The Central Railway will run 34 special trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)/Pune–Mau and Nagpur-Danapur to clear the extra rush of passengers during Kumbh Mela 2025, which will be held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The details of the special trains are given below: CSMT-Mau Kumbh Mela Specials (14 trips)The 01033 Kumbh Mela Special will leave CSMT at 11.30 am on January 9, 17, 22, and 25, and February 5, 22 and 26, and arrive Mau at 10 pm the next day. The 01034 Kumbh Mela Special will leave Mau at 11.50 pm on January 10, 18, 23, and 26, February 6, 23 and 27 and arrive CSMT at 2.30 pm the next day. The trains include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Talvadiya, Chhanera, Khirkiya, Harda, Banapura, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Varanasi, Shahganj and Azamgarh. The trains will have two air-conditioned (AC) 2-tier, Four AC 3-tier, six sleeper class and general second class each and two general second class-cum-guard’s brake van. Pune-Mau Kumbh Mela Specials (12 trips)The 01455 Kumbh Mela Special will leave Pune at 10.10 am on January 8, 16, and 24, and February 6, 8 and 21 and arrive Mau at 10 pm the next day. The 01456 Kumbh Mela Special will leave Mau at 11.50 pm on January 9, 17, and 25, and February 7, 9 and 22 and arrive Pune at 4.45 pm the next day. The trains will halt at Daund Chord line, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Talvadiya Chhanera, Khirkiya, Harda, Banapura, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Varanasi, Shahganj and Azamgarh. They will comprise two air-conditioned (AC) 2-tier and 3-tier classes each, six sleeper class and general second class each/chair car, one general second class-cum-guard’s brake van and one generator van. Nagpur-Danapur Kumbh Mela Specials (8 trips)The 01217 Kumbh Mela Special will leave Nagpur at 10.10 am on January 26, February 5, 9 and 23 and arrive Danapur at 11 pm the next day. The 01218 Kumbh Mela Special will leave Danapur at 4 pm on January 27, February 6, 10 and 24 and arrive Nagpur at 7.30 pm the next day. The trains will halt at Narkher, Amla, Betul, Itarsi, Pipriya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Chunar, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn, Buxar and Ara. They will comprise two AC 2-tier, four AC 3-tier, six sleeper class and general second class each and two general second class-cum-guard’s brake van. The bookings for the Kumbh Mela Special Trains on special charges will open on December 20 at all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres as well as on www.irctc.co.in. The general second class coaches in these special trains will run as unreserved coaches and tickets can be booked through Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS). For detailed timings and halts of these special trains, passengers can visit www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or download National Train Enquiry System (NTES) App.
19 December,2024 01:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed the death of 13 passengers, including three navy personnel, in the Elephanta ferry capsize incident which occurred at Butcher Island near Mumbai on Wednesday. The condition of three passengers is critical and they are being treated at the Navy hospital, CM Fadnavis said, while briefing the media during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur on Wednesday evening. Till 7.30 pm, 101 passengers had been rescued, he further informed. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the condition of four people is critical. CM Fadnavis said that a speed boat operated by the Indian Navy rammed into a passenger boat that was on its way to Elephanta Island near Mumbai from Gateway of India. "The Navy personnel were testing a new engine that was fitted on the boat. However, the boat developed a throttle problem that resulted in it losing the control [of the vessel]. Subsequently, the Navy boat dashed into the passenger boat," said Fadnavis. According to CM, the accident will be probed by the state police and Indian Navy. Fadnavis has announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the victims and informed that he will provide further information on the Elephanta ferry capsize on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, speaking about the incident, the defence public relations officer (PRO) said that around 4 pm on Wednesday, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with the passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' off Karanja, Mumbai. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police, the PRO said. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were deployed in the rescue operation. The survivors rescued by the Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. In a later update, Mumbai Police said five people have been injured the incident. Of the 13 victims (seven men, four women and two children), the bodies of 10 have been identified. The Colaba Police are in the process of registering a case against those responsibile for the mishap.
