The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration has urged the residents to celebrate Ganeshotsav 2025 in an eco-friendly manner. In a press release issued on Friday, BMC said the idol makers will be provided with free shadu mud and space to set up pandals to celebrate Ganeshotsav 2025 in an eco-friendly manner. Prashant Sapkale, Deputy Commissioner (Circle 2) and Ganeshotsav coordinator, on behalf of BMC, has appealed to the idol makers to give priority to making the idols of shadu (clay) in order to celebrate Ganeshotsav 2025 in an environment-friendly manner. A review meeting was held on Thursday between the BMC administration, office bearers of Ganeshotsav mandals and representatives of idol makers' association at F South Zone office in Parel. During the meeting, Sapkale said that Mumbaikars extended "valuable cooperation" to the municipal administration during Ganeshotsav 2024 celebrations. To promote eco-friendly Ganeshotsav, the idol makers are provided with soil and space free of cost every year. "There is a good response to this initiative. In line with the same, in the year 2025, too, the idol makers should focus on making the idols of shadu. For this, maximum facilities will be provided to the idol makers by the municipal corporation. Like last year, this year too, they will be provided with soil and space," he added. Suggestions of the sculptors were also taken in the meeting. Sapkale assured that the suggestions of the office bearers, representatives and idol makers will be "positively considered" and supported by the municipal administration. The sculptors noted that last year, the municipal corporation provided them with shadu soil and space, which helped them a lot. Also, various works such as creation of artificial ponds, proper pruning of trees and maintenance of roads were undertaken by BMC. In this regard, the coordination at the level of the civic body is commendable, the idol makers said. Those present at the meeting said they will cooperate with the municipal corporation by celebrating Ganeshotsav 2025 in an environment-friendly manner. The representatives of the Festivals and Reconstruction organisation also gave their suggesttions in a computer presentation on celebrating Ganeshotsav 2025 in an eco-friendly manner.
20 December,2024 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after horrific Kurla BEST bus accident, the Mumbai Traffic Police, in collaboration with Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply And Transport (BEST), conducted workshops for the BEST bus drivers to inform them about traffic laws and safety protocols, an official said on Friday. The Mumbai Traffic Police will conduct workshops across the city as part of an awareness campaign, the official said. The official added that on Friday, workshops were held at the Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, and Andheri BEST depots. According to the Mumbai Traffic Police, the workshops were conducted in light of the Kurla BEST bus crash incident that took place on December 9. The death toll in the incident reached to 9 after a 22-year-old man, undergoing treatment at a hospital died on Thursday. “A 45-minute session was held in which the drivers were given information about traffic laws, safety protocols, and how to remain calm in case of an accident,” the officer said. The BEST drivers were instructed by the Mumbai Traffic Police officials to ensure that the safety protocols are followed. “BEST drivers work in shifts, and they sometimes don’t check if the accelerator, brakes, and clutch are functional. We have instructed them to check the buses before their shifts to avoid any mishaps. We have also instructed them to check the oil of the bus and ensure that all safety precautions are followed,” the official said.
