150-km Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra to begin from Karamsad tomorrow
Killer wifes lover still on the run
6 radial roads to link to Outer Ring Road
MSU assistant prof to receive award in the US
Insurer ordered to renew policy, pay claim
Activists, cops stop animal sacrifice in Panchmahal
Vadodara police arrested a 25-year-old woman for allegedly murdering her husband, claiming he died of a heart attack. Her suspicious behavior led to an investigation, revealing a conspiracy with her lover and an accomplice who used her dupatta to strangle the victim. The trio had been planning the murder for three months.
Cop suspended after kidnap, extortion of Bharuch resident
Inclusive but incomplete: Gujarats crop relief scheme needs boost
Veerangna 1971 : Play honours Bhuj women who rebuilt airstrip under attack
MSU librarian honoured for innovations in LIS
BLO assistant dies of heart attack in Vadodara
Four Karnataka men duped of 4.61cr in Vadodara gold scam
VMC to frame interim parking policy as state nod awaits
BLO threatens suicide live on social media
MSU sets up panel to revamp exams under NEP
Two booth level officers engaged in SIR die in Madhya Pradesh, kin blame work pressure
BHOPAL: Two government teachers working as booth level officers under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls have died in two separate districts of Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours. The two have been identified as Ramakant Pandey and Sitaram Gond. While the authorities claimed that the two BLOs died due to health related issues, the bereaved families alleged that it was due to unbearable work pressure and fear of being suspended for not achieving the daily targets. Confirming the death of Ramakant Pandey, a teacher-cum-BLO from Satlapur area, who was assigned voter list revision task in Mandideep area, the sub divisional officer (SDO) and electoral registration officer of Raisens Bhojpur assembly segment Chandrashekhar Srivastava reportedly said that Pandey died on Friday night due to some illness. We are awaiting the autopsy, which will make the cause of death clear. Pandeys widow Rekha and other family members, however, alleged that excessive work pressure, including working late at nights, repeated orders to achieve unrealistic targets and fear of being suspended for dereliction of duty if the targets werent met, caused the death of the middle-aged teacher, who was posted at Tilakhedi primary school. Around 220 km away, in Damoh district, another middle-aged school teacher Sitaram Gond, who was tasked with enumeration duties in Ranjra and Kuda Kudan villages, suddenly fell ill on Thursday while getting the enumeration forms filled. He was first taken to the Damoh district hospital, but later referred by doctors to Jabalpur for advanced treatment in serious condition, where he breathed last during treatment on Friday night, an education department official said. The deceased teachers close relatives and friends claimed that he was under severe work pressure. He had only managed to complete 10-15% of work in the two villages assigned to him. Vadodara BLO assistant dies on duty amid rising SIR workload concerns; four deaths in four days across Gujarat Earlier, on Wednesday, another teacher-cum-BLO identified as Bhuwan Singh Chouhan, had died at his home in Alirajpur district, after slipping from the stairs in his house. He left behind his widow and eight children, only two of whom are married. While recounting his suspension for dereliction of duties on Tuesday, elder daughter Sangita and son Anil alleged that the stress after being suspended caused the death. His brother-in-law, who too is a teacher-cum-BLO, said, Unrealistic verbal targets have been set for us, completing enumeration of 100 voters in a single day. A large part of the population works as migrant labourers in the adjoining Gujarat, so its becoming difficult to track them and get the enumeration work done. Bhuwan Singh was suspended for not attending the training. How can he attend training while he was in the field to achieve the unwritten targets of completing enumeration tasks with 100 voters daily? He was under severe stress due to suspension and subsequent attachment to Ranapur tehsil in adjoining Jhabua district, which could have caused the killer mishap. According to SDM-Jhabua district Bhaskar Gachle, Bhuwan was suspended on the basis of a report by Nayab Tehsildar-Bori about the concerned BLO not doing the enumeration work properly. Prior to this, on November 11, a 50-year-old teacher-cum-BLO Udaybhan Sihare had allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a noose tied to a ventilator in the washroom of a primary school in Pandokhar of Datia district. My brother neither knew how to drive a motorcycle, nor did he know how to properly operate a mobile phone. He was unable to do the SIR related work properly and was under severe stress, owing to the fear of getting suspended. It perhaps provoked him to take the extreme step, the deceased teacher-cum-BLOs brother Dharmendra Sihare said. One more BLO dies by suicide in West Bengal, family alleges SIR-related stress