19 December,2024 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for December 19. Aries March 21 – April 20Soothe and calm universal vibrations around by taking care of stress, eating healthy food and getting enough sleep every night.Cosmic tip: Be certain about what you want, making words reflect aims and aspirations. Taurus April 21 – May 20Taking care of responsibilities is something you enjoy doing and never have to be reminded about them. This helps incur positive karma.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this feeling of life going alright with you. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A new relationship karmic cycle begins for singles, but come to terms with a broken relationship first. Cosmic tip: Don’t fight this feeling of isolation as sometimes it helps getting life into perspective. Cancer June 22 – July 23A trip is planned for later after receiving news from overseas. A planned dinner is tiring.Cosmic tip: Mentally get over and done with the past, not visiting it over and over again obsessively. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Sometimes it’s best to fall in with plans and what other family members want, even if you’d rather just stay at home. Cosmic tip: Forget issues that are no longer relevant or even important today. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Achieving victory over something that seemed insurmountable is a salute to your deduction powers. Why being silent is better will be revealed soon enough.Cosmic tip: Maintain a balance between thoughts, words and actions. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Don’t do anything impulsive. Do have a nutritious diet and go for a walk. Cosmic tip: Learn meditation if you feel that will help (there are many different kinds of meditations, so choose wisely). Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Karma is balanced out due to constructive lessons learned. Stamp out a seed of suspicion that has been lurking.Cosmic tip: Reconnect with family you haven’t been in touch with due to work pressures. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Dealing with issues in a better manner should be a go to way of handling things. Be focused.Cosmic tip: Don’t miss something which is completely illogical and more a figment of the imagination. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Out of confusion and chaos emerges an idea that is pure genius, so go ahead with it. Do continue this healthy diet. Cosmic tip: Be patient and yet maintain a positive attitude of belief. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Not wanting to travel for a while is something family disagrees with vociferously. Finally, bowing down to their wishes is inevitable. Cosmic tip: Avoid what you know is wrong according to life and karma. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20There’s one phone call you are tempted to make, but know you shouldn’t. Spend quiet time in prayer instead. Cosmic tip: Do some honest soul searching to experience contentment and peace of mind.
19 December,2024 12:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseTwo passengers have died after a ferry capsized near Elephanta Caves on Wednesday evening, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The boat, Neelkamal, had left for Elephanta Island at 3.15 pm from Mumbai's Gateway of India. According to the preliminary information received from Mumbai Police, the ferry capsized near Elephanta Island/Butcher Island at 3.55 pm after a small speed boat crashed into it. As per the latest updates, there were 110 people, including five crew members, on the boat. Of these, the condition of four people is critical, while two have died. The condition of the remaining 104 people is stable, BMC said. Fifty-six passengers were rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) Hospital in Navi Mumbai. Of these, one has been declared dead, while the condition of three more are said to be critical. Meanwhile, one passenger died during treatment at Navy Dockyard, while the condition of the remaining 31 there is stable. The condition of the lone passenger admitted in Ashwini Hospital is also critical. Twelve patients are undergoing treatment at Karanje Hospital and nine at St George Hospital. The condition of all these passengers is stable, the Mumbai civic body said. Earlier, the Indian Navy had launched a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police after getting information about the mishap. Eleven Navy boats, three Marine Police boats and one boat of the Indian Coast guard have been deployed for the rescue operation. Along with these vessels, four helicopters have also been deployed, the Public Relations Officer for Defence informed. New footage of the ongoing rescue operation. #MumbaiPolice #Ferry #News #gatewayofindia #uran https://t.co/691vaw8nkS pic.twitter.com/8qvOmNeXdQ — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 18, 2024 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had directed the district administration to deploy all the necessary machinery for the rescue operation. एलिफंटाकडे जाणाऱ्या नीलकमल या बोटीचा अपघात घडल्याचे वृत्त प्राप्त झाले. नौदल, कोस्टगार्ड, पोर्ट, पोलिस पथकच्या बोटी तातडीने मदतीसाठी रवाना करण्यात आल्या आहेत. जिल्हा आणि पोलिस प्रशासनाशी सातत्याने आम्ही संपर्कात असून, सुदैवाने बहुसंख्य नागरिकांना वाचविण्यात आले आहे. तथापि अजूनही… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 18, 2024 His deputy, Eknath Shinde, is in touch with the Mumbai City Sanjay Yadav and Raigad District Collector Kisan Jawale over the situation. He also spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ports) Sudhakar Pathare on the phone. Shinde had directed the officials to speed up the rescue operation with the help of Navy, JNPT, Indian Coast Guard and local fishermen.
