Vadodara: Hit and run on Vishwamitri Road #Gallery - Social News XYZ
Vadodara: Hit and run on Vishwamitri Road #Gallery Social News XYZ
Diwali tragedy in Vadodara: Car hits family sleeping on roadside, 4-year-old killed, four injured
AHMEDABAD: A 4-year-old child was killed and four others injured when a speeding car allegedly driven by an intoxicated man overturned onto a family sleeping on the pavement near Vishwamitri Road in Gujarat's Vadodara around midnight on Diwali, police said. According to authorities, the car, driven by Nitin Jha, first crashed into a police barrier before overturning onto the family. The vehicles front wheel ran over the child, killing him instantly. After the collision, the accused reportedly tried to flee towards Akshar Chowk. Locals chased him, detained him, and damaged the vehicle. A liquor bottle visible in a viral video reportedly intensified public anger. ACP Ashok Rathwa said at the scene, Around midnight, the family was sleeping near the footpath. The accused came speeding from Manjalpur, rammed the police barrier, lost control, and overturned the car on the family. The tire went over the childs head. Locals caught him when he tried to escape towards Akshar Chowk. We reached the spot immediately and took control of the situation. DCP Jagdish Chavda added: The accused fled but was caught by the public. A liquor bottle was recovered from the vehicle. His blood sample will be taken to confirm intoxication. This is a very serious case. Legal action will be strict, and no leniency will be shown. The accused has been taken into police custody by Raopura Police Station, and the car has been seized. Police are also verifying ownership of the vehicle, which Jha claims was purchased in the name of a friend, Naimish Jain. Items recovered from the car, including the liquor bottle, are under forensic examination. ACP Rathwa identified the other victims as the child's family members, Jagdish, Sonia and Asha.
CSR Funding Shifts Beyond Metros: Industrial Hubs Up 120%, Tier-2 Cities 55%
CSR's Next Act: How the Coming Decade Will Redefine Corporate Impact , the seventh edition of Sattva Consultings annual State of CSR in India report, CSR inflows to industrial hubs have grown 120% and to Tier-2 cities by 55% over the past three years, signalling a structural reorientation in India Incs social investments. Sattva Consulting launches its Annual State of CSR report, highlighting Indias shifting corporate giving landscape Tier-1 city districts still absorb nearly 30% of total CSR funding, with neighbouring clusters accounting for another 3%. Yet, the once-dominant grip of metros is loosening. Cities with populations between one and two million have nearly doubled their CSR share (from 13.5% to 16.2% between FY 2022 and FY 2024), while industrial districts now attract 7.4% of total CSR allocations, up from 4.4% two years ago. The pace of growth in these regions has outstripped the overall 30% rise in CSR spending nationally, according to the report. Corporate India is clearly looking beyond traditional centres of philanthropy, said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, CEO & Co-founder, Sattva Consulting . From Vadodara to Madurai, were seeing companies anchor their giving where they operate - industrial clusters, manufacturing corridors, and smaller cities. This shift is deeply encouraging for the vision of Viksit Bharat, a future where development capital flows to every district, not just a few. Its an important step towards localising impact. The report notes that while CSR funding has become more geographically diverse, equity in distribution remains limited. Over the past three years, 193 districts have absorbed three-quarters of all district-level CSR funding, and nearly 90% of this money flows into areas with low poverty levels. Only three of Indias 54 high-poverty districts feature among the top CSR recipients. Funding in Aspirational Districts has risen threefold over the past decade, from 1.3% of total CSR inflows in FY 2015 to 4.5% in FY 2024, driven by a steady rise in private-sector participation. Larger corporates, particularly in BFSI, energy, and mining, are beginning to channel a growing share of their CSR outlay, around 5%, towards these underdeveloped regions. Public-sector companies continue to play a pivotal role, directing 11% of their CSR budgets to Aspirational Districts, nearly three times the private-sector average. The geography of philanthropy is shifting, and the opportunity ahead demonstrates deepening, not just diversifying of Indias CSR footprint , added Krishna . The annual State of CSR report is the most comprehensive analysis of CSR spending in India. It draws from MCAs annual report of 21,489 companies and includes analysis of their individual annual reports. Among other insights from the report, the study finds that global firms punch above their weight, delivering higher impact through focus and scalability, while Indias large corporations and PSUs drive breadth and depth through significant local investments. It also notes that non-NGO partners are on the rise, with nearly one-fifth of all CSR funding in FY 2024 channelled through institutions such as universities, hospitals, and incubators, and over 60% of large corporates now implementing flagship programmes through their own foundations. About Sattva Consulting Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009 we have been engaging with communities, business and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory & orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms which we have built as public goods for the ecosystem and collaborative solutions and partnerships. www.sattva.co.in .