20 December,2024 09:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheThe alleged attack on a couple by a government employee in Thane District of Maharashtra figured during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti regime asserted that "insult" of Marathi people will not be tolerated. The opposition vociferously raised the issue of alleged assault on two members of a Marathi family by a Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) employee and his wife, who are neighbours of the victims, following a dispute in Kalyan. The Thane Police said that the government employee, identified as Akhilesh Shukla, has surrendered. Speaking in the legislative council, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a case was registered against the 48-year-old MTDC staffer and his wife over the attack, and the process to suspend him had been initiated. According to news agency PTI, besides the Shuklas, the first information report (FIR) registered in the case has also named some other persons involved in the assault on the victims. The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) legislator Anil Parab in the Upper House of the legislature in Nagpur, the state's second capital. No injustice will be done to Marathi people: CM Fadnavis "Shukla told the victims he works in Mantralaya (state secretariat) and several Marathi staffers clean his office," Parab said, claiming that incidents of Marathi people facing discrimination from those coming from other states were increasing. According to PTI, Parab also claimed that Marathi people face attacks during train travel or are denied homes in housing societies owing to their food choices. Such incidents were on the rise in Mumbai, Pune, Kalyan and other parts of the state after the BJP came to power, the opposition Member of Legislative Council (MLC) alleged. According to PTI, Congress legislator Bhai Jagtap alleged that the accused also made derogatory remarks about Marathi people, while Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLC Shashikant Shinde claimed that an unwritten rule of not allowing non-vegetarian people prevails in housing societies in Mumbai. Responding to the controversy, Fadnavis said an FIR has already been registered at the Khadakpada Police Station in Thane district, and Shukla will be suspended from his job. "No injustice will be done to Marathi people," the Maharashtra CM assured the house. Breed of Maharashtra haters have cropped up in state: Raj Thackeray He also stated that the Constitution gives everyone the right to choose one's food, and no one has the right to deny anyone a home based on eating habits. "This discrimination will not be tolerated," Fadnavis asserted, according to PTI. When Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sunil Prabhu raised the issue in the Lower House, deputy CM Ajit Pawar also stated that injustice against Marathi people will not be tolerated. Eknath Shinde, who is also a deputy CM, reiterated the assertion. Later, while speakingt to reporters, he said that action has been taken against the accused and CM Fadnavis has made an "elaborate" statement in the legislative council over the issue. "Marathi 'asmita (pride)' will be protected and insult of Marathi people will not be tolerated," said the Shiv Sena President, adding that the late Bal Thackeray had founded the party to protect the rights of the locals. Maharashtra Navnriman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray also reacted to the incident and said said a "breed of Maharashtra haters" have cropped in the state and they need to be "nipped in the bud". 8-10 people assault couple with iron rods, sticks: FIR In a post on X, Thackeray said when such an incident takes place, people knock on the doors of the MNS because other parties will not come running for them. But for voting they will turn their back against the MNS, he lamented. MNS did not win a single seat in the state assembly polls held on November 20. Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people) are paramount for MNS and it will always stand by them, Raj Thackeray assured. "The local MLA, MP (Member of Parliament) did not come out against the incident or do any follow-up to register an FIR against the accused. All MLAs have taken Marathi people for granted," he added. According to the Thane police, the attack took place around 8.45 pm on Wednesday. The accused as well as the complainants live on the same floor of a building in Kalyan. As per the FIR, the complainants saw Shukla quarrelling with one of their neighbours over incense burning and asked him to maintain peace. Shukla and his wife Geeta, 45, allegedly got angry and assaulted the complainants with the help of eight to 10 others, using iron rods, pipes and wooden sticks. While Shukla surrendered before Khadakpada Police on Friday, Senior Inspector Aamarnath Waghmode said that they are looking for the other accused in the case. "We will trace the other accused," he said. Before surrendering, Shukla posted a video on social media claiming that his wife was beaten up by the family members of the Marathi couple. He has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 189 (2) (3) and (5) (unlawful assembly), among others. (With PTI inputs)