18 December,2024 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan | Apoorva AgasheShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday claimed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar show BJP's "arrogance" and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take action against him, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of insulting icons and revered figures of Maharashtra, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Ambedkar. He also claimed Shah would not have dared to make remarks about Dr Ambedkar without the backing of the BJP and the RSS. "Amit Shah's remarks on Dr Ambedkar show the party's (BJP) arrogance and have exposed its true face," the former Maharashtra CM claimed, reported PTI. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should act against Amit Shah for his remarks on Dr Ambedkar," Thackeray said, reported PTI. The Sena (UBT) leader asked whether the BJP's allies -- Telugu Desam Party, JD(U), Ramdas Athawale's RPI and Shiv Sena, -- agree with Shah's remarks on Ambedkar. The opposition Congress on Tuesday alleged that Shah's remarks in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Constitution show the BJP and the RSS leaders have a "lot of hatred" for Ambedkar and demanded an apology from him, reported PTI. Congress general secretary-in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh had shared a video snippet on X from Shah's speech in the Upper House. Uddhav Thackeray meets Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Speaker Rahul Narwekar in Nagpur Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on the premises of Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. Aaditya later told reporters that he and his father extended good wishes to Fadnavis and Narwekar. "We talked about taking a step towards showing political maturity and working together in the interest of the people of Maharashtra," the former minister said. Aaditya said no discussion was held on the post of the leader of the opposition in the assembly. Uddhav Thackeray was accompanied by Sena (UBT) legislators Anil Parab and Varun Sardesai during their meeting with Fadnavis in the latter's chamber. The winter session of the state legislature is currently underway in Nagpur. The 15th legislative assembly is without LoP since none of the three parties of Maha Vikas Aghadi could win 10 per cent of seats in the November 20 polls. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2024 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo make traffic junctions safer for all road users, the Mumbai Traffic Control Branch (MTCB) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had initiated a week-long junction improvement trial at three high-risk intersections, known as black spots, on the Western Express Highway (WEH) between December 3 to 7. The MTCB, in collaboration with partners from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), began the trial project at the intersection of Western Express Highway and Goregaon Mulund Link Road (Oberoi Mall junction), the intersection of Western Express Highway (WEH) and Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (HBT Trauma Care Center junction), and the intersection of WEH and N S Phadke marg (Bisleri junction)--three of the city's top 20 black spots between 2019 and 2021. WRI India and the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) have been working on improving the three black spots. The existing conditions with wide turning radii that encourage speeding, lack of safe pedestrian crossings, lack of refuge areas, and underutilized carriageway space that gets used for parking, have been making the intersection unsafe for all road users. Mitesh Ghatte, DCP (West), Mumbai Traffic Police, said, "These locations are a priority because they record a high number of serious crashes and injuries. With this pilot implementation, we will be able to evaluate the success of the new designs and, based on the data, recommend making them permanent. The aim is to reduce crashes and save all lives on the road." According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), a "black spot" is a stretch of 500m on national highway/state highway/urban roads where for the past three consecutive years, a) five total serious road crashes (where the injured needs hospitalisation) or crashes led to death) cumulatively 10 or more deaths. To reduce the number of crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries and make the junctions safe to navigate, MTCB, WRI India, and GDCI used varied infrastructure improvement measures such as tightening the turning radius to decrease the speeds at the junctions by adding footpath extensions, providing