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M S University launches first Directorate of Research to enhance interdisciplinary collaborations
M S University has established its first Directorate of Research to foster high-quality, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research, aligning with the Gujarat Public University Act, 2023. The directorate, led by Professors P K Jha and Anjali Patel, aims to strengthen the university's research framework, enhance faculty participation in national projects, and build industry partnerships for technology transfer and commercialization.
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Meghalaya lose to Baroda in U-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy
By Our Reporter Shillong, Oct 19: Meghalaya lost their first match of the U-23 mens Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group by an innings and 80 runs to Baroda in Vadodara on Sunday. Unlike some of the other BCCI competitions this year, where Meghalaya is playing in the plate group, the state U-23 mens []
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Cosmo Foundation , the community outreach arm of Cosmo First Ltd., in a significant display of its commitment to climate action, has launched a large-scale Miyawaki & Fruit Bearing Forestry plantation drive in collaboration with the 25 Battalion Border Security Force (BSF) at its Chhawla campus in New Delhi. The initiative marks yet another major milestone in creating an extensive green cover within the BSF campus, strengthening Cosmo Foundations continued dedication to environmental sustainability. Cosmo Foundation, 25 Bn BSF plant 15,000 trees Inaugurated by Honble Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, IPS, Director General, Border Security Force, through this initiative, Cosmo Foundation aims to plant 15,000 native trees across the campus. To support this, the BSF will be providing the necessary land, water, and resources to ensure the long-term maintenance and growth of the plantation, with Prayas Youth Foundation as the implementation partner. During his address, Mr. Chaudhary highlighted how BSF has grown over the years, and also remembering the contribution of Late Shri Ashwini Kumar, Padma Bhushan, former DG of BSF. Last year, Cosmo Foundation had planted 7,500 saplings of Miyawaki at the same campus and in order to cater to the water requirements, Cosmo had supported with laying of a borewell with piping & sprinkler system. The Border Security Force is deeply committed to the well-being of our nation, and that commitment extends to protecting our environment, said Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, IPS, Director General, BSF , speaking on the occasion. We are proud to partner with Cosmo Foundation in this meaningful effort. Planting 15,000 trees here at the Chhawala Campus is not just about adding greeneryits a vital step toward climate resilience and a powerful example of the synergy between national service and corporate social responsibility. We are immensely thankful to Cosmo Foundation for their continued contribution and in making our campus much greener. The event was graced by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman, Board of Trustees Cosmo Foundation and Chairman & Managing Director Cosmo First Ltd., and Mrs. Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee Cosmo Foundation and Whole-time Director Cosmo First Ltd. Senior BSF officials, senior team from Cosmo First Ltd, and Cosmo Foundation, students from BSF School and Jamia Hamdard University, Invitees and the implementation team were also present, contributing to the plantation drive. In their joint statement, Mr. & Mrs. Jaipuria reaffirmed, At Cosmo First, we believe that true industrial progress is measured not only by innovation and productivity but also by the positive footprint we leave on the environment. Our continuous investments in cleaner technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable operations reflect our long-term vision of growth that respects both people and the planet. This plantation drive strengthens that purposeturning intent into action for a greener, more responsible future. This Miyawaki and Fruit Bearing Forestry drive is a part of Cosmo Foundations ongoing environmental mission, which has already resulted in the planting of over 1.6 lakh (1,60,000) trees across 179 acres in Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Notable successes include the creation of a Biodiversity Hub in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), where 40,000 trees have been planted, with plans for an additional 35,000 by FY 2025-26, establishing it as one of Maharashtras largest biodiversity zones. Alongside this, Cosmo Foundations comprehensive environmental work includes maintaining urban green spaces, creating rainwater harvest systems, and conducting plantation drives with schools, BSF, Indian Army, and farmers. All of these are conducted while focusing on native tree plantation, Miyawaki, and agroforestry to improve air quality, support the environment and generate livelihood for farmers. Cosmo Foundation is also actively involved in education, and empowerment related activities contributing to the 3E mission, while also making strides in health, and sanitation initiatives. Over the years, these community