Rs 150-cr textile unit in Varanasi to create 1K jobs
Kashi steps up security, fire safety for Diwali
Over 2L devotees seek Maa Annapurnas golden blessings on Dhanteras
Exercise caution in bursting crackers, buying sweets: Health dept
Kashis iconic Lakshmi-Ganesh idols set to get a GI identity
Homegrown device to tackle sleep apnea earns BHU team a patent
One arrested over fatal electrocution of villager
Yogi to celebrate Diwali with Van Tangiyas, gift 52 projects worth Rs 82cr
Gorakhpurs Nashra scripts history, becomes AMU students union VP
3 held for duping, robbing people with cheap dollar scam
Pre-Diwali crackdown: 669 kg illegal fireworks recovered, four held
Accused in high-profile cases, women inmates turn mentors for fellow prisoners
IRRI showcases farm-tech innovations
'All mafias are associated with BJP': SP hits back at Nitin Nabin over remarks on Azam Khan
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Saturday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) President Nitin Nabin's remarks on SP leader Azam Khan, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case, saying all mafias and goons are associated with the BJP and are seen alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This comes after Nabin, during an exclusive interview with IANS, accused the SP leadership of pursuing vote-bank politics by standing with people associated with criminal elements. These are the same people who gave Uttar Pradesh the identity of 'One District, One Mafia'. During the Samajwadi Party government, every district had a strongman, and they used these figures to gain and maintain power, Nabin said, responding to SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav's claims of injustice against Azam Khan. Reacting to Nabin's remarks, SP MLA Sangram Yadav said: All the mafias are associated with the BJP and are seen alongside CM Yogi Adityanath. Can't you see who the mafia from Varanasi is sitting with? Who the mafias from Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Deoria and Allahabad are associated with? Do you only see PDA members as mafias? Can't you see people from Yogi Adityanath ji's own community as mafias? He questioned the BJP about who is a mafia, and what are the criteria for identifying one. The Allahabad High Court questioned how these people obtained licences. One of them even displayed 500 weapons on Dussehra. Did the Chief Minister not notice it?...It is the BJP which is the party of mafias, goons and corruption, Sangram Yadav remarked while speaking to IANS. Citing the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, SP MLA Jai Kishan Sahu asserted that the people of Uttar Pradesh will respond to all such statements in the 2027 elections by bringing the Samajwadi Party to power. While maintaining that everyone is entitled to their opinion, Sahu told IANS, The people of Uttar Pradesh are watching everything closely. Voters would give a strong reply in the 2027 Assembly elections and elect an Akhilesh Yadav-led government...under both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, young people are roaming in search of jobs, while students demanding employment opportunities are being met with police batons. Meanwhile, BJP MP Prakash Pal backed the BJP Chief Nabin over his criticism of the Samajwadi Party. Speaking to IANS, Pal said: There were people like Atiq Ahmed, Mukhtar Ansari, Azam Khan and countless others. There used to be at least one mafia in every district, whose muscle power was used to illegally occupy people's land and properties. Look at their old photographs and records. Judges would refuse to hear cases involving Atiq Ahmed, and he would even hold police personnel hostage. In Mukhtar Ansari's case, a pond was reportedly built inside the jail so he could eat fresh fish, and the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police would visit him in jail to play badminton. That was the kind of influence these mafias enjoyed, he claimed, adding that under CM Adityanath's government such mafias have been completely eliminated.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government for the demolition of Bismillah Khan's home. He expressed concerns about the loss of cultural legacy and the integrity of Bharat Ratna awardees. Municipal officials clarified that the family chose to demolish the structure independently after declining a museum proposal. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation had earlier issued a notice concerning the building's dilapidated condition.
Varanasi Ropeway Set For December Debut
Glimpses of India's first urban transport ropeway, which is undergoing trials in Varanasi ahead of its scheduled December 2026 opening.