pedestrian crossings, introducing refuge areas for people to wait and cross, and providing adequate markings & signages using short-term measures such as barricades, paints, cones, ropes. With the proposed design interventions at the Oberoi Mall Intersection, the area of the junction was reduced from about 2,450 sqm to 1,320 sqm, creating an 820 sqm area to be used as space for pedestrians. This was done while ensuring the number of effective lanes remained the same. To streamline vehicular movement and aid pedestrian movements, road markings were added to establish clear pedestrian crossing paths and stop lines for vehicles. Akanksha Aggarwal, Program Manager, Transport, Sustainable Cities & Transport, WRI India, who worked on the Oberoi junction, said, "A good intersection design aids efficient movement of vehicular traffic while making it safe for all users. Around 2,700 pedestrians cross the Oberoi Mall junction daily in an hour, hence it is critical to design the junction to not only streamline vehicular traffic but also ensure the safety of the pedestrians crossing the junction. Such efforts can be scaled across the city to improve pedestrian safety and manage traffic flow." The HBT Trauma Care Center, Jogeshwari East, and Bisleri junctions, Andheri East are wide, with no signal phases and spaces for pedestrians to pause during the signal phase, exposing them to speeding vehicles. To provide a safe space for pedestrians to wait before crossing the signals, during the trial 1,745 sqm of space was reclaimed from the existing intersection, and the crossing distances were reduced from 15 meters to 9 meters by incorporating a temporary refuge island using barricades. Jashwanth Tej Kasala, Program Manager, GDCI, said, "Intersections like Bisleri Junction and HBT Trauma Centre are vital connectors for thousands of people daily. At peak times, over 6,648 pedestrians cross WEH-Bisleri, and 7,670 navigate the HBT Trauma Centre, including elderly individuals and wheelchair user groups often overlooked and left without adequate space. This trial aims to assess the impact of changes designed to make these spaces safer and more accessible by reducing crossing distances, calming traffic, and improving the geometry of the Intersection. Through these efforts, we strive to create safer, more inclusive streets for everyone." Current issues at the three junctions: The wide intersection and large turning radius at junctions allow vehicles to speed, increasing risks for pedestrians and other road users. Underutilised carriageway space at the intersection that often gets used for parking, obstructs movement for all. Lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure, such as safe crossings, protected median refuges, and waiting spaces.
18 December,2024 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarPolice on Wednesday arrested two Bangladeshi nationals for staying illegally in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said, reported news agency PTI. The two men worked as plumbers in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi, he said. Based on a tip, the police conducted a raid at the Khoka Compound in Indira Nagar locality of Bhiwandi on Tuesday and apprehended the two persons from a rented house, the official from Bhiwandi Town police station said, reported PTI. The duo, aged 32 and 40, could not produce any valid documents for their stay in India, he said. They were arrested and booked under provisions of the Foreign Nationals Act and the Indian Passport Act, the official said, reported PTI. The house owner was also named as accused in the case, the police added. Five Bangladeshi women arrested for illegal stay in Thane Authorities in Maharashtra’s Thane district have apprehended five Bangladeshi women for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation. The arrests were made during a police raid conducted in the Bhiwandi area on Monday, according to an official statement released on December 10. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a chawl (a row of tenement housing) in the Bhiwandi locality, where they discovered the women residing in a house. The women, aged between 36 and 50, failed to produce any valid identification or documentation to justify their stay in India, as per the release. Following the raid, an FIR was registered against the five individuals under the provisions of the Foreign Nationals Act and the Indian Passport Act. These legal provisions address the unauthorised entry and stay of foreign nationals in the country. Additionally, the person who rented the house to these women has been named as an accused in the case. Police officials stated that further investigations are underway