In a first, the Western Railway now has its first 'All-Women Maintenance Team' in Mumbai, an official statement said on Saturday. In a significant move that highlights the changing role of women in traditionally male-dominated industries, the Western Railway has launched an all-women maintenance team in its Mumbai Suburban Traction (TRD) department, it said. Over the past month, the all-women team has undergone thorough training to handle and maintain high-voltage equipment, including 25kV and 110kV systems at the Mahalaxmi Traction Substation. After completing their training, the team has been fully equipped to work independently while following strict safety protocols, officials said. The initiative marks a major step forward in promoting gender equality and empowering women in technical roles, the officials said. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, maintenance teams are the backbone of reliable train operations, ensuring seamless functioning of power supply installations in the AC Traction system. Over the past month, this women’s team has undergone rigorous training to manage and maintain 25kV and 110kV equipment at Mahalaxmi Traction Substation. The team has been officially deployed to work independently, adhering to stringent safety protocols. The formation of this all-women team is not just a milestone for Western Railway but also a testament to the organisation's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields. By empowering women to lead in technical and operational roles, Western Railway continues to inspire change and pave the way for a more inclusive future, the statement said. Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, the Western Railway had stated its remarkable progress in different areas of its network in the year 2024, with significant progress in infrastructure, passenger services, safety measures, etc. Western Railway commissioned 352 km of new tracks, including gauge conversions and doubling works. More than 97 per cent of Western Railway's broad gauge route is now electrified, it said. Stations like Surat, Somnath, Sabarmati, and Ahmedabad are being redeveloped into world-class facilities. Additionally, stations like Vapi, Valsad, and Rajkot have been equipped with Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable medicines. The number of suburban services were increased from 1,394 to 1,406, with AC local trains crossing the 100 mark (109 services) in 2024, it said.
07 January,2025 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) informed that Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the newly renovated Bhau Daji Lad Museum, located in the premises of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo at Byculla (East), on Wednesday at 11 am. The other dignataries who will be attending the ceremony include minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and legislators Advocate Sunil Shinde and Rajhans Singh. The repair, restoration and conservation work for the museum was started in March 2023. According to Mumbai civic body, all the work was completed within 18 months. These included waterproofing of the roof, internal repairs of the roof and restoration of the carvings on it, repair of internal and external plaster, repair of windows, plinth protection, painting, carpets, ramps etc. The BMC has spent a total of Rs 2.8 crore on these works. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is one of the oldest museums in Mumbai. The idea of a museum in Mumbai was conceived during the World Exhibition of 1851 in London. The foundation stone of the present building of the museum was laid on November 19, 1862, by the then Governor Sir Henry Bartle Frere. The construction of the museum began in 1872. In honour of he construction of the museum began in 1872. The museum was founded as the Victoria and Albert Museum. On November 1, 1975, it was renamed as Bhau Daji Lad Museum in honor of Dr Ramkrishna Vithal alias Bhau Daji Lad, who played an important role in its establishment. The museum is a confluence of art, culture and science. Miniature clay sculptures, maps, stone stamps, photographs, rare books, etc are some of its special attractions. The museum has been designed in six different parts. The curtain raiser features exhibits on Mumbai's history, industry, art, and 19th century paintings, among other exhibits. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in February 2003 between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Jamnalal Bajaj Pratishthan and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for the revival and management of the museum. The museum was restored from 2003 to 2008 and reopened to the public on January 4, 2008. The museum also received the UNESCO Award of Excellence in Cultural Conservation in 2005 for this restoration project. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum has been continuously working as a dedicated institution to achieve excellence in the field of cultural education. Its main objective is to promote social interaction through various exhibitions, create interest in art among children, generate public interest in the artistic, cultural, economic history and development of Mumbai, and cultural awareness. Various activities are organised through the museum on Mumbai's history, art, cultural development, music, dance, art, drama and theatre. The institutions promoting Indian handicrafts are given free entry in Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Their exhibits are held in the Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Art Gallery in the main building of the museum. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum has so far held exhibitions in Mumbai in joint partnership with international museums and institutions such as Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Guggenheim Museum (New York) etc. Also, various activities have been carried out in collaboration with consulates of Italy, Belgium, Canada etc., as well as cultural centres and institutions such as Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, Polish Institute of New Delhi and Alliance Francaise. In April 2017, the 'Museum Katta' was launched as a special programme series in the Marathi language. It showcases historical and contemporary social and cultural traditions in folk art, cinema, literature, theatre, music and visual art. The show received an overwhelming response from the audience and artists. The museum has also launched an internship programme. The In-Residence Programme provides an opportunity to undergraduate students as well as art teachers to guide citizens of different age groups visiting the museum, disseminate the activities of the museum to the public, and organise workshops. Also, students are given the opportunity to create educational materials, etc., in collaboration with international educational institutions.