Sarnath to Varanasi: GBU to conserve heritage sites across UP, Delhi, Haryana
20-year jail for child rape convict
Diwali ushers in jobs, self-reliance for 2,792 youths in Kashi
BHU-Australia team brews a next-gen functional drink from Palash
Maa Annapurnas golden darshan, treasure draw devotees in Kashi
Two IIT-BHU scholars win Young Scientist & Poster awards at HABIT-2026
130 quintals of illegal firecrackers seized across VNS dists; 48 held
Khalistani Terror Outfit Threatens Hindu Temples Ahead of Diwali
A disturbing security alert has gripped Uttar Pradesh after a Khalistani terror outfit allegedly threatened bomb attacks on prominent Hindu religious sites in Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi ahead of Diwali. The threatening emails, reportedly issued in the name of the Khalistan National Army, warned of explosions between November 8 and November 27, 2026. The messages [] The post Khalistani Terror Outfit Threatens Hindu Temples Ahead of Diwali appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Ferrero Rocher's Golden World Meets Varanasi
The 3.85-km ropeway corridor will connect Varanasi Cantt railway station with Godowlia, cutting the travel time between the two locations from around 45 minutes to approximately 15-16 minutes.
Why Are People Gathering For This Rs 20 Chole Papdi At 2 AM In Varanasi?
A viral video has put the spotlight on a late-night street food stall in Varanasi, where an elderly vendor serves chole papdi from 2 AM to 6 AM.
Juhi Chawla features in Apple's 2026 Diwali campaign, titled Step Into the Light, which brings together Indian textiles, traditional dance and technology. Created in collaboration with Indian fashion label Raw Mango, the campaign is part of Apple's Shot on iPhone series and has been filmed entirely using the iPhone 18 Pro. Directed by Raw Mango founder Sanjay Garg, the film is set against the backdrop of Rajasthan's Tijara Fort. It features a group of dancers dressed in traditional Indian textiles, including Chanderi, Mashru and Varanasi brocades. The dancers perform to a folk interpretation of 'Roop Suhana Lagta Hai,' the popular song from Juhi's 1994 film The Gentleman. The campaign takes a nostalgic turn towards its closing moments when Juhi makes an appearance in festive outfits from Raw Mango. One of her looks features a striking purple ensemble. The choreography also draws inspiration from her original performance in the song, bringing a connection between the actor's earlier work and the campaign's contemporary presentation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by apple (@apple) Juhi Chawla revisits her iconic song through Apple's Diwali film The choice of 'Roop Suhana Lagta Hai' gives the campaign a connection to Juhi's filmography while placing Indian textiles and folk performance at its centre. Through the collaboration, Apple and Raw Mango bring together fashion, music and visual storytelling, with the iPhone 18 Pro serving as the sole filming device. The campaign also offers a glimpse of Juhi Chawla's association with the fashion and entertainment space at a time when she has largely stepped back from taking on regular film assignments. The actor has not announced any upcoming movie projects for 2026 or 2027 and remains involved in her business interests. Among her prominent business associations is Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL franchise she co-owns with Shah Rukh Khan and her husband Jay Mehta. Her investments and business interests have also contributed to her reported wealth, estimated at around Rs. 7,790 crore in the Hurun India Rich List 2025. Also Read:Alisha Chinai makes SHOCKING revelation She was SHORTLISTED with Juhi Chawla for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak: I didnt go for the final auditionAamir Khan was QUITE upset
Varanasis ropeway is nearly 95% complete, and trial runs have started. It will take passengers from Cantt railway station to Godowlia, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in 16 minutes for Rs 50, against more than 45 minutes by road. It is expected to open around Dev Deepawali on November 24.
Varanasis ropeway is nearly 95% complete, and trial runs have started. It will take passengers from Cantt railway station to Godowlia, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in 16 minutes for Rs 50, against more than 45 minutes by road. It is expected to open around Dev Deepawali on November 24.
