Maruti Suzuki signs MoA with Bihar Govt Transport Dept
5 driving test tracks to be automated at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran 2 driving test tracks automated by Maruti Suzuki at Aurangabad and Patna are already operational Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) for Two-wheeler (TW) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license testing MSIL to increase the number of Automated Driving Test Tracks to 44 across the country, from the current 27 New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Bihar to automate driving license test tracks at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran. The MoA was signed in the presence of Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar and Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Bihar. The MoA was signed by Shri Navin Kumar (IAS), State Transport Commissioner, Government of Bihar and Shri Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Maruti Suzuki. With zero human intervention, the Automated Driving Test Tracks are aimed to make license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated. Applauding Maruti Suzuki on its road safety efforts, Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar said, I applaud Maruti Suzuki, Indias leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for their exemplary commitment to road safety through nationwide programs. One of their innovative initiatives, the Automated Driving Test Tracks, ensures that only skilled drivers get a driving license, making our roads safer for everyone. We successfully automated the driving test tracks in Aurangabad and Patna with them and have seen drivers coming better prepared for the license testing. We are glad to partner with Maruti Suzuki once again to develop five more Automated Driving Test Tracks in Bihar. This collaboration will significantly contribute toward reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving practices in our state of Bihar. Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, Maruti Suzukis association with the Bihar government goes back to 2018 when we set up the states first Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) to offer driver training in Aurangabad. Since then, we have inaugurated ADTTs at Aurangabad in 2020 and Patna in 2021. We thank the Government of Bihar for further entrusting us with this road safety project. Maruti Suzuki has been steadfast in its commitment to the 5 pillars of road safety - engineering, education, evaluation, enforcement, and emergency care. Automated driving license testing is a vital component of the evaluation process. Equipped with high-definition cameras and an integrated IT system, ADTTs guarantee a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent testing process ensuring that only skilled drivers are awarded licenses. Mr. Bharti added, According to data shared by the Union Road Transport Ministry, 15.3 lakh lives were lost in road accidents in the 10 years between 2014-2023 in India. Road death rate in the country is around 250 per 10,000 km as opposed to 119 in China, 57 in the USA, and 11 in Australia. An important aspect of road safety is drivers skill and knowledge of traffic rules. Automated Driving Test Tracks will ensure that license seekers are better prepared and only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license. This will bring a positive transformation that will go a long way to reduce road accidents caused by human error. Maruti Suzuki Automated Driving Test Tracks across India Over the past years, Maruti Suzuki has systematically automated 27 driving test tracks (across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana). The Company is in the process of setting up 12 additional ADTTs in Uttar Pradesh. With the addition of these 5 test tracks in Bihar, the Company will complete automation of 44 driving test tracks across the country.
Union Health Minister announces IIT-Delhis involvement in establishing AIIMS in Darbhanga, Bihar, with detailed technical investigations and structural design
LoP Tejashwis 'Mai-Behan Maan Yojna' sparks political controversy in Bihar
PATNA: The Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, has announced a cash transfer scheme for women, titled 'Mai-Behan Maan Yojna,' sparking a political storm in the state. Leaders from the ruling NDA have launched scathing attacks on the RJD leader, criticising the initiative and drawing comparisons with the 15-year Lalu-Rabri regime, which they claimed sidelined women in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary asserted that the people of Bihar remember the 15-year rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi and would not repeat their mistake in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for next year. Tejashwi is attempting to woo voters with promises ahead of the elections, but people are aware of his game plan, he said. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (RV) chief Chirag Paswan accused Tejashwi of hypocrisy, alleging that he had previously focused on the MY (Muslim-Yadav) vote bank and was now trying to attract women voters with cash transfer schemes. In the 1990s, only one family (Lalu-Rabri) ruled the state, and they never talked about womens empowerment. Tejashwi is now trying to befool people by making such promises, but he will not succeed, Paswan said. Echoing similar sentiments, former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha questioned the RJDs contributions towards womens empowerment. What contributions have they made for womens welfare in the state? They should be ashamed of making such hollow promises, he said. Senior JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, dismissed Tejashwis announcement as a pre-election gimmick. He knows he will not become the Chief Minister after the 2025 assembly elections, as the NDA is set to make a clean sweep, he claimed. Tejashwi unveiled the 'Mai-Behan Maan Yojna' during his 'Interaction with Party Workers' programme in Darbhanga on Saturday. He pledged that, if the RJD-led alliance wins the assembly elections, his government would transfer 2,500 per month into the bank accounts of economically disadvantaged women to help them manage household expenses. The scheme aims to address the challenges faced by underprivileged women who struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and healthcare for their children due to rising inflation, Tejashwi said. He added that funds under the scheme would be directly transferred to beneficiaries bank accounts within a month of forming a grand alliance government. Highlighting the importance of women in Bihars development, he remarked, Prosperity prevails only when women are satisfied and happy. Tejashwi also criticised the central NDA government, holding it responsible for rising inflation, which he said had worsened the plight of women. The cash transfer scheme will benefit them on their domestic front, he explained. Amid the criticism, Tejashwi received support from former Union Minister RCP Singh, who recently launched a new party, Aap Sabki Aawaz.
JD(U) demands Bharat Ratna for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar
PATNA: JD(U), a major ally of the ruling NDA, demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to felicitate Bihar chief minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar with the Bharat Ratna award for his sincere efforts to take the state out of a morass and set things on the right track. JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha raised the demand to give Bharat Ratna to Nitish Kumar, who set a 'failed' state like Bihar on the path of development and progress, at the workers' meet of the party in Bihar's Purnea district. He (Nitish) should be felicitated with the Bharat Ratna award or even a bigger award if any. He has sincerely been working on the development of the state, JD(U) working president said, while recalling the dark days of the RJD rule in the state. JD(U) leader also made a veiled attack on RJD saying that it was known to all how law and order situation had collapsed in Bihar during RJD regime from 1990-2005. Doctors, engineers, businessmen, professionals were kidnapped for ransom during the period, he asserted. Jha said that younger generation would not know about RJD rule when affluent people were kidnapped. Members of the business community left Purnea out of fear. In such a situation, Nitish took reins of the state and improved the law and order situation, he added. Jha also pointed out that the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) were laid in Darbhanga by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, which reflected the commitment of the Centre and Nitish Kumar government towards all round development of the state. He remarked that RJD had no concern for the development of Mithila region. JD(U)'s leader's remarks came in the wake of RJD leader and former chief minister Rabri Devi to declare Mithila a separate state.
Darbhanga clash: Suspects at large
A Ram Vivah procession in Darbhanga, Bihar, was attacked by Islamists near a mosque with stones and sticks, leaving several injured. Police are investigating the violence.
Nirmala Sitharaman urges women to benefit from government schemes at credit outreach event in Bihar
PATNA: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday urged women to take advantage of the Union Government's programs. Speaking at a credit outreach event in Bihar's Madhubani district, she emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on creating 'Lakhpati Didis' in every village, with banks lending support to make the initiative a success. Financial help and training are being provided to women through every self-help group for this purpose. Whatever work needs to be done by the banks is being done, she stated, encouraging women to come forward and participate in the schemes offered by the banks. Earlier, Sitharaman distributed sanction letters from banks to beneficiaries under various central government schemes. Loans worth Rs 1,121 crore were disbursed to over 50,000 beneficiaries during the credit outreach program. The schemes included PM MUDRA, PMEGP, Kisan Credit Card, Stand Up India, PM Vishwakarma, MSEs, SHGs, and Agriculture Loans, among others. The Union Minister also distributed copies of the Constitution of India in Maithili and Sanskrit recently released on Samvidhan Diwas to various individuals during the event. Sitharaman visited stalls and interacted with stall owners who had benefited from various central and state government schemes during the program. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha also attended the event. On Friday, Sitharaman chaired a credit outreach program in Darbhanga, where loans worth Rs 1,388 crore were disbursed to 49,137 beneficiaries by various banks, according to an official press release from the Union Finance Ministry.
