
Railways to launch 1st AC EMU service in Eastern India on Sealdah-Ranaghat route
The much-awaited Air-Conditioned EMU train will leave Ranaghat in the morning peak hour at 8.29 am and will reach Sealdah at 10.10 am. The UP AC local will leave Sealdah at 6.50 pm and will reach Ranagahat at 8.32 pm to cater to the evening rush."The train will stop at Chakdah, Kalyani, Kanchrapara, Naihati, Barrackpore, Khardah, Sodepur, Dumdum and Bidhannagar enroute," said Eastern Railway officials.
The AC trains will have complete CCTV surveillance inside the compartments, automatic sliding doors, comfortable seats, long glass windows, an emergency talkback unit to talk with the pilot in case of an emergency, etc.Talking to India Today, an Eastern Railway official told India Today, "The AC EMU service will commence its commercial run before 15th August and, of course, it's going to be a fitting tribute to Kolkata on the eve of Independence Day, symbolising Sealdah Division's unflinching commitment to the safety, security, modernisation and passenger welfare.
"The AC Rake, loaded with state-of-the-art features, will run smoothly to provide our daily commuters a welcome respite from scorching heat and overcrowding," the official added. The chief public relations officer of the Eastern Railway told India Today, "The Eastern railway has planned to flag off the inaugural run of AC EMU service between Ranaghat junction to Sealdah this Sunday."- EndsMust Watch

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India Today
23 minutes ago
- India Today
Independence Day 2025: Complete security rules and items banned at Red Fort
As India prepares to celebrate its Independence Day 2025 at the historic Red Fort, the Delhi Police has issued a set of security guidelines for visitors. Entry will be strictly regulated to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the RULESEntry is only through an invitation cardEnclosure No. 21-C will allow entry with a government-approved ID card (no invitation required)advertisementPROHIBITED ITEMS FOR INVITEES The following items are strictly banned inside the venueEatables and Condiments – Food items, ketchup, saucesBags and Keys – Bag, briefcase, remote-controlled car lock keysElectronic Devices – Radio, transistor, tape recorder, pagerPhotography Equipment – Camera, binoculars, and Umbrellas – Thermo flask, water bottles, cans, umbrellaExplosives and Fireworks – Firecrackers, gun powder, flares, any type of explosivesDigital Gadgets – Digital diaries, laptops, computers, iPads, iPods, tablets, pen drivesTobacco Products – Cigarettes, bidis, lightersHazardous Substances – Fuel, matchbox, alcohol, aerosol, gel/paste, perfumes, spray cansTools and Weapons – Hammers, drills, saws, swords, daggers, screwdriversCharging Devices – Mobile chargers, earphones, power banksSharp Objects – Razors, blades, knives, scissors, wires, cutting/sharp pointed materialsAmmunition – Firearms, toy gunsDangerous Chemicals – Disabling chemicals and other hazardous substances SAFETY ADVISORYReport any suspicious object to the nearest security personnelCo-operate with police during searching and friskingStay alert to your surroundingsAs India celebrates its 79th Independence Day in 2025, security remains a top priority to ensure a safe and smooth event at the Red Fort. Visitors are urged to follow all entry protocols, carry only permitted items, and cooperate with police and security personnel during checks. By respecting these guidelines, we can all contribute to a peaceful and proud celebration of our nation's freedom.- EndsMust Watch


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
‘Goosebumps': Mumbai Airport Illuminates In Tricolour Ahead Of Independence Day
From the entrance to the terminal, the lobby and even the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, every corner of Mumbai airport has been lit up for Independence Day. As India gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has been decorated with a stunning tricolour theme. From the entrance to the terminal, the lobby and even the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, every corner has been lit up for the occasion. The airport's tall pillars now glow brightly in saffron, white and green, which has left visitors impressed. The check-in area also shines with colourful lighting. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airports, felt proud seeing the airport beautifully lit up ahead of the 15 August celebrations. Passengers Greeted By Tricolour Lighting As soon as the passengers step inside the airport, they are welcomed by multiple tricolour lights, creating an instant festive feel. The well-planned arrangements, modern facilities and upgraded technology make the decorations stand out. After the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport posted a video of the Independence Day decorations, Jeet Adani reshared it. He mentioned that the sight of the tricolour brings pride to every Indian. He wrote, 'The sight of our tricolour stirs a deep pride in every Indian's heart and I'm certain everyone passing through Mumbai Airport will feel it too." The sight of our tricolour stirs a deep pride in every Indian's heart and I'm certain everyone passing through Mumbai Airport will feel it too 🇮🇳 — Jeet Adani (@jeet_adani1) August 13, 2025 Social Media Users Praise The Tricolour Decor Reacting to the post, a user wrote, 'Goosebumps." 'This is a fantastic way to celebrate India's Independence Day, fostering patriotism and national pride," a comment read. One more added, 'Incredible India." While Mumbai Airport already boasts world-class facilities, the Adani Group has enhanced its digital experience with the newly revamped Adani One App. The app features a Rewards Programme that can be redeemed for food and beverages, retail purchases, car parking, and shopping. Travellers can also enjoy a seamless lounge experience by pre-booking, checking card eligibility, and gaining hassle-free entry. Additional tools include live flight status updates, instant notifications, quick access to high-speed Wi-Fi, and essential travel information at their fingertips. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