07 January,2025 05:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has announced that toll collection through FASTag will become mandatory across all toll plazas in the state starting from April 1. The decision, approved by the state cabinet on Tuesday, is part of the government's efforts to streamline toll collection and enhance the efficiency of traffic management at toll booths. The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the proposal put forth by the Public Works Department (PWD) to implement electronic toll collection exclusively via FASTag. The initiative aims to eliminate long queues, reduce fuel wastage, and improve transparency in the toll collection process. In line with this move, the government has also amended the Public-Private Partnership Policy of 2014 to accommodate the mandatory use of FASTag at toll plazas. Vehicles without a FASTag or those entering designated FASTag lanes without proper tagging will be required to pay double the toll fee. FASTag, which is an electronic toll collection system, is already in use on national highways across India. By making it mandatory at toll plazas in Maharashtra, the government intends to reduce congestion and enhance the overall commuting experience for drivers. At present, toll collection is managed at 13 road projects under the Public Works Department and nine projects under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The new rules will apply to these existing toll projects and all future toll collection projects across the state, as per the government statement. In addition to the FASTag decision, the Maharashtra cabinet also approved revisions to the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business to streamline the state’s administrative processes. These changes aim to make governance more efficient and transparent by detailing the processes involved in cabinet meetings, legislative proposals, and approvals from the chief minister or governor. The revised rules, which have undergone their third major revision since they were first framed in 1975, include provisions that aim to enhance the decision-making process and ensure more effective governance. The new regulations cover 48 sections, four schedules, and one annexure, focusing on the procedures for cabinet and council meetings, the presentation of cases for cabinet approval, and legislative processes. Once approved by the governor, the revised rules will be published in the official gazette, marking a step towards more transparent, efficient, and public-centric governance in Maharashtra. These administrative reforms, according to the government, are designed to simplify processes, expedite decisions, and ultimately benefit the citizens of the state. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 05:25 PM IST | MumbaiA case of rioting and assault against a police team has been registered involving 20 people, including the owner and employees of a restaurant in Maharashtra's Thane city. The incident, which unfolded shortly after midnight on January 5, has led to the booking of several individuals, including the restaurant's owner, for obstructing a police inspection and assaulting law enforcement officers. According to police, a team had been dispatched to the Skyline restaurant in the Upvan area of Thane on the orders of senior officers for a routine inspection. However, the situation escalated when the restaurant owner and his staff resisted the police entry. The altercation quickly turned violent, leading to a police officer being struck with a microphone rod, causing injuries to his chest. Other officers were assaulted with slaps and punches, and one officer's mobile phone was also forcibly taken by the assailants, the police official stated. Among those identified in the attack are restaurant owner Harsh Bhanushali (27) and employees Gopal Mulani (31), Krishna Guta (20), and Deepak Mite (22). The accused are facing several charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences including assault, criminal intimidation, rioting, and obstructing public servants from discharging their duties. An FIR was filed at the Vartak Nagar police station on Monday. The charges include sections related to assaulting public servants (section 132), using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty (section 121), and rioting (section 189). Additional charges of causing hurt with dangerous weapons (section 118) and criminal intimidation (section 351) have also been included. The police team had been sent to conduct a routine inspection as part of their regular duties, but the altercation turned into a violent confrontation with the restaurant staff. Authorities have stated that the situation was handled by the police, with the accused now facing serious charges. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 05:17 PM IST | MumbaiThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Tuesday directed the health department in the district to remain vigilant and urged citizens not to panic amid the HMPV outbreak, an official statement said. It said that there have been reports of an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, and some cases have also been detected in India. However, the Thane Municipal Corporation has urged citizens not to panic. HMPV is a common respiratory virus that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and cough. It is typically a seasonal illness, occurring mostly during the winter and early summer months, just like the flu, the statement said. Thane Municipal Commissioner, Saurabh Rao, has directed the Health Department to remain vigilant. The state’s public health department has analysed the data on respiratory infections, and there has been no significant increase in the number of cases in December 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this, the public has been advised to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, it said. Special ward set up at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Thane As a precautionary measure, a 15-bed isolation ward has been set up at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, Thane. The TMC also issued a list of Do's and Dont's as part of it precautionary measure campaign against HMPV and to help prevent the spread of infection. Do’s: - Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. - Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Stay away from public places if you have a fever, cough, or cold. - Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. - Ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces. - Consult a doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms. Don’ts: - Avoid handshakes. - Do not reuse tissues or handkerchiefs. - Do not come into close contact with sick individuals. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth frequently. - Do not spit in public places. - Do not take medication without consulting a doctor. "The Thane Municipal Corporation urges all citizens to follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus and maintain public health," the statement said.