Bihar Youth Played Ludo To Steal Phone Passwords, Rob Passengers In Sleeper Coaches
The youth identified as Sagir, hails from Bihar Darbhanga but was currently living in Ghaziabad. The GRP caught him with eight phones, two Aadhaar cards, intoxicating pills, a bag, and Rs 67,150 cash
Meet the brothers who are on a mission to popularise dhrupad
Prashant and Nishant Mallick belong to the renowned Darbhanga-based family of dhrupad singers
SC gives Bihar govt final chance to reply on bridge collapses plea
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday granted the last opportunity to the Bihar government to file its response to a PIL that raised concerns about the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar after several of them collapsed in recent months.A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also sought the response of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on the PIL filed by lawyer Brajesh Singh. It considered the fact that the notices were issued to various authorities on the PIL on July 29 this year. The Bihar government is granted six weeks to file the response. This is the last opportunity, the bench said, adding that the petitioner will have to file his rejoinder four weeks after the authorities file their replies. The bench has now listed the plea for hearing on February 15, 2025. Earlier, the petitioner moved the court seeking its nod to bring on record various news reports and additional documents to highlight the dilapidated condition of bridges in Bihar. The court, on July 29 this year, sought responses from the Bihar government and others, including the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI), on the PIL. On November 4, it agreed to hear the PIL that raised concerns about the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar after several of them collapsed in recent months. Singh on November 14 filed an interim application in his pending PILs seeking to bring on record as many as 15 news reports relating to poor conditions of bridges in the state. I have filed an IA (interim application) for placing additional documents before the concerned bench as in the state of Bihar the bridges and culverts are still in dilapidated conditions and they are collapsing on a routine basis, Singh said. He referred to a recent incident in Bihar's Nalanda district where an 18-year-old boy died after falling into the river from a dilapidated bridge. The lawyer said the state government and the NHAI have not filed their responses despite the top court issuing the notices in July. He claimed that on November 3 an under-construction bridge collapsed in Darbhanga district and the company concerned was seen removing the debris in the night secretly. The PIL sought directions for a structural audit and setting up of an expert panel to identify bridges that can be either strengthened or demolished based on its findings. Besides the state and the NHAI, the top court had also issued notices to the road construction department's additional chief secretary, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited chairperson and rural works department's additional chief secretary. Ten incidents of bridge collapse have been reported in Bihar's Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran and Kishanganj districts during May, June and July this year. Many claimed that heavy rainfall might have led to the incidents. The PIL raised concerns about the safety and longevity of the bridges in the state that usually witnesses heavy rains and floods during the Monsoon. Besides setting up a high-level expert panel, it also sought real-time monitoring of the bridges as per the parameters laid by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The petitioner highlighted that Bihar is the most flood-prone state in India. The total flood-affected area in the state is 68,800 square km which is 73.06 per cent of its total geographical area, he mentioned. Hence, such routine accrual of the incident of falling bridges in Bihar is more disastrous as the lives of people at large are at stake. Therefore, the urgent intervention of this court is required to save the lives of people, as the under-construction bridges before its (their) accomplishment collapsed routinely, the plea read. In view of the bridge collapse incidents, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the road construction and rural works departments to conduct a survey of all old bridges in the state and identify those in need of immediate repair.
PM says government committed to holistic approach to health
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said his government is adopting a holistic approach towards health in the country. He said the projects initiated in Bihars Darbhanga would bring about a huge change in the health sector. Lauding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his leadership in transforming the state, the PM said Kumars efforts pulled the state out of what he described as the era of jungle raj. Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurating several key infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,000 crore, Modi said the country was progressing steadily towards becoming Vikshit Bharat. The current generation is fortunate to witness this transformation, he said. Reaffirming his governments commitment to development, he said the schemes introduced across Bihar would not only accelerate growth but also create job opportunities. Detailing his governments comprehensive approach to healthcare, Modi said the first priority of his government was disease prevention, followed by accurate diagnosis and treatment. We have started more than 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the country with the aim of providing medical care for early detection of diseases, adding that more than 4 crore people have benefited from treatments under this initiative. He said the government has already fulfilled its commitment to include senior citizens above 70 years of age in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with free treatment already being provided to this age group, irrespective of family income. Turning to the recurring flood issues in North Bihar, particularly in the Kosi and Mithila regions, Modi touched upon the governments ongoing efforts to address challenges posed by annual flooding. He assured that a comprehensive plan had been announced in this years Budget to tackle the issue. He stressed that the government was fully dedicated to providing relief and building resilience against floods. Modi praised Bihars rich heritage, describing the state as one of Indias largest centers of cultural legacy. He said the governments development approach was guided by the dual principles of Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage). Modi lauded Nitish Kumar, commending the states model of good governance under the double-engine government.
Nitish Brought Good Government, Removed Jungle Raj: Modi
New Delhi/Patra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for his role in transforming the state, pulling it out of what he called jungle raj. Speaking at a function in Darbhanga after laying the foundation stone for an AIIMS and inaugurating projects worth more than Rs.12,000 crores, Mr Modi made a veiled attack on the Congress-RJD combine, without mentioning it by name. The Prime Minister referred to Mr Nitish Kumar, whose JD(U) played a crucial role in enabling the NDAs return to power at the Centre earlier this year, as lokpriya mukhyamantri (popular chief minister). Mr Modi said: Nitish Babu has set up a model of sushasan (good governance). No praise is too high for him (jitni saraahna ki jaae kam hai) for his contribution in pulling Bihar out of the era of jungle raj. Now, under the NDA's double engine government, the state is making rapid, all-round progress. He also attacked earlier governments in the state, ruled by the Congress-RJD combine for 15 years before the NDA assumed power in 2005, for hoodwinking the people with false (jhoothe) promises. Earlier, Mr Kumar thanked the PM for AIIMS, Darbhanga, even as he recalled having first made a request for the super specialty hospital in the north Bihar town with late BJP leader Arun Jaitley. The Prime Minister began his speech with a reference to the Assembly polls underway in Jharkhand, which was carved out of Bihar two-and-a-half decades ago, and hoped that people in the tribal state would come out to vote in large numbers. He asserted that his government worked with a holistic approach towards healthcare that was distinct from the previous Congress governments which were marked by only one functional AIIMS in Delhi, with no treatment facilities available in the barely four and five other such facilities elsewhere in the country. Today, we have more than two dozen AIIMS across the country. Healthcare is being made available to people of weaker sections through 1.5 lakh Aaryogya mandirs. Besides, more than four crore people have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Prime Minister said. He also highlighted his governments efforts to increase the number of doctors by allowing pursuit of courses in medicine in Hindi and other vernacular languages, besides adding 75,000 new seats in medical colleges across the country. The PM also touched upon the problem of floods that ravage the Kosi-Mithila region every year, saying his government was making honest (imaandaar) efforts to solve the problem by holding necessary discussions with Nepal, besides drawing a detailed plan involving Rs.11,000 crores to tackle the calamity. Known for his penchant for connecting with the people by peppering his speeches with local flavour, the PM referred to the inclusion of Maithili, spoken in large parts of north Bihar, in the Eighth Schedules of the Constitution. The PM also paid tributes to folk singer Sharda Sinha, who hailed from Supaul district in Mithila, and died last week.
Video: Nitish Kumar Bends To Touch PM's Feet At Event, He Does This
Bonhomie was on display at an event in Darbhanga on Wednesday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar bent down to touch the feet of Narendra Modi, only to be stopped by the Prime Minister, who shook his hands instead.
Tejashwi taunts Nitish for touching Modis feet in Bihar
Patna, Nov 13 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday drew a taunt from Tejashwi Yadav, his former deputy, for touching the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was in the state for a function. The RJD leader responded to queries from journalists about the behaviour of the JD(U) boss, who is in his 70s and had, after finishing his speech at the function in Darbhanga, bent to touch the feet of Modi, who is less than a year his senior. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, the Prime Minister can be seen
PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone For AIIMS Darbhanga; Hails Nitish Kumar's 'Good Governance'
PM Modi, while addressing the event, referred to Nitish Kumar as lokpriya mukhyamantri.
Video: Nitish Kumar Bows To Touch PM Modi's Feet At Bihar Event. Here's How He Reacted
During an event in Darbhanga, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar attempted to touch PM Modi's feet, symbolising their strengthening alliance. A video of the same has gone viral.
PM Modi's Global Agenda: From Nigeria's Strategic Talks to G20 Summit in Brazil This Week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an international tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16 to 21, focusing on enhancing India's global ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. Starting on November 16, PM Modi will visit Nigeria for two days at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years. During the visit, he will engage in discussions to review and expand the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. PM Modi will also address the Indian community residing in Nigeria. India and Nigeria have been close partners since 2007, with strong economic, energy, and defense ties. Over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion in key sectors within Nigeria. The countries also share a robust development cooperation relationship. After Nigeria, PM Modi will travel to Rio de Janeiro on November 18 to participate in the G20 Summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva. India, part of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa, has been actively contributing to discussions on global matters. PM Modi is expected to share India's perspectives on key international issues and further the outcomes of previous summits, including the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration and the Voice of the Global South Summits. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with several world leaders during the summit. Following the G20 Summit, PM Modi will head to Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968. During his time in Guyana, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other senior officials. He is also scheduled to address the Guyanese Parliament and the Indian diaspora community. Last year, President Ali visited India as the Chief Guest for the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, where he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. In Georgetown, PM Modi will also participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit, engaging with leaders of CARICOM member nations to strengthen India's long-standing ties with the Caribbean region. PM Modi to Launch AIIMS Darbhanga and Major Infrastructure Projects in Bihar Today PM Modi to Address Three Rallies in Maharashtra as Assembly Elections Near PM Modi Urges Unity in Maharashtra, Accuses Congress of Divisive Politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone for a new AIIMS in Darbhanga, Bihar, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region and beyond. He emphasized the government's comprehensive approach to healthcare, including disease prevention, affordable treatment, and infrastructure development.
Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of 'Jungle Raaj', says PM Modi in Darbhanga
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his governance, crediting him with ending the 'Jungle Raaj' and ushering in an era of development. During his visit to Darbhanga, Modi inaugurated an AIIMS and other projects worth Rs 12,100 crore, emphasizing the government's commitment to Bihar's progress, particularly in healthcare and flood mitigation.