led initiatives have demonstrated Cosmo Foundations holistic approach to development and sustainable living while adapting a People First approach. About Cosmo Foundation Established in 2008, Cosmo Foundation is the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Ltd., working to uplift underdeveloped communities near its operational locations in Karjan (Vadodara District) and Gangapur (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District), as well as in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and the tribal district of Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh). The Foundations programs focus on Education, Environment, and Empowerment, impacting more than 7.5 lakh (750,000) beneficiaries through various initiatives. About Cosmo First Ltd. Established in 1981 and founded by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First is a global leader in Specialty films for Packaging, Labelling, Lamination, Industrial & Synthetic Paper (BOPP, BOPET and CPP), Cosmo Speciality Chemicals (Masterbatches, Adhesives, & Coating), Cosmo Plastech (Rigids - IML Containers and Specialty Sheets of PP / PET and HIPS) and Cosmo Sunshield (Window, Privacy and Security Films), along with a digital-first Omni channel Pet care business under the brand name Zigly. Cosmo First is into D2C, B2B2C and B2B businesses and has operations in India, Japan, Korea, Europe and Americas. Visit www.cosmofirst.com for more details.
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AI 171 crash: UK couple killed as IVF hope soared, embryo preserved in Gujarat
A London couple, after years of IVF struggles and a miscarriage, finally had a viable embryo frozen for transfer to Gujarat. Tragically, they perished in a plane crash before their dream of parenthood could be realized. The embryo remains preserved, presenting complex legal and ethical questions regarding its future, with potential for surrogacy abroad.
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RTI reply exposes audit lapse of over Rs 2 lakh crore in eight Gujarat Municipal Corporations
AHMEDABAD: A massive accountability crisis has exploded in Gujarat as eight major Municipal Corporations have not been audited for several years, leaving a budget worth over Rs 2 lakh crore unaudited and unverified. The revelations, made through an RTI response, expose systemic neglect, violation of audit laws, and a stunning breakdown of financial transparency. Citizens of these cities have effectively been left in the dark about how public money is being spent. Now, Gujarats urban governance is staring at a financial storm. RTI documents have exposed that not a single audit has been completed for several years for eight major Municipal Corporations: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Surat and Vadodara. The data, obtained from the Director of the Local Fund Accounts Office in response to an RTI filed under Section 4(1) of the Act, reveals how thousands of crores of rupees in civic funds have remained unaudited, violating the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The backlog means that over Rs 2 lakh crore of municipal expenditure across Gujarats largest cities has never undergone mandatory financial scrutiny. With an annual budget of around 12,000 crore in 202425, the Ahmedabad civic body hasnt completed an audit since 201718, which roughly translates to approximately 50,000 crore in unverified accounts for just one city. Similar patterns are seen in Surat and Vadodara, while other corporations have remained unaudited for four to six years. Experts say that this is not a mere technical lapse, but a deep governance failure. Ignored directives, defied laws This financial vacuum exists despite clear legal obligations and repeated directives. Notably, the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963, under Section 4 mandates annual audits of all local bodies. The 11th Central Finance Commission (200005) had recommended that the audit of Municipal Corporations be done under the guidance of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports submitted to the State Assembly. A Finance Department resolution on May 6, 2005, and later a circular on December 23, 2011, made this legally binding. The CAG had also flagged the non-compliance in August 2009, urging Gujarat to ensure timely audits. In 2011, Section 108A was added to the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to reinforce the obligation. Yet, the RTI reply confirms that none of these directives have been implemented effectively. Last Audited Year, Municipal Corporation and Pending Years. The failure has also meant that no audit reports have been tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for years, as the audits were never done. The Finance Departments 2011 circular was meant to bring in accountability through CAG-supervised audits of Municipal Corporations. These reports were to be presented before the Assembly, debated, and acted upon. Instead, the process has been derailed for over a decade. Neither the CAG nor the Local Fund Audit Office has enforced strict timelines, and successive governments have allowed this crisis to deepen. RTI applicant raised red flag RTI Activist and Professor Hemant Kumar Shah has slammed the government, alleging a deliberate shielding of irregularities. In a democracy, the audit report for the previous financial year should be presented in the new year, debated by corporators, and acted upon as per rules. If the audit itself is not done for years, transparency collapses, and irregularities get buried, Shah claimed. He further alleged, This is a clear violation of the Gujarat Local Fund Audit Act, 1963. The State Assembly has failed in its duty to ensure annual presentation of audit reports. Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. When 2 lakh crore goes unaudited, the publics right to know how their money is used is crushed. Citizens kept in the dark The lack of audits not just weaken financial scrutiny but also denies Gujarats urban citizens of transparency over how civic budgets are spent on critical services like roads, water, housing, and sanitation.Over two crore people live in these eight municipal areas. However, no red flags were raised, no mismanagement was officially recorded. Political and governance questions mount The revelation has triggered serious concerns: Why has the State not enforced its own audit rules for over a decade? How is financial scrutiny being bypassed despite repeated CAG interventions? Who is responsible for this 2 lakh crore transparency vacuum? Legal experts say this is not just an administrative lapse, but a potential violation of constitutional principles governing local self-government. What next? With RTI evidence out in the open, pressure is likely to mount over the State government to immediately initiate pending audits and present reports in the Assembly. Activists and former bureaucrats argue that independent CAG oversight and public disclosure of audit findings are the only way to restore credibility. However, with seven years already lost in some corporations, the process of auditing such massive backlogs will be long, complex and politically sensitive. Whether the State acts decisive or let the lapse unchecked will determine the future of transparency and accountability in Gujarats urban administration. Notably, Hemant Kumar Shah said,If audits are not done, irregularities remain invisible. And when irregularities remain invisible, accountability dies.
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CCEA nod to 4 multi-tracking railway projects
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved four major railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 24,634 crore, spanning nearly 900 km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.The projects are expected to be completed by 2030-31 and are designed to ease congestion, boost freight capacity, and enhance connectivity across 18 districts in these states. The decision is seen as major infrastructure push under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at integrating rail development with multi-modal connectivity and improving logistical efficiency. The government expects the additional rail capacity to bring wide-ranging economic and environmental benefits. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the new projects would significantly enhance Indian Railways operational efficiency and reliability. The increased line capacity will significantly improve mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, he said. The four projects include construction of third and fourth rail lines between Wardha and Bhusawal (314 route km) in Maharashtra, fourth line between Gondia and Dongargarh (84 km), cutting across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, two lines between Vadodara and Ratlam (259 km), spanning Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and one between Itarsi, Bhopal, and Bina (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. Together, the projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 route kilometres and are expected to ease movement along high-density corridors. The rail corridors covered are crucial for both passenger and freight movement and will reduce delays caused by capacity constraints. The Railway Minister said that the four projects will improve connectivity to 3,633 villages with a total population of about 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational DistrictsVidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. These infrastructure upgrades are aligned with the Prime Ministers vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and are expected to create significantemployment and self-employment opportunities in the region, Vaishnaw added. The projects will also facilitate access to key tourism and heritage sites such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Navegaon National Parkall important destinations that currently face logistical bottlenecks. The newly sanctioned lines are projected to handle additional freight traffic of 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), including key commodities like coal, cement, fly ash, steel, food grains, and containers. Vaishnaw also stressed the green benefits of railway expansion over road transport. The projects are expected to cut Indias oil imports by 28 crore litres and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 139 crore kilogramsequivalent to planting around six crore trees. The capacity augmentation has been formulated under the PM Gati Shakti framework, which promotes integrated planning across ministries.