AHMEDABAD: A female BLO assistant collapsed and died on duty at a Vadodara school on Saturday, triggering sharp questions over mounting SIR workload pressure, especially as four BLO staffers have died in four days across Gujarat - two of them after sudden heart attacks and one by suicide. The incident in Gujarats Vadodara has intensified concerns over mounting SIR workload pressure as the BLO assistant, Ushaben Indrasinh Solanki, collapsed and died on duty at Pratap School in Kadak Bazaar. The incident unfolded in a matter of minutes, yet every detail connects to a larger pattern of exhaustion and unaddressed complaints. Police said Ushaben, who worked at Gorwa Mahila ITI, had been deployed for BLO duty despite poor health. Her husband, Indrasinh Solanki, revealed that the family had warned officials earlier. My wifes health was not good. We live in PW quarters in Subhanpura and she worked in Gorwa ITI. We had requested that she not be given this BLO duty, he said. But despite the appeal, she was sent on duty. As she waited for her supervisor during field work, Ushaben suddenly collapsed. Indrasinh recounted the final moments with painful clarity. She fainted all of a sudden, it seems she had an attack. We rushed her to Sayaji Hospital, but the doctor declared her dead, Indrasinh recounted. Another relative, Vikramsinh Suhadiya, strengthened the allegation of excessive burden. We came to know she was under pressure from work that was given to her apart from her ITI clerk duties, he said, indicating she had been pushed beyond her designated role. Collector Anil Dhameliya said, Since the beginning of this exercise, we have been working to reduce the workload on Booth Level Officers. He clarified, We are ensuring that BLOs are not required to work at night, and additional staff members are being involved in digitisation so that BLOs do not have to handle the entire process alone. He also said, We have communicated the concerns of BLOs to the Election Commission to ensure they are not subjected to any pressure. Our aim is to make the process more decentralised. Originally from Tilkawada in Narmada district, Ushaben lived in Vadodaras Subhanpura area. Her death has left her family and colleagues in shock. Police have sent the body for postmortem, with a heart attack suspected as the cause, though the final report is awaited. Her death comes amid three other BLO/SIR staff deaths reported in the past four days across Gujarat. In Kodinar, Arvindbhai Vadher died by suicide , reportedly due to work pressure. In Tapi, Kalpanaben Patel, who was on BLO duty, died of a heart attack. A BLO in Kheda also collapsed and died during duty earlier this week.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
CES, Statue of Unity sign MoU for experiential learning drive
Dahod BLO collapses during SIR work
Cops bust con call centre targeting US citizens
Man duped of 2.75L in fake prize cyber scam
Cattle theft suspects damage 10 bikes during chase
Two killed in crash on DelhiMumbai expressway
Angadia operator kidnapped, assaulted over botched cash transfer in US
VMC pipeline switch to hit water supply for 3 days
65-year-old farmer ends life, kin claim digital arrest distress
Yoga, naturopathy community faces uncertainty amid regulatory overhaul
Truck stuck as road caves-in on restored VMC stretch
Civic duty from cells: Vadodara jail inmates assist in SIR drive
Gujarat farmer dies by suicide after digital arrest scam by fake ATS officer
AHMEADABAD: A 65-year-old farmer from Gujarats Vadodara district died by suicide after being trapped in a terrifying digital arrest scam by cyber fraudsters posing as Delhi Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officers. The scammers subjected him to a day-long barrage of threats over a fabricated Rs 40-crore fraud case, leaving his family shattered and demanding strict police action as Dabhoi police launch a full investigation. A chilling and possibly first-of-its-kind case of a farmer driven to suicide after being trapped in a digital arrest scam has jolted the Kayavarohan area of Vadodara district. The victim, 65-year-old Atulbhai Hirabhai Patel, a resident of Kaka Ramna Phalia, was allegedly hunted, harassed and