PM Modi in Darbhanga, Bihar: 'In the next 5 years we will add 75,000 new medical seats'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Bihar's Darbhanga.
PM Modi lays foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, says NDA Govt committed to welfare of people
Darbhanga AIIMS will make a big difference for people of the area in health sector, even from neighbouring country Nepal, says PM Modi in Bihar
Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raaj, says PM
Darbhanga, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his role in transforming the state, pulling it out of what he called the Jungle Raaj. Modis remarks came during a function in Darbhanga, where he laid the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated several key infrastructure projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore. Nitish ji has set up a model of good governance (Shushashan), pulling the state out [] The post Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raaj, says PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Modi Inaugurates Rs 12,100 cr development projects in Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 12,100 crore in Darbhanga, Bihar, on Wednesday. Among the key projects was the construction of an AIIMS hospital in Darbhanga, marking the second such facility in the state after Patna. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the government's efforts to improve healthcare access across India. Earlier, people traveled to AIIMS Delhi for treatment. Now, new AIIMS hospitals are being established nationwide, with 24 operational AIIMS facilities today, he said. In addition to healthcare, PM Modi focused on enhancing infrastructure, inaugurating several National Highway projects worth Rs 5,070 crore to improve connectivity in Bihar. These included the four-lane Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, which will connect Araria to West Bengal, offering an alternative route on the East-West Corridor (NH-27). The PM also laid the foundation for eight major National Highway projects, such as the two-lane road from Ramnagar to Rosera and the Bihar-West Bengal border to Manihari section of NH-131A. Other notable projects include the Hajipur-Bachhwara route, Raniganj Bypass on NH-327E, and multiple bypasses on NH-333A. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi attended the event.
PM Modi launches projects worth Rs 12,100 cr in Darbhanga including AIIMS facility
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 12,100 crore in Darbhanga, Bihar, including the state's second AIIMS. He also launched highway projects worth Rs 5,070 crore, enhancing connectivity. These projects included the Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, providing an alternate route to West Bengal.
PM Modi to visit Bihar on Wednesday, inaugurate projects worth 12,100 crore
The PM will inaugurate, dedicate development projects worth 12,100 crore, AIIMS Darbhanga, NH projects, railway projects, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Does PM Modi think caste census is divisive, asks Congress
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posed four questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Bihar. Ramesh questioned the delay in AIIMS Darbhanga, the neglect of the Maithili language, and unfulfilled promises of airports. He also asked Modi's stance on a caste census and reservation ceiling.
PM Modi to Launch AIIMS Darbhanga and Major Infrastructure Projects in Bihar Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar today to launch the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, along with a range of development projects across the state valued at approximately Rs.12,100 crore. In Darbhanga, he will inaugurate, lay foundation stones, and dedicate various projects aimed at enhancing healthcare, transportation, and energy infrastructure. As a significant boost to the healthcare system in the region, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, an advanced medical facility with an investment of over 1,260 crore. The new AIIMS campus will feature a super-specialty hospital, AYUSH block, medical and nursing colleges, residential areas, and other essential facilities. This healthcare institution will provide high-quality tertiary services to people in Bihar and surrounding areas. To further support regional development, PM Modi will inaugurate several National Highway projects in Bihar, worth around 5,070 crore. These projects include the opening of the four-lane Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, which offers an alternative route from Araria on NH-27 to West Bengal at Galgalia. Additionally, he will inaugurate two Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) on NH-322 and NH-31, enhancing connectivity. A new bridge on NH-110 at Bandhuganj, linking Jehanabad to Bihar Sharif, will also be inaugurated. PM Modi will lay the foundation for eight additional National Highway projects, including a two-lane road with paved shoulders from Ramnagar to Rosera, and projects connecting Bihars borders to West Bengal, and other areas. In the railway sector, he will initiate multiple projects totaling over 1,740 crore. The foundation stone for the Sonenagar Bypass Railway Line in Aurangabad district, valued at 220 crore, will be laid. Additionally, he will dedicate several railway projects, including the gauge conversion of the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar Rail section and the Darbhanga Bypass Railway Line, to reduce congestion at Darbhanga Junction. These rail upgrades aim to improve connectivity across the region. PM Modi will also flag off train services in the Jhanjharpur-Laukaha Bazar section, providing access to job opportunities, education, and healthcare in nearby cities through new MEMU train services. He will inaugurate 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras at railway stations, promoting affordable generic medicines and reducing healthcare costs for passengers. In the petroleum sector, PM Modi will launch initiatives worth over 4,020 crore. Among them is the development of a City Gas Distribution network across five districts, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, enabling household access to Piped Natural Gas. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for a new bitumen manufacturing unit at the Barauni Refinery, which will produce bitumen domestically, reducing dependency on imports. PM Modi to Address Three Rallies in Maharashtra as Assembly Elections Near PM Modi Urges Unity in Maharashtra, Accuses Congress of Divisive Politics Ratan Tatas Legacy: A Visionary Leader Remembered for Integrity, Patriotism, and Inspiration
PM Modi to lay foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga on Nov 13
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Darbhanga, Bihar on November 13 to lay the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga. The Rs 1,700 crore super-specialty hospital, the second AIIMS in the state, will greatly benefit north Bihar and neighboring regions, according to state Health Minister Mangal Pandey.
Hoax bomb threat halts Bihar Sampark Kranti express at UPs Gonda station
GONDA (UP), Nov 2: A bomb scare on the 12565 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express train, travelling from Darbhanga to New Delhi, triggered panic among passengers and security personnel in Uttar Pradeshs Gonda on Friday evening. Following a tip-off from the Delhi Control Room, security forces, including the GRP and the RPF, were immediately alerted. The [] The post Hoax bomb threat halts Bihar Sampark Kranti express at UPs Gonda station appeared first on Northlines .
Cabinet approves two railway projects worth Rs 6,798 cr in Bihar and Andhra
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved two major railway infrastructure projects. The projects, valued at an estimated Rs 6,798 crore, are aimed at improving connectivity in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. These projects are expected to be completed within the next five years. In another key decision, the Cabinet also gave its nod for the establishment of a 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector under the aegis of IN-SPACe. The fund aims to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities. Briefing the media after the meetings of the Union Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which were chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the two railway projects are set to enhance connectivity, facilitate ease of travel, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports, and curb carbon emissions. The first project involves doubling the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections, spanning 256 km in Bihar, at an estimated cost of 4,553 crore. This initiative is expected to bolster connectivity to Nepal, Northeast India, and the border areas. The second project involves constructing a new rail line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, covering 57 km, at a cost of 2,245 crore. The line traverses through the NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district in Telangana, providing direct connectivity to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and enhancing mobility for people and industrial goods. These two projects, covering eight districts across three statesAndhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Biharwill extend the Indian Railways network by about 313 km, the government said in an official statement. It further said, These routes are critical for transporting commodities such as agricultural products, fertilisers, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. The capacity augmentation works will result in an additional freight traffic of 31 MTPA (million tonnes per annum). In his concluding remarks during the media briefing the Minister said, so far the Modi 3.0 government has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 9.17 lakh crore. Regarding the 1,000 crore venture capital fund for the space sector, the Minister stated that the deployment period is planned to span five years from the commencement of fund operations, with an average deployment of 150-250 crore per year, depending on investment opportunities and fund requirements. He said, the fund aims to invest in startups with a proposed investment range of 10-60 crore, depending on the stage of the company, growth trajectory, and its potential to enhance national space capabilities. The fund is expected to support around 40 startups. The government further elaborated that the fund is strategically designed to advance Indias space sector, aligning with national priorities and fostering innovation and economic growth. The initiative aims to boost global competitiveness, support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, drive economic growth, and create jobs, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. The fund will also help position India as a leading space economy.
Cabinet Approves Rs.6,798-Cr Rail Projects to Enhance Connectivity and Cut CO2 Emissions
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given the green light to two significant railway projects worth Rs.6,798 crore. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministry of Railways, aim to improve connectivity, lower logistics costs, and reduce carbon emissions over the next five years. The first project focuses on doubling the railway lines between Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, covering a total distance of 256 kilometers. This upgrade will facilitate better access to Nepal, northeastern India, and other border areas, benefiting both passenger and freight services. The second project involves the construction of a new railway line connecting Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati, stretching 57 kilometers through Andhra Pradeshs NTR, Vijayawada, Guntur districts, and Telanganas Khammam district. Together, these projects will impact eight districts across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, adding 313 kilometers to the Indian Railways network. The new railway line will directly serve 168 villages and benefit approximately 1.2 million residents. Meanwhile, the multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity for 388 villages and improve access for around 900,000 people in the Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur regions. These capacity enhancements are vital for the efficient transport of various goods, including agricultural products, coal, steel, and cement, with an anticipated increase in freight traffic by 31 million tonnes each year. Environmentally, the projects are projected to cut CO2 emissions by 168 crore kilograms, which is comparable to planting seven crore trees. These efforts are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes seamless, multi-modal connectivity throughout India. The proposed new line will provide direct access to Amaravati, the planned capital of Andhra Pradesh, improving mobility for industries and local residents. This development is expected to boost efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, according to the CCEA. Furthermore, the multi-tracking initiative will alleviate operational challenges and reduce congestion, offering essential infrastructure development for some of the busiest railway sections in the country. Andhra's Amaravati to Get New Railway Line with Rs 2,245 Crore Investment Centre Proposes the Use of AI and Innovative Technology to Check Traffic Violations
Cabinet approves Rs 6,798 crore projects to boost connectivity in 5 yrs
Two approved projects are doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms and construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms
Center Approves Two Railway Projects For Rs 6,798 Crore
The approved projects include doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms.