Rs 5L Cr NH works underway in UP, will soon export energy: Gadkari
Nitin Nabin offers prayers at Gorakhnath temple
160 potter families in Kashi receive electric wheels ahead of Diwali
Chirag Paswan launches partys campaign from Kashi
Over 950kg crackers seized in police raids across Purvanchal districts
22 school students, 2 teachers suffer injuries in road accident in Jaunpur
Security prep reviewed at Maa Annapurna Temple
Distressed over newborns condition, woman dies by suicide at BHU hosp
Oppn skipped SIR process, now misleading people: Nabin
Nabin rallies BJP cadre for united push towards 2027 poll victory
Manjeshwar Shashti Mahotsava Invitation Released by Kashi Math Swamiji in Varanasi
Manjeshwar Shashti Mahotsava Invitation Released by Kashi Math Swamiji in Varanasi Manjeshwar: The invitation for the forthcoming Manjeshwar Shashti Mahotsava was formally released by His Holiness Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji, Mathadhipathi of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan, at the Kashi Moola Math in Varanasi. The release of the invitation marks an important milestone in preparations for [] The post Manjeshwar Shashti Mahotsava Invitation Released by Kashi Math Swamiji in Varanasi appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Allahabad HC junks petition against Rahul Gandhi over alleged remarks on Sikhs
Prayagraj, Aug 5 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court on Thursday provided relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, refusing to overturn a Varanasi court order rejecting an application for an FIR against him over his alleged remarks on Sikhs during his US visit in 2024. The court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Varanasi on October 17, 2025 rejected the application of petitioner Nageshwar Mishra to register a case against Gandhi for his alleged statement. Newspaper reports quoted Gandhi as saying that Sikhs are not feeling safe in India. Mishra filed a revision petition before the sessions court which also dismissed it on
HC refuses FIR against Rahul Gandhi over Sikh remarks in US
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a petition seeking an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleged remarks made about Sikhs during his US visit. The court upheld previous rejections by Varanasi courts, citing a lack of specific details regarding the alleged statement.
SS Rajamouli reviews Ramayana, praises Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavis performances
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known for directing large-scale Indian films such as Baahubali and RRR, has shared his thoughts on Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana, an adaptation of Valmikis epic. The director praised the films visual scale, performances and overall presentation, expressing his appreciation for the ambitious project. Rajamouli, whose films have received attention from audiences across international markets, was particularly impressed by the films visuals and cinematic scale. Sharing his review, he said, The sheer scale of the film and the visuals on the big screen are spectacular to watch. The filmmaker also spoke about the performances of the lead cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram. Praising the actors portrayal, Rajamouli described his performance as serene yet magnificent, particularly from the Vanavasam portion onwards. He also appreciated Yash's portrayal of Ravana, highlighting the actor's screen presence. Yash brings a menacing presence as Ravana, while Sai Pallavi is graceful as Sita, the director added. #Ramayana the sheer scale of the film and the visuals on the big screen are spectacular to watch. Ranbir as Rama, especially from the Vanavasam onwards, is serene yet magnificent. Yash brings a menacing presence as Ravana, while Sai Pallavi is graceful as Sita. The pre-climax and climax loved every bit of it. Congratulations @malhotra_namit, @niteshtiwari22 and the entire team on bringing such an ambitious vision so beautifully to the screen. rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) November 5, 2026 Sharing his overall impression of the film, Rajamouli said he loved every bit of it, including its pre-climax and climax. He concluded his review by congratulating producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari and the entire team for bringing the project to the screen. He praised he entire team on bringing such an ambitious vision so beautifully to the screen. Besides its Hindi release, Ramayana is also running in theatres in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The makers have incorporated AI technology to address lip-sync issues in the dubbed versions. The technical adjustment has reportedly received a positive response from audiences. Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash, the film features Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chadha as Manthara and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, among others. The screenplay adaptation of Valmiki's epic has been handled by Shridhar Raghavan along with director Nitesh Tiwari. The film's music is composed by Academy Award-winning musicians AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, who have collaborated for the first time on this project. Also Read : SS Rajamouli says Varanasi travels across different worlds, time zones and mythology; explains adventure scheme of Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra Jonas starrer
Dont just meet own people, get to the ground: OP Rajbhars advice to Akhilesh Yadav
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 5 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar took a fresh dig at Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday, advising him not to remain confined to his own voter base but rather embrace all sections, including the marginalised, as his popular slogan PDA stands for. Rajbhars swipe came on the back of SP supremos recent visits to Rampur and Varanasi, the MLC constituency where party candidates trounced the two nominees of the ruling BJP decisively. Taking to social media, Rajbhar wrote, You went to Rampur to meet the 'A', visited the homes and shops of your own caste-fellows represented by 'P', and while you were at it, you even took a stroll through the mansion of an MP represented by 'D' - just to make a name for yourself. Taking aim at Yadavs previous tenure as Chief Minister, Rajbhar said, In any case, during your rule, the condition of the real 'D' - the Dalits, remained in pathetic state, even as you focused only on the 'P' and the 'A'. He further stated, By the way, if you ever get the chance, visit the homes of some of these 'real' Dalits in today's 'new' Uttar Pradesh. You will see that they now have permanent houses and toilets; their women are earning an income through self-help groups, and their children are receiving a good education and finding employment - all of which were forcibly snatched away from these very people during your government's time. Offering a piece of advice to Akhilesh, Rajbhar said, Sir, come down to the ground level. Don't just visit your own inner circle; meet the common people. Only then will you realise how much has changed under the current administration compared to your era of misgovernance. Do give it some thought. Notably, the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has consistently maintained that the 'PDA', which his party is committed to, seeks to uplift the backward classes, Dalits, and minorities and would alleviate the difficulties and sufferings of every segment of society. Broadening the ambit of PDA, he stated that the P also stands for those Brahmins who are troubled or victimised.