psychologically crushed by fraudsters who posed as Delhi ATS officers and claimed he was embroiled in a 40-crore bank fraud investigation. The nightmare began when cyber criminals allegedly called Atulbhai repeatedly, warning him that the Anti-Terrorist Squad was watching him and probing his alleged involvement in a massive financial crime. The callers, switching between WhatsApp voice and video calls every few minutes, allegedly declared him digitally arrested, instructing him not to leave the house and to remain constantly available. Fear reportedly consumed him. Pressure mounted. Silence tightened. And by Monday at 5 am, the farmer swallowed poison. The family, who sensed something was wrong but could not persuade him to speak, said the threats had completely shattered him. Our uncle is no longer with us today he was restless for three days, said his nephew Ansh Patel, holding back emotion as he recounted the final hours. We kept asking him what happened; friends asked too but he told no one anything. He was terrified. At 5 am he consumed the poison. We rushed him to the hospital. He died the next morning. Linking their suspicion with the evidence on his phone, relatives dialled the number that had allegedly been tormenting Atulbhai. Shockingly, the man on the other end allegedly sent an ID card claiming he was Inspector Gaurav Grover of ATS Delhi, further confirming the scale of the scam. The WhatsApp profile, the family says, displayed two flags and a symbol with 3C in the middle, adding to the suspicion of a large, organised cyber-crime network. Ansh, who also received threatening calls from the same fraudsters, said the intimidation was relentless. These cyber crooks were calling every five minutes threatening not to leave the house. My uncle told me alone, Delhi Police are calling me. He was so scared he was under digital arrest for a whole day. With the village plunged into mourning and the incident sending shockwaves across the region, the family has vowed to pursue justice. We will file an FIR. We want the strictest action. Cybercrime is increasing I appeal to people, dont lose your life the way my uncle did, Ansh said. Dabhoi police have begun an investigation, examining the digital trail, phone data and WhatsApp identifiers tied to the suspected cyber-fraud network. Officers say preliminary evidence suggests a highly coordinated scam allegedly designed to mentally imprison victims through fear of law enforcement. As Kayavarohan mourns its elderly farmer, the case stands as a grim reminder of how digital extortion can push even the most grounded individuals into fatal despair, exposing the urgent need for cyber-crime awareness and swift police action.
Rydham, Basit, Atif shine as J&K crushes Goa by 50 runs
U-23 Mens State-A Trophy Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 19: Jammu & Kashmir produced a commanding performance to defeat Goa by 50 runs in the ongoing U-23 Mens State-A Trophy at Motibaug Cricket Stadium, Vadodara today. The win was powered by a spectacular century from Rydham Sharma, a crucial half-century by Basit Nazir and a destructive bowling spell by Atif Bin Mushtaq. Electing to bat first, J&K posted a formidable 287 runs in 50 overs. Rydham Sharma displayed remarkable grit, [] The post Rydham, Basit, Atif shine as J&K crushes Goa by 50 runs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two labourers killed as speeding SUV hits them
Drunk garbage van driver hits two men, parked vehicle in Vadodara
2 jail cops among 4 booked for kidnapping, extortion
Vadodara misses Unesco creative city tag
Man injured after falling into drain repair pit
VMC seeks housing societies support to boost cleanliness
Two parked cars charred in Sayajigunj
MD worth 1.76L seized in Machhipith, man arrested
Town that shaped Sardar to train healthcare professionals in bioethics
Cracks down on illegal cattle shades after accident kills youth
GSV, DRDO ink pact for defence R&D
19 injured as ST bus hits stationary truck on NH-48 near Vadodara
Vadodara Man Strangles Wife After Fight Over Unemployment, Arrested
Police said Sundays altercation escalated after 23-year-old Misbah allegedly hit their six-month-old child during the argument.
Babies in safe hands, mothers write exam at peace
Kashmiri student found dead had blockages in heart
Gujarat horror: Man strangles wife for jobless jibe; arrested
A man in Vadodara allegedly strangled his wife late Sunday night. The couple frequently argued about his unemployment. During a heated argument, the wife reportedly taunted him about his joblessness. The man then lost his temper and attacked her. Police have registered a murder complaint and arrested the accused.