BREAKING! Tragic Road Accident on Yamuna Expressway, 3 Killed
VARANASI: In a devastating incident on the Yamuna Expressway, three individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained serious injuries when their car collided with another vehicle. The accident occurred as the occupants were making their way back to Delhi from Varanasi. Emergency services promptly rushed the injured passengers to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to gather more details about the incident. The Yamuna Expressway is a significant highway in India, linking the bustling cities of Delhi and Agra. It is well-known for its smooth and fast travel, facilitating quick journeys between these two important locations. This is breaking news....Moreinformation is awaited. 12 Killed in Dholpur Collision: PM Modi Pledges Compensation for Victims Bagmati Express Collision: Passengers Safely Reach Darbhanga
PM Modi to Gift Varanasi Rs.6,100 Crore Projects
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a series of development initiatives worth over Rs.6,100 crore during his visit to Varanasi on Sunday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The projects include multiple airport developments across the country and significant infrastructure enhancements in his parliamentary constituency. As part of the initiatives, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the expansion of the runway and the construction of a new terminal building, along with allied works, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. This project is estimated to cost around Rs.2,870 crore and aims to boost air connectivity and passenger amenities in the region. In addition to Varanasi, Modi will lay the foundation stones for new civil enclaves at several airports like Agra Airport in Uttar Pradesh, worth over Rs.570 crore, Darbhanga Airport in Bihar, estimated at around ?910 crore, Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, costing approximately Rs.1,550 crore. He will also inaugurate new terminal buildings at airports in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), constructed at a combined cost of more than Rs.220 crore. These developments are expected to increase the combined passenger handling capacity of these airports to over 2.3 crore passengers annually. The designs of these airports are influenced by and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of the region, the PMO statement said, highlighting the integration of cultural aesthetics into modern infrastructure. In the healthcare sector, Modi will inaugurate the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi. The facility will provide comprehensive consultation and treatment for various eye conditions, enhancing medical services in the holy city. Among other projects, the Prime Minister will inaugurate phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex under the Khelo India scheme and the Smart City Mission. The project, worth over ?210 crore, includes the construction of a state-of-the-art sports complex featuring a National Centre of Excellence, players' hostels, a sports science centre, practice fields for various sports, indoor shooting ranges and combat sports arenas. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate a 100-bed girls' and boys' hostel and a public pavilion at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium in Lalpur, aiming to promote sports and support athletes in the region. The Prime Minister will also launch tourism development projects in Buddhism-related areas in Sarnath. Enhancements include the construction of pedestrian-friendly streets, new sewer lines, an upgraded drainage system, and a zone with modern designer vending carts to promote local handicraft vendors. Further initiatives include tourism development works at Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, as well as the beautification and redevelopment of parks, contributing to the cultural and recreational landscape of the area.
Patna Diary | Many yatras of Tejashwi incomplete
RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is known for his action-packed politics, even addressing more than a dozen election campaigns in a single day. But his track record is not as impressive as his uncle and his political rival Nitish Kumar. Whereas Nitish is known for completing a number of yatras during his 19-year long stint as chief minister, although sometimes even facing hostile crowds, the young RJD leader has not been able to complete his yatra. Everybody was expecting he would break his Yatra jinx when he embarked on his Karyakarta Samvad Yatra. He completed his first leg but the second leg hit a bump again. Hindu Swabhiman Yatra leaves Giriraj isolated Hindu Swabhiman Yatra launched by union minister and BJP Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh from Bhagalpur has created a political turmoil in Bihar. Giriraj became a soft target of not only opposition parties but also his own party. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal was quick to respond that BJP had nothing to do with Hindu Swabhiman Yatra as Singh launched it on his own. BJP distanced itself from Yatra. JD(U), a major ally of BJP-led NDA, had raised serious objections over it and said there is peace and harmony in the state where people from all religious faiths were living without any fear. FM to inaugurate credit outreach programme Preparations are in full swing for union governments credit outreach programme to be held in Darbhanga, Bihar on November 18 and 19. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the programme aimed at on-the-spot disbursement of loans. She will disburse loans of `1,000 crore at the programme. It will be second such programme in the state. At Chapra in Saran district, Sitharaman had disbursed loans of `1,350 crore under different central government schemes. M Nagraju, secretary in Finance Ministry, wrote a letter to the Bihar government stressing the need for better coordination among departments that will provide loans to the needy. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com
An inquiry into the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express accident pointed to sabotage, confirming the removal of nuts and bolts from the track. This caused the train to veer onto the loop line and collide with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai on Oct 11, resulting in derailment and injuries. Officials ruled out technical fault.
The joint inspection note indicates the train derailed at the intersection point near Chennai. Initial reports suspect mechanical errors or sabotage as potential causes. A final decision awaits the Commissioner of Railway Safety and National Investigation Agency's investigation. The accident involving Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary freight train caused injuries.
Day after Mumbai bomb scare, multiple flights get bomb threats through social media
NEW DELHI: Five flights, including one bound for the United States, received bomb-threat messages through a social media handle on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports, official sources said. The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared a hoax. Two more flights received similar threats on Tuesday but a confirmation was awaited. The sources said an X handle issued threats on Tuesday to five flights -- an Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya (IX765), a SpiceJet flight from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air flight from Bagdogra to Bengaluru (QP 1373), an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago (AI 127) and an Indigo flight from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to Lucknow (6E 98). An Air India Express spokesperson told PTI in a statement that they, along with a few other operators, received a specific security threat from an unverified social media handle. In response, security protocols were promptly activated as directed by the government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee. The flight landed safely, and the aircraft will be released for operations following all mandated security procedures, the spokesperson said. The SpiceJet aircraft landed safely at the Mumbai Airport and was directed to an isolation bay as a precautionary measure. All passengers disembarked normally, and security agencies were immediately notified. After thorough security checks, the aircraft has been cleared for further operations, a SpiceJet spokesperson said. An Akasa Air spokesperson said their flight received a security alert on board. The captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru at 13:39 hours. All passengers were deplaned and the local authorities undertook the necessary safety and security checks after which the aircraft was released for operations, the spokesperson said. The Air India flight was diverted to the Iqaluit airport in Canada after it became the subject of a security threat posted online. The aircraft and passengers are being re-screened according to the laid-down security protocol. Air India has activated agencies at the airport to assist the passengers until such time that their journey can resume, an AI spokesperson said. Indigo said in a statement that it was cognisant of a situation involving flight 6E 98 from Dammam to Lucknow. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and taking all necessary precautions as per the guidelines, a spokesperson for the airline said. The Dammam-Lucknow flight landed at the Jaipur airport following its diversion. The aircraft has been sent to an isolation bay, an official at the Jaipur airport said. The suspect X handle tagged the respective airline and some police handles, claiming that bombs were placed on these planes, the sources said. Four different X handles issued a similar threat to three international flights originating from Mumbai on Monday. All the messages on Monday were declared a hoax after security and intelligence agencies as well as airline and airport operators carried out stipulated anti-terrorist security drills that are activated in case of bomb or hijack threats, the sources said. Officials said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sought the help of Indian cyber-security agencies and police to trace the person or people behind these threats.
Multiple flights get bomb threats through social media posts
NEW DELHI: Four planes, including one bound for the United States, received bomb-threat messages through a social media handle on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports, official sources said. The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared hoax. The sources said an X handle issued threats on Tuesday to four planes -- an Air India Express aircraft from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya (IX765), a SpiceJet plane from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air plane from Siliguri to Bengaluru (QP 1373) and an Air India plane from Delhi to Chicago (AI 127). The Air India Express aircraft underwent a security check at the Ayodhya airport. The SpiceJet and Akasa Air planes have landed, according to flight-tracking websites. The AI flight from Delhi to Chicago has been diverted to Canada for security checks. Precautionary measures are being taken in all the cases, aviation security sources told PTI. The X handle tagged the airline and police handles, claiming that bombs were placed on these planes, the sources said. Four different X handles had issued a similar threat to three international flights originating from Mumbai on Monday. All the messages on Monday were declared hoax after security and intelligence agencies as well as airlines and airport operators carried out stipulated anti-terrorist security drills that are activated in case of bomb or hijack threats, the sources said. Officials said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sought the help of Indian cyber-security agencies and police to trace the person or people behind these threats. Additionally, an Indigo flight from Saudi Arabia also made an emergency landing in Jaipur following a bomb threat, an airport official said. The flight took off from Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia and was scheduled to land at Lucknow airport. It was diverted to Jaipur for emergency landing, the official said. The plane is at its isolation bay. Further details are awaited, the official added.