20 December,2024 09:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway (CR) on Friday, while share Mumbai local train updates, announced multiple train cancellations ahead of Patripul Road Over Bridge (ROB) work. In an official statement, the CR said that integrated block on CSMT-Kalyan and Kalyan-Karjat section will be undertaken on December 21/22 and December 22/23 between 1 am to 4:30 am to carry out work of launching of girders. It said that the Central Railway will operate Integrated special traffic and power blocks involving UP and Down slow and fast lines, 5th and 6th lines on CSMT-Kalyan and Kalyan-Karjat section on December 21/22 (Saturday/Sunday mid-night) and December 22/23 (Sunday/Monday mid-night) to carry out following works- BLOCK NO. 1 Date of Block : 21/22.12.2024 (Saturday/Sunday Night) Block for Launching of girders for: - 3rd new Patripul Road Over Bridge (ROB) between Thakurli and Kalyan stations, - 12 mts wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Ulhasnagar, - ROB in lieu of Level Crossing (LC) Gate between Kalyan and Ambarnath, - 6 mts wide FOB at Neral Traffic Block section and Duration: Dombivili-Kalyan UP & Down slow lines ( including platforms – excluding crossovers) Dombivili-Kalyan UP & Down fast lines ( excluding platforms and crossovers) Kalyan-Ambarnath UP & Down slow & fast lines (excluding platforms and crossovers) 5th & 6th lines ( excluding platforms and crossovers) Repercussions due to the Block: Regulation of Mail/Exp trains Train no. 11087 DN Veraval-Pune express to be regulated by 10 mins at Bhiwandi station Diversion of Mail/Exp trains: Following DN trains will be diverted on 5th line between Thane & Kalyan stations: Train no.12811 LTT- Hatia Express Train no. 22177 CSMT – Varanasi Mahangari Express Train no. 22538 LTT- Gorakhpur Kushinagar Express Following UP trains from North-East direction will be diverted on 6th line between Kalyan & Diva / Thane stations: Train no.18030 Shalimar - LTT Express Train no.12810 Howrah - CSMT Express Train no.20104 Gorakhpur - LTT Express Train no.11402 Balharshah – CSMT Nandigram Express Following UP trains from South-East direction will be diverted via Karjat-Panvel and will be given halt at Panvel & Thane stations: Train no 11020 Bhubaneswar - CSMT Konark Express Train no 18519 Vishakapatnam - LTT Express Train no 12702 Hyderabad - CSMT Hussain Sagar Express Train no 11140 Hosapete - CSMT Express BLOCK NO. 2 Date of Block : 22/23.12.2024 (Sunday/Monday Night) Block for Launching of girders for: - 3rd new Patripul Road Over Bridge (ROB) between Thakurli and Kalyan stations. Traffic Block section and Duration: Dombivili-Kalyan UP & Down slow lines (including platforms – excluding crossovers) Dombivili-Kalyan UP & Down fast lines (excluding platforms and crossovers) 5th & 6th lines (excluding platforms and crossovers) Repercussions due to the Block:- Regulation of Mail/Exp trains Train no.18030 UP Shalimar – LTT Express and Train no.12810 UP Howrah – CSMT Express will be regulated at Titwala and Khadavli station respectively by 15 mins. Train no.12132 UP Sainagar Shirdi-Dadar Express will also be delayed. Diversion of Mail/Exp trains: Train no 11020 Bhubaneswar - CSMT Konark Express will be diverted via Karjat-Panvel and will be given halt at Panvel & Thane stations All 6th line Mail/Express trains except Train no 11020 will run on UP fast line between Kalyan and Diva stations. Working of Suburban Trains during the block period: Suburban services will not be available between Kalyan and Thane section during the block period. Following Suburban trains will be extended / short terminated on Saturday 21.12.2024 CSMT-Tilwala local departing CSMT at 23.16 hrs will run upto Kasara CSMT-Tilwala local departing CSMT at 23.42 hrs will be short terminated at Thane. Following Suburban trains will be cancelled on Saturday 21.12.2024 CSMT-Badlapur departing CSMT at 23.51 hrs, Badlapur-CSMT local departing Badlapur at 21.58, Ambarnath-CSMT local departing Ambarnath at 22.15 hrs & Titwala-Thane local departing Titwala at 23.14 hrs Following Suburban trains will short originate on Sunday 22.12.2024 CSMT-Asangaon local arriving Asangaon at 08.07 hrs will short originate from Kalyan Tilwala-CSMT local arriving CSMT at 05.40 hrs will short originate from Thane. Following Suburban trains will be cancelled on Sunday 22.12.2024 CSMT- Ambarnath local departing CSMT at 00.02 hrs, 05.16 hrs and 05.40 hrs, CSMT- Kasara local departing CSMT at 00.08 hrs, CSMT- Karjat local departing CSMT at 00.12 hrs, Ambarnath-CSMT local departing Ambarnath at 03.43 hrs and 04.08 hrs Karjat-CSMT local departing Karjat at 02.30 hrs & 03.35 hrs and Kalyan-CSMT local departing Kalyan at 04.39 hrs Last local before the block for South east direction will be CSMT-Karjat local departing CSMT at 23.30 hrs. Last local before the block for North east direction will be CSMT-Titwala local departing CSMT at 23.16 hrs. - The Mail/Express trains, special trains if any, Trains running late or notified at a later date etc. will also be regulated / short terminated accordingly or will arrive late at their respective destination. - Other Shadow blocks on the Kalyan-Ambarnath section will also be operated in addition to the major blocks. "The infrastructure blocks are carried out in the larger interest of the passengers," the Central Railway said, adding passengers are requested to cooperate with the authorities during the blocks.