Monday was citys coldest Nov day in 15 years
Angered by power cuts, four men assault MGVCL workers
21-year-old defies two critical conditions, walks out of ICU after 5 months
23-year-old woman strangled to death by husband in Gujarat
A 23-year-old woman, Misba Sheikh, was strangled to death by her husband inside their rented home in Vadodaras Tandalja area. The couple has a six-month-old baby. Police arrested the husband, Qasim Shabbirbhai Sheikh, within hours and launched a detailed probe into the domestic-violence-driven murder. According to the police, the couples constant disputes over childcare and Qasims unemployment had created mounting tension in the household. Investigators revealed that Qasim claimed Misba often scolded him for not working and accused her of beating the infant, remarks that allegedly provoked his fatal rage. Qasim told the police, She kept telling me I had no right to advise her because I didnt earn. She taunted me repeatedly, and when she began beating the baby again, I lost control. I strangled her in anger. As soon as the murder was reported, teams from JP Road Police Station rushed to the scene, securing the premises and shifting Misbas body to Gotri Hospital for a postmortem. The husband was detained within hours, with police citing strong evidence and a clear confession. Vadodara SP A.V. Katkad, detailing the swift action, said, The moment we received the information, our team reached the spot without delay. We have arrested the accused husband who strangulated his wife. Further investigation is underway to establish the full chain of events and ensure justice. His detailed statement underscored the gravity of the domestic dispute that turned deadly. Meanwhile, Misbas maternal uncle, Shabbir Hussain Abul Karim Dewan, devastated by the news, told police and media that the family had only maintained phone contact with the young couple. We were informed by the police about the incident. They had a daughter, just six months old. A fight escalated into murder. We want justice for Misba, he said, emphasising the shock of a seemingly normal family life collapsing overnight. The JP Road Police have now registered a murder case and initiated further technical and forensic analysis to strengthen the prosecution, as the six-month-old baby remains at the centre of a shattered family and a brutal crime.
Ahmedabad Diary | Rude jolt for BJP in municipal elections
The BJP has suffered a jolt in Dahods Devgadh Baria Municipality, where independents, Congress members and BJPs own suspended councillors united to snatch power. Suspended BJP member Neel Soni defeated BJPs Dharmesh Kalal to claim the presidents post after a no-confidence revolt shattered the ruling camp. Analysts call it BJPs growing factional fire, not just dissent. Soni won with a 16-vote bloc cutting across party lines, accusing Kalal of nepotism and zero development. Kalal denied wrongdoing but failed to stop the November 10 election despite a High Court plea. The upset signals a sharp crack in BJPs local grip. State Congress to hold 60-day Jan Akrosh Yatra Congress has opened a fresh front against the BJP government ahead of Gujarats local body polls, by launching a 60-day, statewide Jan Akrosh Yatra. After the Somnath-to-Dwarka farmers march, the party will now storm five zones, covering 1,100 km from Vav-Tharad starting November 21. Public meetings across seven districts and 40 talukas will spotlight anger over farmers distress, youth unemployment, womens safety and inflation. State Congress chief Amit Chavda slammed the BJPs three-decade rule as British-style governance that filled state coffers but emptied peoples hopes. The mobilisation signals Congress aggressive pitch. BJP MLA stirs row with anti-Congress remarks With panchayat elections nearing, Padra BJP MLA Chaitanya Singh Jhala ignited a political storm at the Mobha Snehamilan event. Attacking Congress as being loud liars, he claimed Padras development was stalled for years because of them from the highway project to drinking water supply. Jhala went further, alleging Rohingya migrants were living in Padra and snatching citizens rights, adding that such people must be traced and sent back to Bangladesh. He said BJP governments at every level were delivering work on the ground, while Congress survived only on false credit-taking. His fiery remarks have intensified the heat in Vadodara. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
10.5ft crocodile causes panic in Mujmahuda
19th GSET conducted with 81% attendance
25-year-old Kashmiri student found dead in PG room in Vadodara
108 spiral surya namaskars performed for first time at Patai Raja Fort
Four held for derogatory FB post against Borsad MLA
Hyderabad Rocked After Auqib Nabis Spell as 16 Wickets Fall on Opening Day
SRINAGAR: A dramatic opening day in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash saw 16 wickets tumble, leaving Hyderabad struggling at 88 for 6 after dismissing Jammu and Kashmir for 170 in Vadodara on Sunday. Pacer Auqib Nabi continued his standout season, claiming 3 for 30 to put the visitors under pressure as they trailed []
Jammu Kashmir Student Found Dead in Vadodara PG, Police Await Post-mortem Report
SRINAGAR: A 25-year-old student from Jammu and Kashmir was found dead under unexplained circumstances at a paying guest accommodation in Vadodaras Fatehgunj area, prompting concern among residents and students in the neighbourhood, reports appearing in the media said. According to details available with the police, the student, Gatik Ajaykumar Das, had been staying at Sky []