to determine whether the women were involved in any other illegal activities or if they were part of a larger network of undocumented immigrants. As per PTI, the arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Maharashtra to crack down on unauthorised immigration and ensure compliance with immigration laws. Bhiwandi, known for its industrial activities and dense population, has often been under scrutiny for hosting a considerable number of migrant workers, some of whom lack proper documentation. Police are now investigating how the women entered the country and whether any individuals or groups facilitated their illegal stay. Authorities have also assured that appropriate legal action will be taken against the house owner for renting the property without verifying the tenants’ legal status. This incident is part of a broader effort by the state police to monitor and address cases of undocumented foreign nationals residing in India. According to PTI reports, officials emphasised the importance of cooperation from the public in identifying and reporting such cases. The arrested women remain in police custody while further inquiries are being conducted. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2024 01:50 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAir India, the country's leading global airline, has introduced a range of special fares and additional benefits for students travelling on its domestic and international route network. The new initiative aims to make flying more affordable and accessible for students while offering them a world-class, full-service flying experience. Special student fare benefits: The student-specific fares offer up to a 10 per cent discount on base fares for all flights, an additional 10 kg baggage allowance, and a one-time free date change option upon booking through Air India’s direct channels, including its website (airindia.com) and mobile app. These special student fares are available across all three cabins—Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, said, "With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons. At Air India, we are committed to supporting students on their educational journeys and making full-service flying more accessible and rewarding." Global connectivity for students: The airline in a statement said that Air India offers non-stop flights between India and 42 international destinations, alongside 49 cities within India. Students travelling between cities like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia can now enjoy more flexibility and ease of travel. Additional savings: In addition to the special fares, Air India does not charge a convenience fee for bookings made through its mobile app, saving students Rs 399 on domestic flights and up to Rs 999 on international flights. Extra savings can be unlocked when students pay via UPI, net banking, or credit/debit cards issued by Air India's banking partners on airindia.com or through the Air India app. Combined with these offers, students can enjoy discounts of up to 25 per cent, the airline said. In-flight entertainment and WiFi: The airline said that it also offers complimentary in-flight entertainment across its entire fleet. Students can enjoy entertainment either on their personal devices through Vista Stream, Air India’s wireless streaming service, or on in-seat screens. Additionally, the airline is rolling out in-flight WiFi connectivity on select international flights, enhancing the travel experience. Maharaja Club loyalty benefits: Students can also enroll in Air India’s revamped loyalty program, 'Maharaja Club', to earn reward points on every trip. These points can be redeemed for complimentary tickets, upgrades, and more. Members who book directly on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app can earn up to 33% additional reward points. Eligibility criteria for student fares: To avail of the special student fares, travellers must meet the following criteria: Aged 12 or older on the day of travel for domestic flights Aged between 12 and 30 years for international flights Enrolled in a full-time academic program for at least one year Attending a recognized educational institution (school, college, or university) Carrying a valid student ID or acceptance letter, or a valid Student Visa Booking process: The special student fares can only be booked through Air India’s direct channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, customer contact centre, and at airport and city ticketing offices. With these new offerings, Air India is ensuring that students have access to affordable, convenient, and enriching travel options, helping them pursue their educational goals with ease.