07 January,2025 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it is following the Union and state health department guidelines on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and has not detected any cases in Mumbai so far. A comparison of respiratory infections between December 2023 and December 2024 shows no significant increase in Mumbai, the BMC said on Tuesday."BMC is taking all precautions as suggested by the union govt and Maharashtra health department about HMPV. To date, no HMPV patient has been detected in Mumbai. Also, a comparative analysis is done for respiratory infections reported in December 2023 and December 2024 but no significant trend is seen in rising infections. BMC is taking all precautions suggested," the civic body said in a press release.Amid growing concerns about HMPV cases in the country, experts have assured that the respiratory virus that circulates during winter and affects all age groups, particularly young children and the elderly, has not caused a surge in influenza-like cases or hospitalisations, news agency ANI reported.Seven cases of HMPV have been reported in the country: two each cases in Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai, and one in Ahmedabad. Lawyer urges HC to take cognisance of HMPV, direct govt to take immediate measures A lawyer on Tuesday moved the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court (HC), urging it to take cognisance of concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and direct the Maharashtra government to take proactive measures, news agency PTI reported. In his plea, Advocate Shreerang Bhandarkar said HC had in 2020 taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a similar action is now required amid the growing global concerns surrounding the HMPV outbreak. The court is likely to hear the application on Friday, PTI reported. Bhandarkar had appeared as amicus curiae (appointed by the court for assistance) in the Covid-19 plea. In August 2020, the Nagpur bench had taken suo motu cognisance of the pandemic and had passed a slew of directions to the state government, PTI reported. "The recent increase in reported cases of HMPV underscores the need for vigilance, preparedness and proactive public health measures," the application stated. It urged the high court to direct the state health department to intensify HMPV surveillance, testing and reporting and to establish a task force on emerging respiratory viruses. The plea also sought HC to direct the state to launch public health awareness campaigns focusing on HMPV symptoms, transmission and prevention. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
07 January,2025 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to launch the second phase of its extensive membership campaign in Maharashtra, aiming to recruit 1.5 crore new primary members, as part of its broader strategy to establish itself as the largest political party in the state. The campaign, which is expected to gain momentum from January 10, has been named the 'Ghar Chalo Abhiyan,' and it will focus on enrolling members at the grassroots level. According to state BJP president, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the party's expansion efforts are well underway with the 'Sangathan Parv,' which was initiated on January 1. The second phase, which will begin on January 10, is designed to reach households in every one of Maharashtra’s 1 lakh polling booths. Under this ambitious plan, BJP workers aim to visit 40 to 50 homes in each booth area in order to register new members. Bawankule highlighted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside senior party leaders, had already kicked off the first phase of the drive at the booth level on January 5. This phase focused on engaging directly with people at the booth level to create awareness and motivate them to join the party. The 'Ghar Chalo Abhiyan' will see BJP teams consisting of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, and elected representatives from panchayats to Parliament visiting homes. The initiative aims to foster direct connections with the public and emphasise the BJP's commitment to expanding its reach across the state. Bawankule further remarked that the party’s focus is to make BJP the largest political entity in Maharashtra through a significant boost in membership numbers. “We are confident that this campaign will lead to a substantial rise in the party’s membership, helping us realise our goal of having 1.5 crore new members in the state,” Bawankule said. Meanwhile, addressing concerns related to BJP MLA Suresh Dhas' comments about state Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Dhananjay Munde, Bawankule urged Dhas to provide concrete information to the Chief Minister in connection with the murder case of a sarpanch from Beed district. The murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, on December 9, 2024, has led to heated political debates. An associate of Munde’s has been arrested in relation to an extortion case linked to the murder. Bawankule noted that a meeting with Dhas had been scheduled to address party-related concerns. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 03:51 PM IST | MumbaiChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's (MTDC) new tourist residency at Navegaon Dam in Gondia district, which is expected to become a prime destination for tourists visiting the Nagzira Tiger Reserve. The inauguration took place virtually after a cabinet meeting at the Maharashtra Secretariat. Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, State Minister for Tourism Indranil Naik, Tourism Secretary Jayshree Bhoj, and MTDC Managing Director Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi. Navegaon Dam: An Ideal destination for nature lovers Navegaon Dam is situated in the dense forests of Gondia, located 65 km south of the city. This lush green area, declared a sanctuary on November 22, 1975, is home to the National Bird Park. With an area of 165 square kilometers, it is a hotspot for migratory birds, with species from far-flung regions like Siberia visiting during certain seasons. The dam itself spans 11 square kilometers, with the scenic Maldongri Island situated at its center. The region also serves as a historical migration route for elephants, connecting the Nagzira Sanctuary to the forests of Chhattisgarh. Tourists can enjoy a range of activities like boating, bird watching, and wildlife viewing in this serene and picturesque environment, which offers a true escape into nature. State-of-the-Art Tourist Residency at Navegaon Dam The new tourist residency, named Chandpur, is built with a funding of Rs 21 crore under the Regional Tourism Development Scheme. It offers modern amenities and is designed to cater to a wide range of tourists. The residency includes VIP suites, deluxe suites, standard suites, and an 8-bed dormitory. Facilities also include a restaurant and a swimming pool for recreation. The residency provides a comfortable stay for tourists who wish to experience the beauty and serenity of Navegaon Dam while enjoying the conveniences of modern living. The structure is equipped with all necessary amenities, including changing rooms, manager rooms, and a waiting room, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. In addition to the residency, the area offers several attractions. The Itiadoh Dam, a well-known irrigation project catering to Gondia, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli districts, is located near the region. The project is famous for its fishing activities and is a key feature of the local economy. Around 10 km from the dam is the Tibetan Camp and Gothangaon, which are popular among tourists for their cultural significance. A renowned Tibetan carpet weaving center is also located nearby, adding to the region’s appeal. The Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 152.81 square kilometers, is home to 34 species of mammals, 166 bird species, and 34 species of reptiles. Among the notable wildlife sightings are the spotted deer, sambars, tigers, sloth bears, and gaur. The sanctuary also boasts a wide variety of flora, including medicinal, aromatic, and economically important plants. The sanctuary’s museum further educates visitors about its ecological importance. Located just 3 km from the popular Pratapgad temple, this historic fort is a key pilgrimage site in the region. The area, surrounded by hills, is known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. The fort is a popular spot for trekkers and visitors who enjoy exploring the rugged terrain and witnessing the panoramic views. The area is also home to the famous Sahanagadh Fort, situated 50 km away. These historical sites, combined with the natural beauty, provide a unique and immersive experience for all visitors. To ensure the success of this initiative, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, led by Managing Director Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi, has been working diligently. The efforts of senior officials like Chandrashekhar Jayswal, Shailendra Borse, and Dinesh Kamble from the regional office in Nagpur have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. With the opening of the Navegaon Dam Tourist Residency, the Gondia district is poised to become a significant tourist hub in Vidarbha. The region’s rich biodiversity, historical sites, and modern amenities make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The new residency will undoubtedly enhance the experience for visitors and contribute to the local economy by boosting tourism.