India's first urban ropeway nears launch in Varanasi, 96% work completed
Former BHU VC gets APQN Quality Champion Award
25 yrs jail to school driver for sharing minors AI-generated obscene pic
IIT-BHU rises to 219th in QS Asia University Rankings
1,269 get offer letters on 1st day of mega job fair in Kashi
Gadkari to launch 8 projects worth Rs 3650cr in Jaunpur today
1,336 fined Rs 8.4 lakh for chain pulling
Oppn undermining democracy, creating atmosphere of anarchy: CM
Shun caste politics, Ravi Kishan urges people
Veer Bahadur Univ improves rank in QS Rankings 2027
Muslims, madrassa students in BJP march with Yogi
Rahul, Oppn trying to destabilise country after poll defeats: Pankaj
Akhilesh Yadav's decision not to contest UP polls draws criticism from BJP; Congress backs SP chief
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) The BJP on Wednesday criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) President, Akhilesh Yadav's indication that he would not contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, saying he had made the right decision as he would otherwise face the fate of several INDIA Bloc leaders who lost recent electoral contests. The BJP said Yadav was aware of the political situation and the possibility of facing defeat if he entered the electoral fray. The controversy follows Yadav's remarks during his visit to Varanasi on Tuesday. When asked by reporters whether he would contest the next year's Assembly elections, possibly from a constituency in the city, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister responded in his characteristic witty style. We become chief minister when we do not contest elections. So, we will do what is auspicious for us, he said. Reacting to his remarks, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar said Yadav lacked the courage to face the public and was making excuses through political statements. They do not have the courage to face the public. They know this very well and are simply making excuses and engaging in political theatrics. The Samajwadi Party and its leaders are anti-development, anti-farmer, anti-youth, anti-student and anti-women. They lack the courage to face the people because they know that if they go among the public, voters will reject them decisively, he told IANS. Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also criticised the SP chief, saying he was unwilling to contest elections or face the public. He will neither contest the elections nor go to the people. He is neither willing to enter the electoral fray nor face the public. The people have already rejected Akhilesh Yadav, he said. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Pal said Yadav had taken the right decision by staying away from the electoral contest. He has made a very right decision; otherwise, his fate would have been like Kejriwal losing the Assembly election in Delhi, Mamata Banerjee losing in Bengal, and the INDIA Bloc's chief ministerial face Gaurav Gogoi losing in Assam. He knows that the public is not just defeating the INDIA Bloc but soundly routing them, and even their incumbent Chief Ministers are losing, Pal said. However, Uttar Pradesh Minister Nitin Agrawal said contesting elections was an individual's personal decision and Yadav was entitled to make his choice. Who will contest elections and who will not, is an individual's personal decision. He has decided that he will not contest; that is his personal decision. In a democracy, one should win elections and come to the House. I believe that those who contest elections and win have greater credibility in a democracy. The rest is everyone's personal choice, he said. BJP MLA Paltu Ram also criticised Yadav, alleging that his decision amounted to making a mockery of democracy. He further accused the SP of disregarding democratic values and constitutional institutions, alleging that its tenure in Uttar Pradesh was marked by lawlessness and a 'goonda raj'. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput defended the SP chief, saying his decision to contest or not contest the elections would not affect his role in the party's campaign. Whether or not Akhilesh Yadav contests the elections, he is currently an honourable Member of Parliament and will lead the party's election campaign. The entire responsibility of the party rests on his shoulders. Whatever decision he takes will be acceptable to everyone in the INDIA alliance, as he is one of our key leaders, he said. Samajwadi Party MP Lalji Verma also supported Yadav's decision, saying that not contesting an election could allow a leader to work across the entire state. When a leader does not contest an election himself, they get the opportunity to work freely across the entire state. So, certainly, whatever his decision is, it might be of this nature, and we do not have to comment on it, he said.