Analysis: India's Rail Infrastructure On Life Support
More than two dozen people were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express rammed a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in the Chennai Division of Southern Railway on October 11.
Bagmati Express Collision: Passengers Safely Reach Darbhanga
BIHAR-Darbhanga: A special train carrying passengers affected by the October 11 collision involving the Bagmati Superfast Express arrived safely in Darbhanga early Monday morning. The Bagmati Express, which was traveling from Mysore to Darbhanga, collided with a freight train near Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadus Tiruvallur district last Friday. While several passengers sustained injuries, there were no reported fatalities. Following the incident, a special train was arranged to transport stranded passengers. This train departed from Chennai Central railway station on Saturday morning and successfully reached Darbhanga. At Darbhanga station, passengers shared their harrowing experiences and expressed relief at surviving the accident. Many appreciated the support provided by railway officials, local authorities, and community members after the collision. One of the injured passengers, Sunil Kumar, described the moment of the accident: I was eating and resting when a sudden jolt threw me off my seat. I lost consciousness, and when I came to, I had blood on my head and feet. Others helped me get out of the coach. Sunil explained how the scene was terrifying, with one coach stacked on another, and he also mentioned losing his belongings in the chaos. Soni Devi, who was returning home after medical treatment, recalled, We were waiting for our food when we heard a loud noise, and chaos erupted. Our coach derailed, but we were fortunate to escape unharmed. Others, however, were not as lucky. Another passenger, Sitaraman Jha, reflected on the event, saying, By Gods grace, we survived. When we got out of the coach, there was no major loss of life or property, but the railway was damaged, and many passengers were hurt. Injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Chennai, while those who were unharmed were sent to Darbhanga by the special train. Rescue efforts commenced soon after the accident, with railway, police, and fire department officials arriving on the scene. An investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway. Despite no fatalities, fear was still evident among the passengers at Darbhanga station. As of now, 16 passengers have filed complaints regarding lost belongings. The accident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraipettai, causing the derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train. The incident disrupted train services in the region, leading to the cancellation of two trains and the rerouting of several others. Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement Chennai Train Accident: 19 Injured as Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Derails, Rescue Efforts Underway Kavach: Pioneering Rail Safety Across Indias Expansive Network
Special train affected by Bagmati Express collision arrives in Darbhanga
At Darbhanga station, passengers recounted their terrifying experiences and expressed gratitude to God for their survival. Many praised the support they received from the railway, local administration
Railways grapples with sabotage attempts
NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is facing a challenge as there have been multiple attempts to derail trains since June this year, though in most cases alert locomotive crews prevented derailments. In some cases, coaches jumped tracks. Probes by railway officials have revealed suspected sabotages to cause derailments. In most cases, objects have been placed on railway tracks. On October 11, Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai station in Chennai rail division, causing injuries to nine passengers. A three-member of senior railway officials raised serious apprehension of sabotage after inspecting the accident site, sources said. An NIA team also visited the spot for investigation. On Sunday, an alert loco pilot spotted a gas cylinder on Roorkee-Luxor railway tracks in Uttarakhand and prevented a possible derailment. The gas cylinder was empty but it could have caused problem to a running train, an railway official said. Two coaches of an empty local train derailed on in Mumbai on Sunday also, affecting suburban services. On September 19, a seven-foot-long iron rod was spotted on tracks between Bilaspur road and Rudrapur before the Doon Express was to ply. An alert loco pilot spotted it and applied an emergency break to halt the train, which prevented derailment, officials said. On September 21, the fish-plates, which keep the tracks connected with ground supports, were found removed near Surat in Gujarat before Bandra Garib Rath was to passing there. Its timely detection prevented an accident, officials said. On September 22, the loco pilot of a goods train spotted a gas cylinder placed on the tracks near Prempur railway station in Kanpur and prevented a possible derailment. On September 28, a big boulder was found placed on the tracks near Balia in UP ahead of the movement of Lucknow-Chhapra Express. On the same day, a big stone was placed on the tracks on Jhansi-Manikpur section near Mahoba in UP before the movement of Jhansi-Prayagraj passenger train. The railway and local police arrested a youth in connection with the case, officials said. According to railway sources, nearly 24 attempts of causing derailments by placing objects, including a cement bag and a bicycle, on tracks were reported in the last few months. However, alert loco pilots spotting the objects prevented derailments in most cases. In a reply sought by MP-based RTI activist Chandrashekhar Gaur, the railways has furnished figures about 200 accidents from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The RTI reply stated that 55 train accidents were reported in 2019-20; 22 in 2020-21; 35 in 2021-22; 48 in 2022-23; 40 in 2023-24 and 18 this year up to August. The railways have provided details about derailments -- 40 in 2019-20; by 17 in 2020-21; 27 in 2021-22; 36 in 2022-23 and 25 this year up to August.
DC Edit | As accidents rise, Railways have questions to answer
Probes are on to investigate why an express train entered a loop line and crashed into a stabled goods train near Chennai. The conspiracy theory of sabotage having been at work may not be a canard in this case since tell-tale signs of tampering of a switching point and signalling gear were said to have been spotted near the accident site. It is, however, the fuller picture of frequent derailments, whether through human error in the system with someone forgetting to switch trains back to the line they should be running on or mistakes by the running crew or acts of sabotage that have been seen to be happening of late, that raise huge concerns triggering fear over rail travel in the country. There were mitigating factors like Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches of German technology that do not telescope into each other in a crash, lesser speed of the train that was to negotiate a curve just after the station it was supposed to pass through and the design of the guard wagon of the goods train that absorbed much of the shock that may have proved fortunate in this derailment not leading to loss of lives while causing injuries to a few passengers. The Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express was said to have experienced a very heavy jerk while entering the station and a mysterious transfer to the loop line instead of continuing to traverse the green-lighted main line leading to the derailment of a dozen coaches and mayhem and panic in the dark for close to 1,300 people who may have been on the national long-distance train. The question to be asked is, are the Indian Railways to be trusted to offer security to the lives of the millions of passengers who opt to travel by train because not a month passes without incidents of trains going off the rails or even running into each other as it happened in the most tragic accident in Balasore, Orissa in June 2023 when nearly 300 passengers were killed and close to a thousand injured? While Opposition politicians spout criticism at the drop of a hat or the news of an accident and blame the Establishment, what should be taken note of from the critique is whether the railways as an establishment has gone off the rails regarding the safety factor that is most crucial to around 350 crore passengers who take Indian trains in a year, translating to nearly a crore people as passengers every single day. There are several questions that the railways must feel responsible enough to find the answers to. Is the system under-staffed? Is safety getting inadequate funding in the Railways budget? What about enabling the cost-effective Kavach Shield system across the main lines and trains of the country more quickly than the four- to five-year time that is being spoken of? The answer to whether ways can be found to make the maintenance crew more accountable in the upkeep with utmost safety in mind of the rails and running stock remains to be found as accountability is not the biggest national ideal, certainly not in the nationally owned enterprises. It is sad but true that passengers board trains with a faint sense of trepidation because an alternative is not to be universally had.
Tamil Nadu train accident: Drone footage captures tragic scene at Mysuru-Darbhanga Express site
JUST SPAMMING | Where danger lurks on the ground, air and rails
It was a week of disasters that betrayed our gross inability to learn lessons from past catastrophes. Starting from the deaths of Sunday when the Indian Air Force put on display its prowess and possessions over the Marina sands to the Fridays hovering of an Air India Express flight over Tiruchi for over two hours to that nights ramming of the Bagmati Express from Mysuru to Darbhanga into a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai station near Chennai, the week brought collective grief in succession. As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in his X Page the accident at Kavaraipettai mirrored the 2023 rail mishap at Balasore in Odisha. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up?, he said. Many other ordinary people asked what happened to Kavach 4.0, which is an automatic train protection system. Since Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw travelled on a train fitted with the safety system very recently under the glare of media spotlight, people remembered it and asked why it was not fitted to the ill-fated Bagmati Express. News of that accident came in when the people of the State were just heaving a sigh of relief over the safe landing of the Air India Express flight that developed a technical snag after it took off from Tiruchi at 5.40 pm for Sharjah. That aborted flight with 141 persons onboard kept everyone on tenterhooks as it hovered over Tiruchi for over two hours before touching down at 8.20 pm, dominating prime time news, keeping various agencies on their toes and the people and passengers loved ones in deep anxiety. Relatives and friends who had reached home after dropping passengers at the airport rushed back to watch with bated breath the plane going in circles above their head. No one on the ground had a clue as to what would be the fate of the aircraft. The authorities, on their part, kept 18 fire tenders and 20 ambulances ready, anticipating an inferno. In fact the sight of a huge fleet of fire tenders and ambulances along the road outside the airport accentuated the fears of the common people who too started fearing that the aircraft might catch fire or explode when it touched down. The snag was detected after takeoff when the wheel carriage of the plane refused to retract. So the aircraft cannot continue its journey to Sharjah with the wheels jutting out. But will the wheels work and help in the safe taxiing of the aircraft if it were to return to the runway? Since the pilots or anyone on the ground could not give a definite answer, they decided to follow the protocols for landing when the wheel carriage refused to come out, leaving open the only option of a belly landing. So, to burn the fuel in the aircraft, the plane was going in circles in the sky for over two hours when friends, relatives and others concerned about the welfare of the passengers went through hell. The drivers of the ambulances and fire tenders, however, readied themselves for a rescue operation and television news channels that had just started their usual political debates abandoned the scheduled programme and kept a vigil over the flight encircling Tiruchi. But when a technical snag of that sort crops up soon after takeoff, one is tempted to ask: What kind of maintenance work was done in preparation of the international flights departure? How did the ground engineers miss noticing the faulty wheel carriage? Do we not have the men and machines to detect such flaws before takeoff? Perhaps, we will know that when the probe by aviation experts is carried out. But if it was due to some oversight that the snag was not detected while on the ground, will the incident be a lesson for our aviation industry? Going by the mess up at the Marina sands, when planes, most of them built for use in wars, went about their dedicated tasks without any hitch in the sky above, we look like slow learners. For, this is not the first time Chennai has proved that as a city it cannot handle large crowds, leave alone the fact it was the sweltering heat that killed five persons and sent about a 100 others to hospitals during the air show. Many said that DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi was on spot when she put out a message on X saying Unmanageable crowds should be avoided in the future. True, in the past, too, Chennai had choked when extraordinary crowds had gathered at the same place. Say, like the A R Rahman concert some time back. Even otherwise there have been several instances when the police have not only found it difficult to control crowds and floundered in managing them. But how did the authorities fail to calculate the quantity of water that would be required to quench the thirst of a 15 lakh crowd on Sunday. For, casualties apart, lakhs of people were traumatized by their search for a drop of water. A touching vignette, as witnessed by a journalist, was a man going to a liquor shop, as no other shop was open in the vicinity, to buy a bottle of water for his children but turned away by the salesman who needed to stock water for the tipplers who would come hours later in the evening.