07 January,2025 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shivaji Park police have arrested three individuals, including two foreign nationals, in connection with the Torres scam. The accused are allegedly involved in duping investors of Rs 13.48 crore under the pretext of offering returns through investments in the luxury jewellery brand based in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The arrest follows an FIR registered against Ashok Surve, the director of Torres, and four other individuals. The scam came to light on January 6 when investors, who had trusted the brand's promise of returns, were shocked to find the brand's stores in Dadar and Navi Mumbai’s Sanpada shut without any prior notice. Investors then approached the Shivaji Park police station to file an FIR and demand the return of their principal investment. According to the investors, the company had promised weekly returns but stopped disbursing funds for the week of January 1. Some investors mentioned they had received their returns until December 30 but were left in the dark for January. One investor, Pradip Devilya, expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding the return of their money, saying, “The store is shut, and we don’t know when we will get the money back.” Another investor, Mutuza Jarora, explained he had invested Rs 1 lakh after being promised returns of 10-11% over 52 weeks, but now the store’s closure had left him worried about his money. Several investors, some of whom had invested significant sums, reported a similar situation of uncertainty, as the brand's owners have not responded to calls. The total amount invested by one family, who invested in the brand on the basis of its promises, was around Rs 50 lakh. The Shivaji Park police have registered a case against the five accused under the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act, 1999.
07 January,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheMaharashtra’s Medical Education Minister Hassan Mushrif and Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar have issued a statewide alert for all medical colleges and state-run hospitals regarding the spread of the HMPV virus. They reassured the public that there was no need for concern, as the infection is treatable. The ministers held a review after the state Cabinet expressed its concerns over the infection, which has affected five individuals in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. According to Mushrif, one of the patients has been successfully treated and discharged from the hospital. In the meantime, two suspected cases have been reported in Nagpur, and their blood samples have been sent to Pune for further testing. Mushrif stated that although the infection is not severe, vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with serious health conditions, should take extra precautions. The state government plans to issue a standard operating procedure soon to prevent and manage the infection. "There is no need to panic. We will control the situation," he assured, adding that hospitals affiliated with medical colleges have been instructed to prepare isolation wards, stock up on medicines, and ensure adequate oxygen supplies. Medical officers and staff members have been asked to remain on duty, with leave cancellations in place to manage potential patient surges. The health department has advised the public to take preventive measures against transmission, including frequent handwashing, the use of sanitiser, and consulting a doctor if experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or sneezing. Abitkar confirmed that the Centre’s guidelines are being strictly followed to prevent the spread of the infection. "The virus has been around for some time, and we know how to treat it. However, we must remain vigilant," he said. He also clarified that the infection does not pose a serious threat to life. Both ministers stressed that the use of masks and quarantine measures are not required at this stage, with Abitkar noting that the primary concern at present is public fear.
07 January,2025 02:30 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentGood news for motorists heading towards Nasik and Nagpur from Mumbai and Thane: The final 76-kilometre stretch of the Samruddhi Highway, connecting Igatpuri to Amane near Bhiwandi, is expected to be opened to traffic by the end of February. Amane village, where the Samruddhi Highway will begin, is located 53 kilometres from Mumbai. An MSRDC official stated, "The work on the 76-kilometre stretch, which will link Igatpuri to Amane, is 99 per cent complete. The final stretch had to be constructed through challenging terrain, and it includes 16 bridges and five tunnels. By the end of February, we will apply the final touches, allowing motorists to travel non-stop from Amane in Bhiwandi to Nagpur." Motorists planning to use the Samruddhi Highway will need to travel along the Mumbai-Nasik Highway from Thane to Thane Vadpe Road. From there, a 4.2-kilometre road will take them to the start of the Samruddhi Highway, after which they can head towards the Mumbai-Nasik Highway. The stretch was originally scheduled to open by the end of 2024, but the opening was delayed due to the time taken to complete the road connecting the Mumbai-Nasik Highway with the Samruddhi Highway at the Amane interchange. Currently, the Samruddhi Highway from Nagpur to Igatpuri is operational, meaning commuters travelling from Mumbai to Nagpur or vice versa must use the old Mumbai-Nasik Highway to reach Igatpuri before joining the Samruddhi Highway. Once the 76-kilometre stretch from Igatpuri to Amane near Bhiwandi-Thane is open, motorists will be able to bypass the Kasara Ghat and avoid the traffic on the old Mumbai-Nasik Highway. The 701-kilometre expressway passes through three distinct habitats, beginning with the dry deciduous forests near Nagpur, followed by grasslands in the middle section, and finally the Western Ghats near the end of the expressway, close to Mumbai.
07 January,2025 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