FASTag Annual Pass rolling out on August 15, 2025: How to buy FASTag online, price, and benefits
The FASTag Annual Pass is launching on August 15, 2025, coinciding with India's 79th Independence Day. Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this pass is designed to provide seamless toll payments for frequent commuters. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now By offering a one-time payment for non-commercial vehicles like private cars, jeeps, and vans, it eliminates repetitive toll payments on national highways and expressways. The FASTag Annual Pass is a prepaid toll system integrated with the existing FASTag infrastructure. It allows commuters to cross toll plazas on national highways and expressways up to 200 times in a year or until the one-year validity ends, whichever comes first. The pass ensures faster, cashless toll payments, reducing waiting time and overall commuting costs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from price and benefits to a step-by-step 'how-to' on purchasing the FASTag Annual Pass, along with answers to frequently asked questions. How to buy FASTag Annual Pass online: Step-by-step guide Purchasing the FASTag Annual Pass is simple and can be done via the Rajmargyatra app or the NHAI website . Follow the below steps: Step 1: Access the platform Download Rajmargyatra (Android/iOS) or visit the NHAI website. Step 2: Enter vehicle and FASTag details Log in using your mobile number Provide your vehicle registration and existing FASTag ID Step 3: Confirm eligibility Check if your FASTag is properly installed, linked, and active Step 4: Make payment Pay the Rs. 3,000 fee through available online payment gateways Step 5: Activation Once payment is successful, the Annual Pass is linked to your FASTag Receive confirmation via SMS You are now ready for 200 trips or one-year validity on national highways FASTag Annual Pass price and benefits The FASTag Annual Pass is priced at Rs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 3,000. This one-time payment covers up to 200 trips or a period of 12 months from activation. Each toll crossing counts as one trip, making it simple for users to monitor usage. FASTag Annual Pass key benefits Significant savings: Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that tolls usually cost Rs. 80–100 per crossing, but with the Annual Pass, it drops to Rs. 15, potentially saving up to Rs. 7,000 annually. Seamless travel: No need to stop at toll plazas repeatedly. Easy integration: Works with your existing FASTag, no separate tag required. Validity: Covers national highways and expressways. Note: State highways or toll plazas managed by state authorities are not included in this pass. Regular FASTag payments will still apply there. How the FASTag Annual Pass works The Annual Pass is linked to your existing FASTag, provided it meets the eligibility criteria: Properly affixed on the vehicle windshield Linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) Not blacklisted or deactivated The pass is non-transferable. If used on a different vehicle, it will be automatically deactivated. FASTag Annual Pass: Common FAQs Who can buy the FASTag Annual Pass? Any owner of a non-commercial private vehicle like a car, jeep, or van with an active FASTag can purchase the pass. Can I use the pass on state highways or toll plazas operated by state governments? No, it is only valid on national highways and expressways. State-managed toll plazas require regular FASTag payments. Is the FASTag Annual Pass transferable to another vehicle? No, it is non-transferable and linked to the vehicle on which it is registered. How many trips are included in the Annual Pass? The pass covers up to 200 toll trips within one year of activation. How much can I save using the FASTag Annual Pass? A typical toll costs Rs. 80–100, but with the Annual Pass, the effective cost drops to Rs. 15 per crossing, potentially saving up to Rs. 7,000 annually. Can I activate the Annual Pass on an existing FASTag? Yes, if your FASTag is active, properly affixed, and linked to your vehicle, the pass can be activated without buying a new tag. How do I know if my FASTag is eligible? Your FASTag must be linked to a valid VRN, installed correctly, and not blacklisted. Eligibility is verified during the purchase process. What are the payment options for the FASTag Annual Pass? Payments can be made through all supported online payment gateways on the Rajmargyatra app or NHAI website. Will I get confirmation after activation? Yes, once payment is complete, you will receive an SMS confirmation indicating the Annual Pass is active for your vehicle. How long is the FASTag Annual Pass valid? It is valid for one year from activation or 200 trips, whichever comes first. FASTag Annual Pass: Key takeaways FASTag Annual Pass simplifies toll payments for frequent commuters. A one-time fee of Rs. 3,000 covers up to 200 trips or one year. Integrated with existing FASTag infrastructure. Exclusive to national highways and expressways, not applicable to state-managed tolls. Non-transferable and linked to a single vehicle for security and compliance. The FASTag Annual Pass marks a significant step toward cashless, hassle-free highway travel in India, helping commuters save both time and money. Also Read | Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.