20 December,2024 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarCentral Railway (CR), in a press release issued on Thursday, has detailed a comprehensive mega block across its Mumbai Division scheduled for Sunday, December 22, aimed at critical infrastructure maintenance and safety improvements. Fast line disruptions between Thane and KalyanThe mega block will impact Up and Down Fast lines between Thane and Kalyan stations from 10.40 am to 3.40 pm. Commuters can expect significant alterations to their travel plans during this period. The Down Fast/Semi-Fast local services departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai from 09.34 am to 03.03 pm will be diverted on Down Slow line between Thane and Kalyan stations halting at Kalva, Mumbra and Diva stations in addition to their respective halts and will arrive destination 10 minutes later than their scheduled arrival. The Up Fast/Semi-fast services departing Kalyan from 10.28 am to 03.40 pm will be diverted on Up Slow line between Kalyan and Thane stations halting at Diva, Mumbra and Kalva stations in addition to their respective halts and further re-diverted on Up Fast line at Mulund station and will arrive destination 10 minutes later than their scheduled arrival. Mail and Express train modificationsDown Mail/Express trains departing CSMT/Dadar will be diverted on 5th line between Thane and Kalyan stations.Up Mail/Express trains arriving at CSMT/Dadar will be diverted on 6th line between Kalyan and Thane/ Vikhroli stations. Trans Harbour Line suspensionUP and DOWN Trans Harbour Lines between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations will be affected from 11:10 am to 4:10 pm: Panvel to Thane services: Suspended from 10:25 am to 04:09 pmThane to Vashi/Nerul/Panvel services: Suspended from 10:35 am to 4:07 pm Central Railway emphasised that these maintenance mega blocks are crucial for infrastructure upkeep and passenger safety. Commuters are urged to plan their travels accordingly and exercise patience during the maintenance period. Mumbai local train updates: WR to operate night block between Vasai and Bhayandar The Western Railway on Friday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a night block of over 3 hours between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations this weekend. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of 3.30 am will be undertaken on up and down slow lines from 12:30 am to 4 am between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, i.e. on 21st /22nd December. Details of the changes are as under: Train No 19009 (New Train No 21901) Bandra Terminus–Barmer Humsafar Express has been provided with additional halt at Dhanera station w.e.f journey commencing Ex Bandra Terminus on 20th December, 2024. The train will arrive Dhanera station at 7.30 am and depart at 7.32 am. Similarly, Train No 19010 (New Train No 21902) Barmer–Bandra Terminus Humsafar Express has been provided with additional halt at Dhanera station w.e.f journey commencing Ex Barmer on December 21. The train will arrive Dhanera station at 2.50 am and depart at 2.52 am. For detailed information regarding the timings, halts and composition of the above trains, passengers can visit the official website on Indian Railways.