Cabinet nod for Rs 24,634 crore multi-tracking Railway projects across four states
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved four major railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 24,634 crore, spanning nearly 900 km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.The projects are expected to be completed by 2030-31 and are designed to ease congestion, boost freight capacity, and enhance connectivity across 18 districts in these states. The decision is seen as major infrastructure push under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at integrating rail development with multi-modal connectivity and improving logistical efficiency. The government expects the additional rail capacity to bring wide-ranging economic and environmental benefits. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the new projects would significantly enhance Indian Railways' operational efficiency and reliability. The increased line capacity will significantly improve mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, he said. The four projects include construction of third and fourth rail lines between Wardha and Bhusawal (314 route km) in Maharashtra, fourth line between Gondia and Dongargarh (84 km), cutting across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, two lines between Vadodara and Ratlam (259 km), spanning Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and one between Itarsi, Bhopal, and Bina (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. Together, the projects will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 route kilometres and are expected to ease movement along high-density corridors. The rail corridors covered are crucial for both passenger and freight movement and will reduce delays caused by capacity constraints. The Railway Minister said that the four projects will improve connectivity to 3,633 villages with a total population of about 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational DistrictsVidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. These infrastructure upgrades are aligned with the Prime Ministers vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and are expected to create significant employment and self-employment opportunities in the region, Vaishnaw added. The projects will also facilitate access to key tourism and heritage sites such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Hazara Falls, and Navegaon National Parkall important destinations that currently face logistical bottlenecks. The newly sanctioned lines are projected to handle additional freight traffic of 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), including key commodities like coal, cement, fly ash, steel, food grains, and containers. Vaishnaw also stressed the green benefits of railway expansion over road transport. Indian Railways, being an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transport system, will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, he said. The projects are expected to cut Indias oil imports by 28 crore litres and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 139 crore kilogramsequivalent to planting around six crore trees. The capacity augmentation has been formulated under the PM Gati Shakti framework, which promotes integrated planning across ministries. The aim is to provide seamless movement of goods and people through coordinated infrastructure development. The approval is also seen as one of the most significant recent investments in Indian Railways network expansion strategy which is expected to play a critical role in achieving the countrys broader economic and sustainability goals.
Gujarat monsoon forecast: Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch experience active monsoon conditions. Extremely heavy rain occurred in isolated areas. A low-pressure area influences weather patterns. It may intensify into a depression. The India Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain for the next seven days across the region. Heavy showers are expected in South Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Two more held in Gujarat's Rs 194 crore turmeric farm scam, total arrests rise to 12
AHMEDABAD: Gujarats Rajkot witnessed one of the biggest-ever financial scams where traders were lured in with hopes of a high-return turmeric farming, only to be duped of Rs 64.80 crore. The traders were duped by Maharashtra-based A.S. Agri & Aqua LLP, which later defaulted on a total payment of Rs 194 crore as per the agreement. Two key engineers-turned-marketing-executives, who played a pivotal role in the racket, were arrested by the Crime Branch in Maharashtra, taking the total arrests to 12. The duo has been remanded till September 30. However, seven accused, including the mastermind and the companys 55 per cent owner, Prashant Jade, still remain absconding. The arrested have been identified as Kamlesh Mahadevrao Ozhe and Avinash Baban Sangle, from Maharashtras Kalwar and Narpoli areas. Both are engineers-turned-marketing executives and 2.5 per cent partners in the company. Investigations revealed that Rs 62 lakh was funneled into Kamleshs account and Rs 92 lakh into Avinashs account directly from the companys funds. Initially investors themselves, the duo later joined the company as partners in 2021, aggressively marketing the scheme to other investors. They collected sensitive data, built investor networks, and convinced traders with slick presentations and YouTube videos showcasing successful turmeric farms. The complaint, filed by Rajkot businessman Prashantbhai Pradeepbhai Kanabar, details how the scam took place. In 2021, Kanabar invested Rs 64.80 crore after being promised Rs 1.20 crore returns per acre every year for six years. He leased 108 acres of land across Gujarat for the project. The agreement stated