NIA probes sabotage angle in train accident near Chennai
NIA is probing potential sabotage in a train collision at Kavarapettai station near Chennai that injured eight and overturned 12 coaches. Despite receiving a green signal, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express switched to a loop line, crashing into a parked goods train. Suspicious tampering with signal components raises concerns, and officials will investigate next week.
Tamil Nadu train accident: Railways orders high-level inquiry into collision at Kavaraipettai
At least nine people were injured when Mysuru-Darbhanga Express rammed a stationary goods trainnear Chennai on the night of October 11; a parcel van went up in flames, 11 coaches derailed; NIA official visits site
First train passes through Kavaraipettai station, as Railway clears a line after Friday's derailment
CHENNAI: With the Southern Railway clearing derailed coaches and wagons and restoring a line, the first train passed through the Kavaraipettai station on Saturday night, the railway said. Giving an update on the restoration work, the railway said train no.12434 (Chennai Rajdhani express) passed through the Kavaraipettai railway station UP mainline at 9.15 pm today, signifying the restoration of normalcy. An hour before the train passed, the track was rendered fit for 10 kmph for the first train and after two trains pass, higher speed will be given, the railway said. Restoration work at Kavaraipettai is progressing rapidly, with the UP line now cleared of derailed coaches and wagons, a release said. A total of 10 coaches, including 9 AC coaches and a power car from Train No.12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express which collided on to a goods train on October 11 at 8.30 pm at Kavaraipettai, and two wagons of the goods train, have been removed using cranes. With the derailed rolling stock cleared, engineering track restoration and Overhead Equipment (OHE) work have commenced, the release said. Following the marked improvement in restoration, the southern railway withdrew its earlier notification on diversion of train routes and said trains will run on the normal route. The railway authorities have been racing against time to complete the work and restore rail traffic in the section. Earlier in the day, Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, Bengaluru, A M Chowdhary initiated a thorough inspection of the track, points and blocks, signals, station electronic interlocking systems, control panels and other significant safety, signal and operational aspects, Chief Public Relations Officer, Southern Railway, M Senthamil Selvan, said in a release here. Immediately after the accident the southern railway and Tamil Nadu government machinery swung into action to douse the flames of a blazing coach and in rescuing the passengers. The passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to Chennai Central by two EMU specials. Over 1,800 passengers of the accident-hit train left for their respective destinations and to Darbhanga by a special train earlier in the day from Central Railway station here. The passengers were provided with food packets and water and the special train left at 4.45 am. A high-level enquiry has been ordered into the incident. It was not supposed to stop here (Kavaraipettai station), so it was to pass through it. After leaving Chennai, green signals were given for this train. The driver was following the signals correctly, but the train should have taken the main line. Instead, it took the loop line at the switch, which is where the error occurred, R N Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, said. The reasons for this were a matter of investigation. Seven to eight people have suffered injuries, and there are no casualties, Singh told reporters after visiting the accident site. Among the hurt, three grievously injured passengers were admitted to the Stanley Medical College Hospital, and four passengers with simple injuries were treated at Government Hospital, Ponneri. They were given ex-gratia as per norms, said D Om Prakash, Senior Public Relations Officer, Southern Railway. Earlier, before boarding the special train, the passengers of the Darbhanga express were screened by the railway doctors at a medical camp held at the Central station. Terming the collision as an unfortunate incident the railway said the restoration efforts were being carried out with maximum urgency and precision to ensure the safety of tracks, signals and other operational aspects. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers undergoing treatment at the Stanley hospital here and consoled them. Recalling the accident in Tiruvallur district last night, a passenger said we were on the train when suddenly there was a loud noise, and no one understood what had happened. After about five minutes, when we looked outside, we saw the train had overturned, and there was complete chaos. Some coaches were on fire, and others had derailed. We quickly went to a nearby local station. We are safe and unharmed, he said. Learning about the accident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin directed Minister Nasser, Tiruvallur district collector, and police officials to involve in rescue operations.
Tamil Nadu train accident: Rain affects restoration work of derailed Mysuru-Darbhanga Express
Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement
Chennai: On Saturday, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team visited the site of a train collision at Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, where a moving passenger express train collided with a stationary goods train, injuring at least 19 people. The incident took place on Friday evening near Chennai. The accident occurred when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express entered a loop line instead of the main line. The collision caused a fire in two coaches and derailed 13 of them. The Indian Railways has initiated a high-level investigation into the incident. Restoration efforts are ongoing, but heavy rain has slowed progress. Railway officials reported on Saturday morning that it would take around 16 hours to complete the restoration work.In the meantime, stranded passengers were transferred to a special train early on Saturday morning to continue their journey. Those injured in the accident have been hospitalized for treatment. Drone footage captured the scene, showing damaged coaches scattered across the site, with a crowd gathered at the location. The accident occurred around 8:30 pm on Friday. According to railway officials, the crew felt a heavy jolt as the train approached Kavaraipettai station. Despite receiving green signals, the train switched onto the loop line instead of the main track, leading to the collision. RN Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, explained, The train was not supposed to stop here; it was meant to pass through the station. After leaving Chennai, green signals were given, and the driver followed them correctly. However, the train mistakenly took the loop line at the switch, which caused the collision. The accident resulted in a fire in the train's parcel van, and 13 coaches derailed. Train services on the affected stretch have been suspended while restoration work is carried out. The Railways has cancelled two trains and diverted several others to alternate routes. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, stating that it had not learned from past train accidents. He tweeted, The Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident mirrors the horrific Balasore accidenta passenger train colliding with a stationary goods train. Despite many lives lost in numerous accidents, no lessons are learned. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up? Chief Minister MK Stalin assured that he was closely monitoring the rescue and restoration operations. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at Government Stanley Medical College in Chennai, while Minister Avadi Nasar and senior officials led the rescue efforts on site. According to the Railways, over 95 percent of passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coaches, and there have been no reported fatalities or severe injuries. A special train carrying stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express departed from Chennai Central railway station at approximately 4:45 am on Saturday to resume their journey. The Railways ensured that food and water were provided to passengers during the wait. India vs Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Showdown: A Crucial Battle for Semi-Final Spot US Sanctions Indian Firm for Alleged Role in Transporting Iranian Oil via 'Ghost Fleet' PM Internship Scheme Offered over 90,000 Opportunities for Indian Youth
Southern Railway initiates probe into Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailment
Chennai: The Southern Railway on Saturday, October 12 began a probe after the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express on Friday evening derailed at Kavaraipettai in Chennai as it rammed into a stationary goods train following which 13 coaches came off the track, an official said. Southern Railway chief commissioner of Railway Safety, A.M. Choudhary, is conducting an Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The accident occurred at 8.30pm on the Chennai-Gudur section on Friday, between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai stations, causing massive damage to both trains
What caused TN train crash? Experts say 'Balasore 2.0'
The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express train was given a green signal to pass through the main line, however, it entered a loop line already occupied by the freight train.
Tamil Nadu train accident: How Mysuru-Darbhanga Express derailed from destination?
