Latest news with #TammannahBhatia
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Centre awaits Karnataka's nod for revised Bengaluru metro phase-2 costs
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, on Friday said the Central Government will consider the revised cost estimates for Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 only after the Karnataka State Cabinet approves the proposal and submits it formally to the Centre. Also Read - Workers of Pro Kannada organisations stage protest in Bengaluru demanding removal of Tammannah Bhatia as KSDL ambassador The Minister, who was in Bengaluru to review the progress of various urban development schemes, made these remarks during a high-level assessment meeting. According to a statement from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the review also covered issues related to infrastructure planning, water sustainability, and urban reforms. During the meeting, Manohar Lal was briefed on the current status of the metro network in the city. At present, Bengaluru has an operational metro network spanning approximately 75 km, while another 145 km is under active construction. Earlier this year, the Union Government had sanctioned the 45-km Phase-3 corridor, approving a budget of ₹15,600 crore. Also Read - Bengaluru teen, 19, duped of ₹3.7 Crore in investment scam, police launch search for accused: Report The Karnataka government has now put forward a fresh proposal for Phase-3A of the Namma Metro project. This proposed extension, covering 37 km, is estimated to cost ₹28,400 crore. However, the Minister clarified that the cost estimates for Phase-3A must undergo evaluation by an expert body before the Centre can take a decision. Directions for such an assessment have already been issued, he said. Approval for the project hinges on a formal response from the state government. 'Once the proposal is cleared by the State Cabinet and reaches us, we will initiate the process of sanctioning,' the Minister added. Besides metro expansion, Manohar Lal also stressed the urgent need to tackle legacy waste and promote sustainable urban practices. He underscored the importance of reusing treated wastewater to address the rising demand for fresh water in cities. In a push for sustainable urban planning, he advocated for increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along public transit corridors. Allowing higher FAR, he said, would promote denser development around mass transit hubs, reduce traffic congestion, and boost public transport usage. The Minister also encouraged the Karnataka government to implement necessary reforms to become eligible for the Centre's 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI)' scheme for 2025-26. Under this initiative, states can avail of a 50-year, interest-free loan for capital investments beyond existing central schemes. It may be recalled that the Union Cabinet had already approved two key segments of Phase-2 in 2021 — Phase 2A (Central Silk Board to K.R. Puram) and Phase 2B (K.R. Puram to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal), which together span 58.19 km. These segments are being implemented at a combined cost of ₹14,788 crore. Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly expand Bengaluru's public transport capacity, offering a vital solution to the city's mounting traffic and connectivity issues.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamannaah Bhatia as face of Mysore Sandal: Kannada activists stage protest
A day after Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited appointed actor Tammannah Bhatia as the brand ambassador of its products, the Karnataka government has come under criticism for picking a non-Kannada speaking actor for the position. Members of the Yuva Karnataka Vedike staged a protest at the KSDL's Yeshwantpur factory in Bengaluru on May 23, 2025, denouncing the government's 'anti-Kannada' decision. They questioned the need to select the multi-lingual actor offering her a deal worth crores of rupees, when the iconic Mysore Sandal brand had 'made a profit of ₹400 crore without any celebrity names attached to it so far.' Protestors demanded that the deal be cancelled. Ms. Tamannaah has been signed as the brand ambassador for a period of two years, for which she will be paid ₹6.2 crore. Minister responds Responding to objections raised by acitivists and netizens on social media, Minister for Commerce & Industries M.B. Patil, while expressing deepest respect and regard for the Kannada language, identity and film industry, told mediapersons that when it came to business, competitiveness was a critical factor. He described the appointment of the actor as a thoughtful and research-backed decision. The minister explained the brand's decision to use a multi-pronged strategy 'to achieve our ambitious ₹5,000 crore turnover target by 2028'. In a post on X, he wrote: 'We believe that what you sow is what you reap. That's why we are sowing excellence — in products, people, processes, and partnerships... The appointment of #TamannaahBhatia as brand ambassador is a well-researched move — given her pan-India appeal, strong digital presence, and resonance with youth.' The Minister also listed out the considerations that went into choosing a brand ambassador, including factors like availability for any given category (if they have a non-compete agreement), social media presence, coherence with the brand, product and target audience, and marketing fit and reach. Speaking of a comprehensive and strategic overhaul of the brand, Mr. Patil hinted that Ms. Tamannaah's appointment was part of the intent 'to also penetrate markets beyond Karnataka aggressively.' The actor is popular for her performances across all South Indian languge films as well as in the Hindi film industry. He added that the focus was to elevate Mysore Sandal brand from being the pride of Karnataka to becoming a true jewel of India. 'We are pushing for a long-term, sustainable transformation. Every piece of the puzzle — from production and marketing to talent and partnerships — is being aligned with a professional, world-class approach.'