PM Modi urges creation of Blue Book of learnings during visit to Bullet Train project in Gujarat
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat, where he reviewed the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. During the visit, he interacted with the team working on Indias first Bullet Train project and enquired about the pace of work, including adherence to speed and timetable targets. Workers allegedly assured him that the project was progressing smoothly without any difficulties. An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being deployed to weld rebar cages. Modi asked her how she personally perceived the experience of building Indias first Bullet Train, and what the team shared with their families about this historic achievement. She expressed pride in contributing to the nations first Bullet Train, describing it as a dream project and a proud moment for her family. Reflecting on the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister emphasised that when the feeling arises of working for the nation and contributing something new, it becomes a source of immense motivation. He drew a parallel with Indias space journey, recalling how the scientists who launched the countrys first satellite must have felt, and how today hundreds of satellites are being launched. Another employee, Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, explained the rigorous design and engineering control processes. She highlighted that at every stage of execution, her team evaluates pros and cons, identifies solutions, and explores alternatives to ensure flawless implementation. Prime Minister Modi remarked that if the experiences gained here are recorded and compiled like a Blue Book, the country can move decisively towards large-scale implementation of Bullet Trains. He emphasised that India must avoid repeated experimentation and instead replicate the learnings from existing models. The Prime Minister highlighted that replication will only be meaningful if there is a clear understanding of why certain actions were taken; otherwise, he cautioned, replication may occur without purpose or direction. He suggested that maintaining such records could benefit future students and contribute to nation-building. We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country, the Prime Minister affirmed. During an interaction, an employee expressed his commitment in heartfelt words through a poem, to which the Prime Minister lauded his dedication and responded with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was present during the visit. The Prime Minister visited the Surat station to review the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), one of Indias most ambitious infrastructure projects symbolising the nations leap into high-speed connectivity. The MAHSR spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in Indias transport infrastructure. Built with advanced engineering techniques on a par with international standards, the project features 465 km, about 85% of the route, on viaducts, ensuring minimal land disturbance and enhanced safety. So far, 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and 17 out of 25 river bridges have already been constructed. Upon completion, the Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours, revolutionising inter-city travel by making it faster, easier and more comfortable. The project is expected to boost business, tourism and economic activity along the entire corridor, catalysing regional development. The SuratBilimora section, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully completed. The design of the Surat station draws inspiration from the citys world-renowned diamond industry, reflecting both elegance and functionality. The station has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring spacious waiting lounges, restrooms and retail outlets. It will also offer seamless multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses and the Indian Railways network.
Birsa Mundas descendants attend event
Modi gets painting made by tribal girl in audience
Non-interlocking work completed at Pratapnagar station
Vishwamitri water quality improves as VMC blocks 90 MLD sewage
662 degrees conferred at CUG convocation
Vadodara Peoples Heritage Festival to begin on Nov 18
662 degrees to be conferred at CUGs 6th convocation
Bail denied to two in Godhra police attack case
VMC takes up major road works ahead of civic polls
Upset over selection row, U-19 coach goes on leave
Couple duped of 2L by promising job in Ireland
Childrens Literature Festival begins today
61-year-old duped of 30L by cyber conmen
15 injured in pile-up involving bus, truck and MUV near Limkheda
Father, 5 others booked for filing false accident complaint in 2019
Four history-sheeters nabbed for chain-snatching, thefts
Mans lies about 10L friendship loan exposed
VMC finds no centenarian Aadhaar holder still living
Trader duped of gold jewellery by man posing as ascetic
Retired Armyman who jumped off SSG building dies
Sayajibaug Zoo to welcome pair of white tigers from Rajkot
Students to study English literature through lens of cinema
Dinner, dialogues and diplomacy ahead of BCA polls
Biker killed after hitting stray cow booked as accused
MSU chemistry scholars win CSIR travel grant
Accused in series of robberies nabbed after months on the run
NU hosts international conference on medical law, ethics
