-elected. Those having good relations with us have expressed concerns over MVA’s massive defeat,” Patil told Marathi news channel ABP Majha.
If one wants development works in his constituency, it is good to be in power, said the legislator from Ajit Pawar’s party.
“The MVA MLAs feel their future is uncertain. It shouldn’t be a surprise if five to six MLAs cross over to the Mahayuti in the next four months,” he said.
In the results of the Maharashtra polls declared on Saturday, BJP won in 132 constituencies, while its partners Shiv Sena and NCP walked away with 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
From the MVA camp, Shiv Sena (UBT) bagged 20 seats followed by Congress’ 16 and 10 by NCP (SP).