20 December,2024 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made significant strides in managing construction and demolition waste through its newly established scientific processing plant in Dahisar. Since its inception, the plant has processed over 16,000 metric tonnes of debris, converting it into reusable materials such as paver blocks, dividers, pavement stones, and benches, the Mumbai civic body said in an official statement on Friday. Of the 17,600 metric tonnes of debris received at the plant from August 14 to December 18, 16,000 metric tonnes of debris has been scientifically processed, BMC stated. Situated on a five-acre plot at Konkanipada-Dahisar, the plant has a daily processing capacity of 600 metric tonnes. It was launched as a part of a project aimed at recycling construction and demolition waste generated at the household level in Mumbai. Preliminary operations began on August 14, with the plant becoming fully operational on November 4. To streamline waste collection, the BMC introduced a toll-free number, 1800-210-9976, allowing residents to request the collection of debris from domestic or small-scale construction, repair, or demolition projects. Operational from 8 am to 8 pm, this service has received 220 calls to date, resulting in the collection of 54 metric tonnes of debris. The service ensures debris is collected and transported within 48 hours of request approval, with charges communicated via a mobile app and WhatsApp, Mumbai civic body stated. The Dahisar plant employs advanced technology to sort, recycle, and dispose of waste in compliance with environmental regulations. The processed materials are repurposed for non-structural construction items, reducing environmental impact and contributing to sustainable urban development. Under the guidance of Ashwini Joshi and under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) (In-charge) Kiran Dighavkar, the work on these projects is going on at a rapid pace, stated BMC. Dighavkar emphasised that junior supervisors verify each request before initiating debris collection. Feedback from citizens during the trial phase is being incorporated to enhance the service. As per the official statement, BMC has partnered with private contractor M/s AG Enviro Infra Private Limited for the western suburbs (Bandra to Dahisar) under a 20-year agreement. The contractor is responsible for collection, transportation, processing, and plant operations, thereby relieving the civic body of significant capital investment. The initiative aligns with the 2016 Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. These rules mandate waste generators to segregate and store construction debris, ensuring proper disposal at authorised facilities or local authority collection centers. Mr. Dighavkar urged citizens to make use of the ‘Debris on Call’ service to prevent illegal dumping on roads and in drains, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Mumbai.
20 December,2024 07:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn light of the Elephanta boat tragedy, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao on Friday has instructed to take necessary safety precautions at all the lakes where boating facilities are available in the jurisdiction of the Thane civic body. In an official statement, the Thane Municipal Corporation, stated that there are a total of 35 lakes under its jurisdiction. Among them, paddle boats and machine boating facilities have been provided for the entertainment of the citizens at Masunda Lake, Upvan Lake and Ambeghosale in the central part of Thane. There are 35 paddle boats and two machine boats at Masunda Lake, 16 paddle boats and one machine boat at Upvan Lake and four paddle boats and one machine boat at Ambeghosale Lake. Contractors have been appointed for the same, TMC said. The Thane municipal administration has also ordered to implement all necessary measures from the point of view of the safety of the citizens coming for boating and to make every citizen wear a safety jacket while going for boating. Instructions have also been given to the contractors concerned to keep Buoys Ring Rope Safety Jacket in the boat. Deputy Commissioner of Environment Department, Dr Padmasree Bainade, and Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan on Friday visited all the three lakes where boating facilities are available and instructed the contractors not to be negligent towards boating safety, the civic body stated. Rao has also appealed to residents coming for boating to follow the instructions given by the municipal corporation from time to time. Elephanta boat tragedy: Life jackets mandatory at Gateway of India A day after a ferry-Navy craft collision claimed 13 lives off the Mumbai coast, authorities on Thursday made life jackets mandatory for all people taking boat rides from the Gateway of India, reported news agency PTI. Some tourists, however, said the life jackets would be of help only if people know how to use them. The authorities should instruct people how to use the life jackets in case of an emergency, they said. Some survivors of the Elephanta boat tragedy on Wednesday claimed the ferry did not have enough life jackets.