Schools and religious places in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura received threatening emails warning of explosions on November 8, prompting heightened security ahead of Diwali.
Kangana Ranaut Praises PM Modi During Visit to Varanasi, Highlights Citys Transformation
Kangana Ranaut visits Varanasi, commends PM Modi for the citys development and responds to political rival Akhilesh Yadavs metro project claims. Kangana Ranaut Praises PM Modi During Visit to Varanasi, Highlights Citys Transformation
Nirmala Sitharaman releases 250 coin to mark 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshithar
The ceremony in Varanasi brought together students, academics and musicians to celebrate the composers enduring contribution to Indias classical music tradition.
Over 500kg of crackers seized in Kashi; 1 held
Kashi Tamil Sangamam-5.0 from Nov 28 to Dec 12
Labourer killed as temple dome shuttering crashes in Azamgarh
Bismillah Khans legacy to get a new home in museum
Gangster arrested in encounter with Ghazipur Police
Great urban leap: From crowded roads to aerial commute
TOI goes sky-high as Kashis ropeway nears take-off
KVT suspends ticket bookings for Aartis, Sugam Darshan for 2 days
Sitharaman releases coin to honour legendary Carnatic composer
Akhilesh, Rahul's days in politics over: Ravi Kishan
An Instagram reel showing the facilities inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has crossed 2 million views. Shared by @vlogwithprateek_, the video offers a glimpse of the onboard meals, bedding arrangements and sleeper coach interiors during a Varanasi-New Delhi journey. The new service connects the two cities via Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.
Jeffrey Sachs Advocates for Independent Foreign Policy for India at Global Seminar
Jeffrey Sachs calls for Indias independent foreign policy and a shift towards green energy at a global seminar in Varanasi. Jeffrey Sachs Advocates for Independent Foreign Policy for India at Global Seminar
Invoking the ancient name of Varanasi, the abode of Shiva and the parliamentary constituency of PM Modi, Akhilesh Yadav mocked the BJPs double-engine government campaign slogan, saying he was incredibly pleased that the people of Kashi have handed them a double zero in the recently concluded MLC polls
Scholars Discuss Ancient Wisdom and Modern Challenges at Varanasi Conference
The Varanasi conference explores the relevance of ancient knowledge in addressing contemporary issues like AI and green energy. Scholars Discuss Ancient Wisdom and Modern Challenges at Varanasi Conference
UP woman electronics engineer Shrini Srivastava joined Indian Railways as an assistant loco pilot in April 2017. She got very famours in 2024 after operating the Vande Bharat between Varanasi and Prayagraj and receiving an invitation to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She is now part of the Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper operating crew.
Ghaziabad loco pilot Shrini Srivastava makes mark after Vande Bharat feat
Shrini Srivastava, hailing from Ghazipur, has embraced the prestigious role of assistant loco pilot. Her prior achievement includes operating the VaranasiNew Delhi Vande Bharat Express train. With her recent appointment to the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, she symbolizes the increasing involvement of women in the railway sector. This service caters to overnight travelers between Varanasi and New Delhi, marking a pivotal shift in a profession historically dominated by men.
Congress loss in MLC polls in Karnataka should worry central leadership
BJP reverses in Varanasi are a jolt to both PM and Yogi Adityanath By Kalyani Shankar The biennial Legislative Council elections in four states once again put the nations two largest parties, the Indian National Congress (Congress) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the spotlight. The main takeaway is that local factors [] The post Congress loss in MLC polls in Karnataka should worry central leadership appeared first on Northlines .