Kavaraipettai train accident: Restoration work to be completed by Oct 13
Restoration of the railway lines at Kavaraipettai near here where the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati express derailed after ramming into a goods train on Oct 11 night, has been intensified, and the section with four lines will be restored by early morning of October 13, the railway said on Saturday. Terming the collision as an unfortunate incident the railway said of the four lines at Kavaraipettai, the UP line and UP Loop line were expected to be restored tonight while two other lines were expected to be restored by early morning tomorrow. The restoration efforts are being carried out with maximum urgency and precision to ensure the safety of tracks, signals and other operational aspects, said Southern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer M Senthamil Selvan. The Southern Railway was working in close collaboration with all relevant authorities and agencies to handle the situation with the utmost care, he said in a release here. The key agencies including the National Disaster Response
Souther Railway manager R.N Singh said the train entering the close loop where a goods train was parked was unusual since it should have switched to the main line.
A Darbhanga-bound express train collided with a stationary goods train in Kavarapettai, near Chennai. The incident caused two compartments to catch fire and four air-conditioned coaches to derail. Emergency services responded quickly. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. No casualties have been confirmed at this time.
What Led To Darbhanga-Bound Train's Derailment Near Chennai & Why There Were No Fatalities?
The Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (Train No. 12578) derailed following a collision with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai railway station near Chennai.
The Train No.12578 Mysuru - Darbhanga Bagmati Express met with an accident around 8.30 pm on October 11 and the passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to Chennai Central by two EMU specials, the railway said.
Mysore-Darbhanga train accident: Restoration work is on at site in Kavarapettai
The General Manager and Additional General Manager, Southern Railway and Principal Heads of department, and other officials of Railways are at the site overseeing track restoration work.
Chennai Train Accident: 19 Injured as Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Derails, Rescue Efforts Underway
A tragic accident occurred on October 10 at 8:30 pm when 12-13 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express derailed after colliding with a stationary goods train between Ponneri and Kavarappettai railway stations in Chennai. The collision left 19 people injured, but fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far. To assist those affected, a special train was arranged, departing from Dr. MGR Chennai Central Railway Station at 4:45 am, carrying stranded passengers of the derailed Mysuru-Darbhanga Express. Railway officials ensured that the passengers received food and water during their wait. Following the collision, a parcel van from the goods train caught fire, leading to the derailment of 13 coaches. The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express was traveling at a speed of 75 kmph when it entered the loop line, hitting the rear of the stationary goods train. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, said that over 95% of passengers had been safely evacuated from the affected coaches, and no reports of serious injuries or casualties had been received. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at a nearby hospital late at night. In the wake of the accident, Southern Railways diverted several long-distance trains, including those bound for Kamakhya and Guwahati. The Jan Shatabdi Express to and from Vijayawada was also canceled. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his shock over the incident and said he had immediately directed Minister for Minorities SM Nasar and other officials to reach the accident site to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Kavach: Pioneering Rail Safety Across Indias Expansive Network Indian Railways to Operate 6,556 Special Trains for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja
Nineteen passengers were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division in the Southern Railway on Friday night, even as Chief Minister M K Stalin deputed a ...
TN rail mishap: Special train leaves with passengers
Passengers stranded due to the Darbhanga Bagmati express meeting with an accident at Kavaraipettai near in Chennai left for Dharbanga by a special train on Saturday, the southern railway said.
Passengers Of Accident Hit Express Train Left For Darbhanga By Special Train, Says Railway
Chennai, Oct 12: Passengers of the Darbhanga Bagmati express that met with an accident at Kavaraipettai near here late last night have left for Dharbanga by a special train on Saturday, the southern railway said. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News The Train No.12578 Mysuru Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at around 8.30 pm on October 11 and the passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to [] The post Passengers Of Accident Hit Express Train Left For Darbhanga By Special Train, Says Railway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Passengers of hit express train sent to Darbhanga by spl train: Railways
Passengers stranded due to the Darbhanga Bagmati express meeting with an accident at Kavaraipettai near here left for Dharbanga by a special train on Saturday, the southern railway said. The Train No.12578 Mysuru - Darbhanga Bagmati Express met with an accident around 8.30 pm on October 11 and the passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to Chennai Central by two EMU specials, the railway said. After all the passengers arrived, they were boarded onto the passenger special towards Darbhanga, via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, a release here said. The passengers were provided with food packets and water and the special train left at 4.45 am, it said. It was not supposed to stop here (Kavarapettai station), so it was to pass through it. After leaving Chennai, green signals were given for this train. The driver was following the signals correctly, but the train should have taken the main line. Instead, it took the loop line at the switch, which is where the error ..
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations under Chennai division of Southern railway, leading to derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train.
Express train rams into freight rake near Chennai, 20 injured as 12 coaches derail
A collision between the MysuruDarbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary freight train on the outskirts of Chennai caused derailment and a fire, leading to injuries for at least 20 passengers. The accident occurred at Kavaraipettai station when the express train mistakenly entered a loop line, shutting down train traffic for rescue operations.
Tamil Nadu train accident: Mysuru-Darbhanga Express crashes into goods train, several feared injured
Over 90% of passengers have been safely evacuated following the 12578 Bagmati Express accident, with no reports of casualties so far.
Tamil Nadu train accident LIVE: Darbhanga Express rams into goods train at Kavarapettai near Chennai
No casualties reported, crew of the express train safe; some passengers injured; up and down train services have been affected; helpline numbers: 04425354151 and 04424354995
TN: Bagmati Express collides with goods train, derails; injuries reported
Chennai: Five coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed on Friday, October 11, after ramming into a stationary goods train at Kavarapettiyil in Chennai, officials said. Even as there were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries are suspected as three coaches caught fire following the accident. In the videos and pictures circulating on social media, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Live Updates: Express And Goods Trains Collide In Tamil Nadu, Passengers Injured
Tamil Nadu Train Collision Live: A passenger train going from Mysore to Darbhanga has collided with a stationary goods train in Tamil Nadu.
Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Train derails near Kavarapettai
Chennai : Mysuru-Darbhanga Express train was involved in an accident near Kavarapettai, Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu on Friday. As per preliminary information, Mysore - Dharbanga express colluded with a good train. At least four coaches derailed in the accident. The state government has dispatched senior officers for the rescue and relief operations. More details are awaited.
Express train rams into stationary goods train in Tamil Nadu; several feared injured as fire erupts
Mysore Darbhanga express collides with a stationary goods train in Kavarapettai, Tamil Nadu near Chennai on Friday and with several reported to have been injured, according to railway official. Moreover, police informed that a fire has erupted following the incident.
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Flood victims 'loot' relief material in Bihar's Saharsa district
PATNA: Amid reports of loot of flood relief material, two ministers of Nitish Kumar cabinet had to face the ire of the flood victims during their visit to Bihars Saharsa district on Saturday. The ministers Dileep Jaiswal and Neeraj Kumar Babloo were gheraoed by women during their visit to the flood hit areas. As soon as the convoy of the ministersJaiswal (revenue and land reforms department minister) and Neeraj Babloo (PHED minister) stopped near Brahmapur under Mahisi block, some women from a nearby relief camp surrounded them. They didnt allow the VIP vehicles to proceed and forced the ministers to listen to their grievances. The flood victims complained about the lack of relief materials and chaos at the camp. They also alleged that food served to the flood victims at the government-run relief camps was sub-standard and there was no fixed time of providing food to them. There is no arrangement of milk and biscuits for the children and elderly people staying in relief camps. The lack of fodder for the animals has also added woes to the flood victims. Their cattle have died, and crops destroyed due to floods. We have nothing to eat. We somehow managed to escape as flood waters entered the village at night. Our top priority was to save our lives and those of our cattle, said Amrika Rai, a resident of Mahisi. Reports said that a mob of flood victims looted relief material from a vehicle under the Mahisi block. The relief material packed in small bags carrying the batches of the saffron party was looted by the victims when the vehicle was crossing from a relief camp. Sources said that the ministers had carried relief material for distribution to flood victims. Similarly, Saharsa mayor B. Priya was surrounded by a mob of flood victims when she visited a relief camp located near Gandaul. The flood victims blocked her vehicle carrying relief material and made her distribute the same on the spot. Some women and children suffered minor injuries in the altercation that ensued in their attempts to get the relief material first. Meanwhile, the flood situation across the state remained grim as major rivers were still flowing above the danger level. The fresh rainwater discharged from Nepal has frightened people living in Sitamarhi and Darbhanga districts as the water level in some major rivers like Bagmati and Adhwara group of rivers was increasing.