20 December,2024 07:10 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAmid political row over attack on Marathi family in Kalyan, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday strongly condemned the incident and has warned of action if the state government fails to strongly act in the matter. A Maharashtra government employee is accused of attacking a Marathi-speaking family at Kalyan in Thane district of Maharashtra. The police have registered a case against the accused identified as Akhilesh Shukla (48), an employee of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), his wife Geeta (45) and others under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 189 (2) (3) and (5) (unlawful assembly) and others. According to police, the attack took place around 8.45 pm on December 18, and the accused as well as the victims live on the same floor of a building in Kalyan. As per the FIR, the victim saw Shukla quarrelling with one of their neighbours over lighting of an incense stick. The victim asked Shukla to maintain peace and not to abuse and insult the entire Marathi-speaking community. The accused couple got angry on hearing this and beat up the victim and his wife with the help of eight to ten others. They attacked the male victim using some sharp weapon, iron rod, pipes and wooden sticks, and inflicted wounds on his arms, legs and face. The accused also molested his wife and threatened the couple, it added. In a post on X, Raj Thackeray highlighted that similar incidents have been occurring frequently in the recent times. He claimed that these attacks are not isolated but part of a larger pattern where non-Marathi individuals allegedly target Marathi people to assert dominance. Raj Thackeray also pointed out the growing presence of anti-Marathi individuals, who are secretly working against the interests of the Marathi community. He warned that if such behavior continues unchecked, it could lead to disastrous consequences for Marathi people. सस्नेह जय महाराष्ट्र, कल्याणमध्ये एका मुजोर अमराठी माणसाने मराठी माणसाला, मराठीपणावरून अर्वाच्य शिव्या देत, जबर मारहाण केली. अशीच मुजोरी काही दिवसांपूर्वी गिरगावमध्ये एका अमराठी माणसाने दाखवली. तिकडे त्याला महाराष्ट्र सैनिकांनी जागच्या जागी प्रसाद दिला. कालच्या प्रकरणानंतर पण… — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) December 20, 2024 He urged Marathi citizens to stay vigilant and not let outsiders undermine their identity and culture. The MNS chief also criticised the local politicians in Kalyan, including MPs and MLAs, for their lack of action in the matter. Raj Thackeray also questioned the sincerity of those who seek votes in the name of "protecting Marathi culture" but remain silent when incidents like this occur. Raj Thackeray called for immediate action against the culprits involved in the Kalyan attack, urging the authorities to arrest them and show that the law can bring justice. He made it clear that if the government fails to take action, the MNS will not hesitate to step in and take matters into their own hands. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Shukla surrendered before the Khadakpada police, a police official reportedly said. According to reports, before surrendering, Shukla posted a video on social media in which he claimed his wife was beaten up by family members of the victims.
20 December,2024 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway on Friday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a night block of over 3 hours between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations this weekend. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of 03.30 hours will be undertaken on up and down slow lines from 00:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, i.e. on 21st /22nd December, 2024. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during the block period, all Slow line trains will be operated on Fast lines between Virar/Vasai Road to Borivali/Bhayandar station. During the block period, some up and down suburban trains will remain cancelled. "Passengers are requested to take note of the above arrangements," the Western Railway said. Meanwhile, in an another statement, the Western Railway said that it has been decided to provide additional stoppage at Dhanera station to Train No. 19009/19010 Bandra Terminus – Barmer Humsafar Superfast Express on experimental basis. Besides this, Train No. 19009 Bandra Terminus – Barmer Humsafar Express will run with new number 21901 w.e.f., 03rd January, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 19010 Barmer – Bandra Terminus Humsafar Express will run with new number 21902 w.e.f., 04th January, 2025. Details of the changes are as under: Train No. 19009 (New Train No. 21901) Bandra Terminus – Barmer Humsafar Express has been provided with additional halt at Dhanera station w.e.f journey commencing Ex Bandra Terminus on 20th December, 2024. The train will arrive Dhanera station at 07:30 hrs and depart at 07:32 hrs. Similarly, Train No. 19010 (New Train No. 21902) Barmer – Bandra Terminus Humsafar Express has been provided with additional halt at Dhanera station w.e.f journey commencing Ex Barmer on 21st December, 2024. The train will arrive Dhanera station at 02:50 hrs and depart at 02:52 hrs. For detailed information regarding the timings, halts & composition of the above trains, passengers can visit the official website on Indian Railways.