that the company would build polyhouses, manage cultivation, and handle sales. However, after receiving the funds, the company did none of what was promised. When payment became due in January 2023, the company only gave written assurances, promising to return Rs 58.32 crore after administrative deductions. Suspicious of delays, Kanabar personally met company chairman Ivan Albert D'Cruz in Mumbai, who again verbally assured repayment, however, no money was returned. The scam deepened further as investigators uncovered frauds in Vadodara, Amreli, Thane, and Pune, suggesting a multi-state network. Rs 194 crore, due between 2023 and 2025, remains unpaid. The Crime Branch, led by PI Manoj Damor, has formed multiple teams to trace the remaining absconding accused. It is reported that Prashant Jade had hired over 100 marketing agents and made use of a massive promotional campaign to lure unsuspecting investors. Police are now tracking the flow of money through the accounts of several Maharashtra-based individuals to expose the full scale of the operation.
How the LGBTQ+ community takes a place of pride at the Luxmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba in Vadodara
Radhikaraje Gaekwad of the erstwhile royal family of Vadodara, who is an advocate for womens rights and the LGBTQ+ community, has turned Gujarats sacred dance into a celebration of inclusivity.
India's first bullet train to begin operations by December 2027, says Railway Minister Vaishnaw
NEW DELHI: India's first bullet train is expected to begin operations on the first stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor by December 2027, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday in Mumbai. The initial 50-km section will run between Surat and Billimora, with the line expected to reach Thane by 2028 and Mumbais Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) by 2029. Vaishnaw was speaking to the media following the breakthrough of a 5-km tunnel in Thane, near Mumbai. The minister said the bullet trains will initially operate every 30 minutes during peak hours. Once the operational framework is stabilised, this frequency will be increased to every 20 minutes. After completion of the entire infrastructure, the bullet trains will run every 10 minutes, covering the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in just two hours and seven minutes, the minister announced, adding that the fare structure of the bullet trains will be affordable to middle class families. He added that the bullet train loco pilots are currently undergoing comprehensive hands-on training in Japan, along with maintenance staff. The bullet train loco pilots are being trained on advanced simulators to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency, Vaishnaw told the media at the tunnel breakthrough site in Mumbai. He described the tunnel achievement as a landmark achievement. Sharing the latest updates on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Vaishnaw noted that of the total 508-km route, viaduct construction has been completed over 320 km, with work progressing rapidly on the remaining sections. He highlighted the completion of a breakthrough in a 21-km tunnel, which includes a 7-km undersea stretch. The way the bullet train brought a sea change in the economy of areas falling between Osaka and Tokyo after the first one started running in Japan, the same kind of economic development would be seen across areas falling along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route, he asserted. Similarly, this project will unite Anand, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi and Mumbai into a single economic corridor creating a unified market and accelerate industrial growth along this corridor, he said. He emphasised that the bullet train's fare structure will be affordable and aligned with the aspirations of the middle class seeking a comfortable travel option. He also confirmed that station construction is underway across all locations, with bridges over rivers en route also being built. Outlining the technological highlights of the project, the minister said, The use of single tunnel technology to accommodate two bullet trains and the deployment of 40-metre girders in viaduct construction represent significant technical achievements. He added that India has acquired substantial technical expertise through this project by working closely with Japanese experts. Discussions have already been held to introduce at least 10 E10 Shinkansen trains, Japans next-generation bullet train, in India. The tunnel will be a single-tube structure with a 13.1-metre diameter, designed to accommodate dual rail tracks for up and down bullet train movement. Meanwhile, a senior project source revealed that construction on 398 km of piers has been completed for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. This includes 17 river bridges, nine steel bridges, and the installation of over 400,000 noise barriers across 206 km. Track bed construction has been finalised on 206 km, with more than 2,000 overhead equipment masts installed along 48 km of the mainline viaduct. The entire corridor will have 12 stationseight in Gujarat and four in Maharashtra. Of the total route, 348 km falls within Gujarat, 156 km in Maharashtra, and 4 km in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Social media post triggers communal violence in Gujarat; over 50 detained
Vadodara: Police detained around 50 people in Vadodara city of Gujarat on Saturday, September 20, following late-night rioting over a social media post in the Junigadhi area, officials said. A few people, including police personnel, were injured in stone-pelting, but the situation was swiftly brought under control, they said. Members of the Muslim community gathered 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 .
