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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New Zealand wins the 3rd ODI against Pakistan by 43 runs and sweeps the series
Mount Maunganui (New Zealand), Apr 5 (AP): Pakistan ended a disappointing tour of New Zealand on another somber note Saturday, losing the third one-day international by 43 runs.
While Pakistan made a bold effort to chase down New Zealand's total of 264-8, it fell short again and was dismissed for 221 in a match reduced by a wet outfield to 42 overs per side.
New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears took 5-34, his second five-wicket total in consecutive matches.
Pakistan made a strong start to its chase despite a shocking injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq, who retired hurt in the third over after being struck in the head by a throw at the stumps.
Imam was attempting a quick single when a throw to the non-striker's end lodged in the grill of his helmet. He was clearly dazed and struggled to stand steadily before being helped from the field.
Babar Azam rallied Pakistan after the incident with a half century which, with support from Abdullah Safique (33) and Mohammad Rizwan (37), helped Pakistan to 95-1 at the midpoint of its innings.
With 10 overs remaining, Pakistan was 167-4 and well in the match: New Zealand was 165-4 at the same stage. But New Zealand took 99 runs from the last 10 overs of its innings and Pakistan couldn't match that finish.
Tayyab Tahir made 33 from 31 balls but when he holed out in the 39th over with Pakistan 218-9 the chase was all but over.
Pakistan arrived in New Zealand with a new-look squad, eager to shrug off a disappointing performance at the recent Champions Trophy which it hosted and hoping to build towards next year's T20 World Cup.
But the tourists lost the five-match T20 series 4-1 and lost the first two matches of the three-match ODI series by 73 runs and 84 runs before Saturday's defeat. The Pakistan batters mostly struggled on fast and bouncy New Zealand pitches.
“Obviously it was a disappointing series for us,” Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said. "But if you look at the positives, Babar Azam is in very good touch. Looking at the bowling Sufiyan Muqeem was the guy.
“You have to give credit to New Zealand in all departments. They played very well for the last couple of months. They played well in Pakistan against us and they are true professionals.”
Earlier, opener Rhys Mariu and Michael Bracewell made half centuries and Daryl Mitchell passed 2,000 runs in ODIs as New Zealand batted first after losing the toss.
Mariu posted his maiden half century in his second ODI and went on to make 58 from 61 balls. Mitchell came into the match with 1,998 runs in one-day internationals with finished with 2,041 runs from 52 matches in which he averages 49.7.
Captain Bracewell finished strongly, making 59 from 40 balls.