20 December,2024 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has swiftly acted upon the recent attack on a Marathi family in a society in Kalyan, taking strong measures to ensure justice and address the growing concerns over such incidents. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in the Legislative Council, assured that under no circumstances will injustice be allowed to prevail against Marathi people. The incident, which took place in a Kalyan society, involved Akhilesh Shukla and his wife allegedly insulting a Marathi person during a quarrel. As a result, the Thane Police have registered a case against the accused under various sections. Additionally, Shukla, an employee at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDTC), has been suspended, with action underway against him. In response to the matter raised by Legislative Council member Advocate Anil Parab, Chief Minister Fadnavis addressed the house, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dignity of Marathi people. "Mumbai belongs to Marathi people, and under no circumstances will we allow any injustice to them," said Fadnavis, reinforcing the state’s commitment to ensuring the rights and respect of the Marathi community. During the discussion, members of the Legislative Council, including Shashikant Shinde, Arun (Bhai) Jagtap, and Sachin Ahir, participated in expressing their concerns about the incident and supporting the Chief Minister’s stance. Fadnavis further highlighted that Mumbai, as the economic capital of India, attracts people from all parts of the country, contributing to the city’s vibrant culture and economy. Many people from Uttar Pradesh, for instance, speak Marathi fluently and celebrate Marathi festivals, which fosters harmony among different communities. However, he condemned actions that disrupt this social peace. Addressing the incident further, Fadnavis pointed out that while everyone has the right to choose their own lifestyle and dietary preferences, no one has the right to prevent others from exercising those freedoms. "Such acts of discrimination will not be tolerated, and if such complaints arise, the government will take appropriate action," he said. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to preserve the diversity of the country and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting regional identity. "We take pride in our Marathi identity, and we will not tolerate any attack on it. Any attempt to undermine it will be met with decisive action," Fadnavis concluded.
20 December,2024 02:51 PM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed attacks on Marathi-speaking people have increased after the BJP won the Maharashtra assembly elections and alleged that an environment was being created to drive them out of Mumbai and neighbouring areas, reported news agency PTI. Talking to reporters, Raut highlighted an incident at Kalyan in Thane district, where non-Marathi-speaking people allegedly attacked a Marathi-speaking family. He further dubbed the Maharashtra government as "inauspicious" over the death of 14 people in the collision between a navy craft and a passenger ferry. He alleged that dacoity and murders were taking place in villages and districts, reported PTI. "A conspiracy is being hatched to attack Marathi manoos. Kalyan was the start," he said. The Sena (UBT) leader claimed the BJP split the Shiv Sena, an "organisation of Marathi manoos", and weakened it so that the natives are treated like second-class citizens, and Mumbai and areas around it are given to non-Marathi-speaking builders and businessmen, reported PTI. "Attacks on Marathi manoos have increased after the state assembly polls. Attempts are being made to drive Marathi manoos out of Mumbai, and an environment is being created so that Marathi manoos don't live in Thane and Kalyan," he said, reported PTI. Hitting out at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Raut said those calling themselves the Shiv Sena, who are part of the government, are inept and not bothered about the Kalyan incident. "They (Shinde-led Shiv Sena) are desperate for power. The BJP's stand is to destroy the Marathi manoos," he said, reported PTI. In the state assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alleged that some organisations, which were declared as the frontal organisations of urban Naxals by the Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra and the Manmohan Singh government at the Centre, participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra. To this, Raut said one should not pay much heed to what the chief minister says and questioned whether actor Amol Palekar, social activist Baba Adhav, and veterans who served in the forces who participated in the Rahul Gandhi-led Yatra were Naxals. "He (Fadnavis) should focus on corrupt people around him," he said. On the face-off between the opposition and NDA MPs on the Parliament premises over the alleged insult to Dr B R Ambedkar, Raut said former minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, allegedly injured in the scuffle, excelled in acting and should get a prize in dramatics. On FIR being registered against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, in connection with the scuffle, the Sena (UBT) MP said, "It is their (BJP) government." (With inputs from PTI)
20 December,2024 02:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