Police resort to lathicharge to disperse mob of flood victims in Bihar, deny report of firing
PATNA: Police resorted to baton charge to disperse a mob of flood victims indulged in putting up road blockade, stone pelting and arson in Bihars Muzaffarpur district on Friday. The authorities, however, denied the report of police firing and said that only a mild force was used to bring the situation under control. The incident took place near Gopalpur village under the Bedaul police outpost when a group of flood victims put up road blockade and indulged in arson on the National Highway 77 connecting Sitamarhi with Muzaffarpur. The flood victims were irked over closure of community kitchen, which was started by the district administration soon after the victims were evacuated to safer places. The road blockade led to traffic jam on the busy road. A police team attached to the Bedaul police outpost rushed to the spot to remove the blockade. Initially, the police tried to convince the protestors but in vain. The situation, however, turned worse when police used force to lift the road blockade. The protestors later pelted stones at the police team, which had to retreat to save their lives. Additional reinforcement was requisitioned from the district headquarters as the situation was going out of control. The protestors were not in a mood to relent. The police resorted to lathicharge and opened four rounds in the air to disperse the unruly mob. Though nobody was injured in the police firing, a police officer sustained injuries in the stone pelting. Vidya Sagar, superintendent of police (SP), rural, Muzaffarpur, said that the police resorted to baton charge to quell the protestors indulging in stone pelting, road blockade and arson. Now the situation is under control. An additional police force has been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, he told this newspaper over phone. The SP, rural, however, denied the report of police firing and said that such rumours were spread by the protestors to defame the administration. The police-initiated action to restore traffic on the national highway as the queue of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road stretched to about five kilometres from the spot, he added. The locals said that the flood victims were not happy with the district authoritys decision to close community kitchen, which was started after people were evacuated to safer places after floods inundated their houses and destroyed their standing crops. Lack of fodder for their animal added fuel to the fire. Earlier, chief minister Nitish Kumar visited Darbhanga district to take stock of the situation arising out of floods. He also visited a community kitchen run for the flood victims in the district and asked the officials concerned to ensure adequate facilities at the flood relief camps. Later talking to media persons, Nitish said that Rs.7,000 each would be provided to the flood victims of 17 districts in the state. I have asked the authorities concerned to deposit the amount in the bank accounts of the flood victims before Dussehra festival, he said. Earlier, he conduced aerial survey of the flood hit districts. At a review meeting, Nitish directed the senior officers to monitor the arrangements for flood victims at the government run relief camps on a regular basis.
Nitish governments biased relief operations spark row, flood victims angry
PATNA: Flood victims on Thursday blocked Saharsa-Darbhanga road in Bihar and shouted anti-government slogans to protest against what they called the Nitish Kumar dispensations apathy towards providing relief material. The flood-affected people also accused local leaders of the ruling alliance of discrimination in the disbursement of relief. These leaders are more concerned about the flood victims who have been close to them while a large number of people have been left to fend for themselves, alleged Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Mahisi block in Saharsa district. Mahisi block circle officer Anil Kumar and Jalai police outpost station house officer Mamta Kumari reached the spot to remove the blockade, but the protesters were not in a mood to relent till their demands were conceded. We have been forced to live under the open sky for the last three days, alleged Ramkali Devi. Another protester said, What to talk of food, even plastic sheets are not available for flood victims. Officials are making hallow promises. Nobody is ready to listen to our grievances. Even roads have been damaged by flood waters. Villages under Mahisi block submerged under flood waters after a breach in the embankment over the Kosi river near Kiratpur in Darbhanga. Circle officer Anil Kumar said, Senior officials have been apprised of the demand of the flood victims. Community kitchen has been set up for the victims. The flood situation remains grim in other parts of north Bihar. Over 1.46 million of people across 429 villages in 81 blocks of 17 districts have been affected by floods. Sixteen teams of National Disaster Response Force and 17 teams of state disaster response force (SDRF) have been pressed into service to rescue people. In addition, six teams of NDRF have been summoned from Ranchi and Varanasi to step up relief and rescue operations. IAF helicopters have been engaged in delivering food packets and other items to the flood victims stranded in remote areas. So far, 2.60 lakh people have been evacuated to safer places. Over 1.4 million affected Over 1.46 million of people across 429 villages in 81 blocks of 17 districts have been affected by floods. Sixteen teams of NDRF and 17 teams of SDRF have been pressed into service to rescue people. Six NDRF teams have been summoned from Ranchi and Varanasi to step up relief ops.
Bihar: IAF helicopter makes emergency landing in Muzaffarpur
Muzaffarpur: An Indian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Bihars Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday after it developed a snag, officials said. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from adjoining Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material to flood-hit people. Also ReadNitish hesitant to meet PM Modi Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
IAF helicopter makes emergency landing in Bihars Muzaffarpur, all occupants safe
MUZAFFARPUR, Oct 2: An Indian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Bihars Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday after it developed a snag, officials said. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from adjoining Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material to flood-hit people. The helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Aurai block. All the occupants were IAF personnel and they were pulled out by locals by the time officials [] The post IAF helicopter makes emergency landing in Bihars Muzaffarpur, all occupants safe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material to flood-hit people
IAF helicopter makes emergency landing in Muzaffarpur, all occupants safe
An Indian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday after it developed a snag, officials said. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from adjoining Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material to flood-hit people. The helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Aurai block. All the occupants were IAF personnel and they were pulled out by locals by the time officials reached the spot, said the SSP. District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, All four occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required.
IAF helicopter air-dropping relief Material makes emergency landing in Bihar, all occupants safe
MUZZAFARPUR: An Indian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Wednesday after it developed a snag, officials said. Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said the helicopter was coming from adjoining Darbhanga after air-dropping relief material to flood-hit people. The helicopter made an emergency landing in a waterlogged area in Aurai block. All the occupants were IAF personnel and they were pulled out by locals by the time officials reached the spot, said the SSP. District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said, All four occupants appear safe and unharmed. However, as a precaution, they are being taken to a local hospital for check-up and treatment, if required. #WATCH | An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Air Force made a precautionary landing in inundated area during flood relief operations in Muzaffarpur in the Sitamarhi sector of Bihar According to IAF, the chopper had three personnel onboard including two pilots who are pic.twitter.com/TLWGWNFJLv ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2024 Earlier on Wednesday, two pilots and an engineer were killed after a helicopter crashed and caught fire in Maharashtra 's Pune district . The helicopter belonging to the Delhi-based Heritage Aviation, a private firm, took off from the Oxford County Golf Course helipad in Pune and was heading to Juhu in Mumbai when it crashed at 7.40 am. Primary information suggested that fog in the area led to the accident of the helicopter.
Uproar over lack of facilities at relief camps as Bihar reels under severe flood
PATNA: Hundreds of villages remain marooned in flood-hit Bihar districts two days after river embankments were breached at many places. Major rivers are flowing above the danger mark as people displaced by the floods have been forced to live under the open sky on roads and elevated parts of the villages. They have been struggling for food, drinking water, milk for children and fodder for their animals. We have nothing to eat or feed our animals. We are forced to drink flood water, said Ramadhar Das, a resident of Dhankaul in Sheohar district. Sources said at least 12 lakh people have been affected by the floods and inundation. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who returned from Delhi a day ago, undertook an aerial survey of the areas inundated as a result of release of millions of cusecs of water, in a barrage along the border, by Nepal which was battered by record rainfall over the weekend. The state disaster management department said packets of food and other relief materials were air-dropped by Indian Air Force helicopters which benefitted more than two lakh people in Sitamarhi and Darbhanga districts. Deputy CM and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, who met Union Jalshakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi a day ago, said he has urged the latter to consider construction of an additional barrage to check recurring floods that wreak devastation in areas bordering Nepal every year. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who hails from the state, visited the affected areas and said that he would share details of the frightening conditions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and represents the Hajipur constituency, spent hours in badly affected districts such as Purnea and Saharsa. For safe evacuation of people, altogether 16 teams of NDRF and 14 of the state disaster response force (SDRF) have been pressed into service.
Lakhs affected as river embankments breached in Bihar after heavy rains
PATNA: The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Monday after the embankments of the Kosi river in Darbhanga and the Bagmati river in Sitamarhi were breached, affecting over 1.6 million people. While the Kosi breached its embankment near Kartarpur block, inundating the Kiratpur and Ghanshyampur villages in Darbhanga late Sunday night, a seepage was reported in the embankment of the Bagmati in Sitamarhi district. State water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said that six embankment breaches had been reported across the state so far. Some embankment breaches had already been plugged, and efforts were underway to repair others. Excessive water pressure also damaged the embankments of the Bagmati river at Madhkaul village in Sitamarhi and the embankment of the Gandak river in West Champaran. According to officials, his resulted in the inundation of areas in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Meanwhile, the water discharge from the Valmikinagar and Birpur barrages across the Gandak and Kosi rivers, respectively, reduced in the morning after the torrential rains in Nepal subsided. Senior BJP leader and deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil and handed him a memorandum seeking a proper solution to the threat of floods in Bihar to prevent the loss of life and property. The matter of construction of a new dam (barrage) on the Kosi river within the Indian border, away from Nepal, was also raised with the Union Minister as he agreed to take immediate action, Choudhary told the media. As per reports, flood water is flowing above embankments in Valmikinagar and Kiratpur in Darbhanga. No casualties have been reported so far due to the floods, the sources added. The Bihar government has sounded an alert across northern, southern, and central parts of the state following heavy water discharges from the Birpur and Valmikinagar barrages over the weekend. In view of the flood situation turning serious, six additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Varanasi and Ranchi are being deployed, supplementing the 12 NDRF and 22 SDRF teams already engaged in rescue efforts. India issues advisory for its citizens in Nepal India issues advisory in Nepal in the wake of floods that have caused devastation. It is working in coordination with Nepalese authorities to help any Indians that may be stranded in the deluge. According to reports from Nepal nearly 200 people have died and 30 are missing