IIT-BHU faculty gets BRSI Young Faculty Award
Murder attempt accused tries to escape, injured in encounter
Adani Group pledges $10 million to Bharat Knowledge Graph initiative
Rural women in Kashi prepare traditional Diwali gift hampers
Move aside, or you may get hurt: Yogis call of care for cows at Gorakhnath temple
From Namo Ghat to the clouds: Hot air balloons set to soar over Kashi again
18-yr-old found dead after night party with friends in Gorakhpur
IIT-BHUs Innovation Mela promotes entrepreneurship
Rahul already suffered 56 losses before Gyanendra became CEC, says Patra
Ahmedabad railway division earns Rs 830 crore in Oct; freight revenue rises 7 pc
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 2 (IANS) The Ahmedabad division of Western Railway earned Rs 830 crore in revenue in October this year, with increased freight, passenger and parcel earnings contributing to the total, according to figures released by the division. Freight operations remained the biggest source of revenue, generating Rs 655 crore, up seven per cent from Rs 612 crore in October last year. Passenger revenue stood at Rs 164.75 crore, an increase of nearly 10 per cent from Rs 149.50 crore, while parcel earnings rose 35 per cent to Rs seven crore from Rs 5.17 crore. Ticket checking contributed another Rs 3.25 crore. The division also reported the transportation of several new commodities and the resumption of some freight traffic. Kutch Copper Limited loaded seven rakes of copper slag, generating Rs 3.56 crore, while four wagons of cumin were partially loaded, earning Rs 4.72 lakh. Synergy Saurashtra Pvt. Ltd. transported a rake of met coke from Gandhidham, generating Rs 71.70 lakh. The traffic returned to the railway network after a gap of around three-and-a-half years. Krishana Phoschem Ltd. loaded eight rakes of imported fertiliser from Mundra Port for various new destinations, earning Rs 4.55 crore. Khaitan Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited loaded three rakes of imported fertiliser, generating another Rs 1.08 crore. Transportation of steel pipes, industrial salt, bamboo pulp and cement also contributed to freight earnings. As part of efforts to attract new customers to rail transportation, Birla Corporation Ltd. loaded two rakes of pet coke, generating Rs 2.16 crore. On October 27, a rake carrying 20 refrigerated containers of frozen vegetables belonging to Simplot India was loaded for the first time from the GRFV terminal. The consignment comprised 540.49 tonnes and generated revenue of Rs 2.36 lakh. The division described the movement as an initiative to shift freight from road to rail. Passenger services also contributed to the month's earnings, particularly during the festive season. The division operated 46 special train trips in October to accommodate additional passenger demand. These services carried around 58,000 passengers and generated Rs 5.28 crore in revenue. On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural services of the Sabarmati-Varanasi Superfast Express and Becharaji-Sabarmati MEMU through video conferencing. The Sabarmati-Katosan Road MEMU was also given a stoppage at Chandkheda Road station from October 28. The division conducted intensive ticket-checking drives at Ahmedabad, Sabarmati, Gandhidham, Mehsana, Bhuj, Palanpur and Viramgam stations. Fortress, ambush and special fortress checks resulted in the detection of 4,166 cases of irregular travel and the collection of Rs 38.62 lakh in fines. Around 90 anti-littering cases attracted fines of Rs 60,000, while 11 anti-smoking cases resulted in penalties of Rs 22,000. The division also reported revenue initiatives outside regular passenger and freight operations. Three-year lease agreements for two parcel-space assets are expected to generate Rs 11.13 crore. A five-year contract was awarded for the operation and maintenance of digital storage lockers at Asarwa station. Advertising contracts were awarded for the foot overbridge at Maninagar station and seven lifts at Ahmedabad station. Displaying Maruti Suzuki cars at the Divisional Railway Manager's office premises was another source of non-fare revenue. A Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal is being developed at Khakhrechi, while a three-year contract for the pay-and-park facility at Bhuj station was awarded. Seven One Station One Product stalls were allotted at Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Patan, Mehsana and Gandhidham to provide outlets for local artisans and craftsmen. Digital transactions accounted for 20.26 per cent of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) tickets and 37.34 per cent of Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) tickets during the month. The division also secured the first position among Indian Railways divisions in October in terms of positive passenger feedback received through the Rail Madad platform, according to the officials. Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash congratulated officers and employees on the performance and appreciated their efforts.