18 December,2024 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariA safety lapse was observed on Singapore Airlines flight SQ424 on December 11 as the aircraft, bound for Mumbai, took off with what appeared to be a crack in the structure. Flight passengers had also pointed out the issue to the crew as it was about to take off from Singapore, however, the flight anyway departed after being cleared by an airline staff member. Aviation experts believe that this could have turned out to be a major catastrophic incident if the fuselage had burst open. Passengers point out leakage Passengers on board pointed out to the crew about water seeping in the aircraft from a point. Speaking to mid-day, Siddhesh Vartak, a passenger, said, “On the evening of the flight, heavy rain in Singapore caused water to drip continuously inside the aircraft. Several seats were wet, and tissues were used as a temporary solution. This made many passengers, including myself, extremely uncomfortable and raised serious concerns about safety. To our surprise, the cabin crew instructed passengers to sit on the drenched seats, cover themselves with blankets, and proceed to watch the safety video. This approach was highly inappropriate and dismissive of passenger well-being.” He added, “My primary concern is that proceeding with the flight under such conditions posed a significant safety risk. Increased air pressure or other in-flight complications could have resulted in an emergency situation. A more prudent and safety-conscious decision would have been to delay the flight or rebook passengers on a subsequent one.” Sharing a video of the incident, Vartak added, “Safety must always take precedence over scheduling. Although we landed safely in Mumbai, the experience has left me deeply concerned about the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. When some passengers voiced their discomfort, they were met with an unprofessional response from the crew.” Vartak further disclosed, “An airline official was called in to check the leakage issue. I am not sure if he was an engineer or a technician, but he cleared the aircraft for the flight.” Following the incident, Vartak had also lodged an official complaint with the Singapore Airlines as well as the civil aviation ministry. Airline admits leakage in flight After the issue was raised by the passengers, Singapore Airlines admitted that there was a leakage in their flight SQ424 on December 11, which was due to the seepage of rainwater. In its official statement sent to mid-day replying to a WhatsApp query sent by mid-day, the airline said, “On 11 December 2024, following a heavy downpour in Singapore, water seeped into an Airbus A380 operating Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ424 from Singapore to Mumbai and on to 20 Economy Class seats in the aircraft. The water seepage stopped shortly after takeoff. To mitigate the situation, the affected 20 seats were covered with plastic sheets prior to boarding, and our cabin crew provided the necessary assistance to the affected customers during the flight, including changing the seat cushion covers, pillows, and blankets. SIA sincerely apologises to the 20 affected customers. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.” ExpertSpeak Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a seasoned aviator and aviation expert, told mid-day, “Any flight that is potentially not safe for passengers is grounded, and then work starts on the aircraft. If the cabin had been depressurised, an emergency landing would have been needed as the pressure in the cabin would have dropped drastically and in a matter of seconds. This, again, depends on the size of the hole or the crack in the aircraft that was allowing water to seep in.” A senior investigator at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) told mid-day, “This indeed has multiple factors at play. No doubt that the water was pouring into the aircraft, but it needs to be investigated whether the crack or hole through which the water was seeping was directly on the fuselage of the aircraft or some other place from where the water seeped in and then made its way to the cabin. It is also a fact that if the crack or hole was directly on the fuselage, there was a possibility that the cabin might have burst open due to the pressure difference between the low air pressure at high altitudes and high air pressure in the cabin.” He added, “Luckily no such catastrophe happened on this flight, and the aircraft reached Mumbai safely considering the flight path. There is a section where the aircraft has to travel over the ocean, which we call the oceanic transfer. During this phase, there is no land kilometres away from the aircraft. If any fuselage burst would have happened during this phase, the aircraft would have had to make an emergency landing in the ocean and wait for a rescue mission to reach them.” Singapore airline in a follow up statement after an investigation into the matter sent to midday via whatsapp shared the following, "Singapore Airlines can confirm that after receiving the report of water seepage in the aircraft cabin, onsite engineers went to the aircraft to assess the situation. Due to heavy downpour in Singapore at the time, rain water entered the aircraft through Upper Deck Door, which was opened to load the food carts prior to flight departure. We can confirm that there was no safety concern with the aircraft, and it was declared serviceable before it departed Singapore for Mumbai. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority." Dec 11Day of the incident