AHMEDABAD: Tension erupted in Vadodaras old city on Friday night after a controversial AI-generated social media post targeting minority religious sentiments went viral. Crowds clashed, stones were thrown, and more than 50 people were detained as police restored order amid heightened communal anxiety. Vadodara witnessed a sharp spike in communal tension late Friday after the viral post inflamed locals in the old city area. The locality became a flashpoint as residents gathered in large numbers, creating a highly volatile situation and hurling stones. Police rushed to the scene as the mobs anger escalated, attempting to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. The unrest quickly spread to the Vadodara City Police Station, where a mob demanded strict action against the individual responsible for the post. A heavy police presence, including convoys and barricades, was deployed to manage the crowd. About 50 suspects linked to the stone-throwing incident were taken into custody by the Crime Branch from the police station, further intensifying tensions in the area. City police moved swiftly, filing complaints against the accused for spreading communal provocation and registering cases of rioting. Additional security measures were put in place, including two policemen stationed outside the city police station to prevent escalation, while police patrolled the Junagadhi area to maintain calm. Additional Police Commissioner Lina Patil confirmed that separate police and Crime Branch teams intervened promptly, calming the crowd and restoring peace in the affected areas. Addl CP Lina Patil said, There was an incident in the citys old area that hurt religious sentiments. Following this, a crowd gathered outside the police station. Our teams, including separate units from the local police and Crime Branch, immediately intervened to control the situation. The matter has now been contained, and peace has been restored. Police personnel remain deployed in different areas to ensure continued safety, and action is being taken against all those involved in inciting communal tension. DCP Andrew McEwan added that the viral video had triggered the unrest and that police conducted combing operations across the city to prevent further incidents. Legal action has been taken on the viral post and rioting incidents. More than 50 people have been detained so far, DCP McEwan said, underscoring the polices resolve to curb any communal flare-ups.
Communal clash erupts in Gujarat's Vadodara over offensive social media post
A communal clash broke out in Gujarat's Vadodara on late Friday, i.e., September 19, after a Navratri Pandal was attacked with stones following an offensive social media post.
Gujarat: 50 detained after stone-pelting incident in Vadodara
Tension gripped Vadodara's Zunigarhi area after a social media post triggered unrest. A crowd gathered, and some allegedly attacked a Navratri pandal. Vehicles were damaged, and stone-pelting ensued. Police swiftly responded, detaining fifty individuals. An investigation is underway. A similar incident occurred in Karnataka's Maddur town during a Ganpati procession.
Clash Breaks Out In Vadodara Over Social Media Post, 50 Detained; Authorities On Alert
The officials are taking action against those involved in the case and have so far detained more than 50 people.
I Only Got 4: Gujarat Woman Blocks Road After Fight With Golgappa Seller
In most cities, traffic is disrupted by processions, political rallies, or the occasional monsoon downpour. In Gujarat's Vadodara this week, the culprit was golgappas, the popular street food.