18 December,2024 12:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to induct 1,300 new buses into its fleet on January 1, 2025, with MSRTC Chairman Bharat Gogawale calling it a 'New Year's gift' to the people of Maharashtra. "These New buses being inducted in the fleet are new year's gift for Maharashtra's common people availing services of Lal Pari," said Bharat Gogawale, state's minister and MSRTC chairman, reported ANI. 'Lal Pari's' is the alternate name given to the state transport buses. This move, as per the MSRTC Chairman, comes as part of ongoing efforts to expand and modernise the state's transport services to ensure safer and more comfortable travel for passengers. "But it has not happened overnight but efforts were going on for this for the past 2 years. Soon we will increase our fleet size even more and we are committed to providing a comfortable and safe journey to everyone," said Gogawale, reported ANI. Out of the 1,300 buses, around 450 will be dedicated to specific regions in the state, including Nashik-Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur-Amravati, and the Mumbai-Pune area. "Now the MSRTC has finally taken the important decision to include around 1300 buses in its fleet. Under which approximately 450 buses will be in service for each region including Nashik-Sambaji Nagar and Nagpur-Amravati apart from Mumbai-Pune area," read an official statement by MSRTC, reported ANI. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, MSRTC's fleet had about 18,500 buses, of which 15,500 were in service, catering to 65 lakh daily passengers. However, MSRTC had to reduce its fleet by about 1,000 buses due to their poor condition and the shortage of new buses, leaving only 14,500 buses in service. This resulted in a decrease in the number of daily passengers, down to 54 lakh. "Due to the shortage of buses despite the demand, MSRTC had to bear the deficit for many years," read the statement. With the induction of the new fleet, MSRTC expects to recover its losses and make a profit. "These new buses will come into service in the new year. With this, MSRTC is expected to make a profit by compensating for its losses," the MSRTC statement added. "Due to which the poor people of the state using the "Lal Pari" (as ST buses are fondly called) services will not only be able to benefit from these services but also have less burden on their pockets," the statement added. (With inputs from ANI)
18 December,2024 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOfficials at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seem to have forgotten about the Bombay High Court directive of no-hawking zones within a 150-metre radius of railway stations. In Borivli, hawkers have been blatantly selling their wares while flouting rules. In fact, they were seen outside Moksh Plaza on Jambli Gully, selling their goods right beside the civic body’s anti-encroachment vehicle that is stationed there to prevent hawkers from encroaching roads. Jambli Gully is a vital connector to the arterial SV Road which runs parallel to Borivli railway station. Jambli Gully is taken over by hawkers. Pic/Anurag Ahire The next connection to SV Road for eastbound traffic is directly Chandavarkar Road as LT Road, which falls between Chandavarkar Road and Jambli Gully, is a one-way street where eastbound traffic is not allowed. The hawkers have taken over Jambli Gully in such a way that it is hampering traffic movement on this road. Residents’ fury Requesting anonymity, another Borivli resident, said, “The fault lies not only with the authorities and hawkers, but also with the people who buy goods from the vendors. People should collectively decide to boycott those who encroach on roads. If the buying stops, the selling will too.” The resident added, “mid-day has been continuously highlighting the issue of hawkers in Borivli and the rest of Mumbai. But, even residents should show some moral responsibility and civic sense.” Meanwhile, Borivli resident Sudesh Naik said, “Just like Bhaji Market Gully was encroached by hawkers, Jambli Gully has also been taken over, but not to the extent where a vehicle cannot even pass through. I have seen the hawkers on Jambli Gully sell their goods just beside the BMC anti-encroachment vehicles stationed near Moksh Plaza.” “What is shocking is that these hawkers do not even fear the BMC. They blatantly stand right beside the civic body’s vehicle and sell their goods,” Naik added. BMC Speak Sandhya Nandedkar, assistant municipal commissioner, R Central ward, told mid-day, “The vehicles are stationed at the spot but sometimes the staff accompanying them is not nearby. Taking advantage of this, the hawkers set up their stalls.”
18 December,2024 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariADVERTISEMENT
