Railways plans to fence tracks to curb trespassing
Responding to a report 'Vande Bharat has weak defences against even cows: Safety Report' published in The Hindu on Monday, the zone said Vande Bharat trains were designed with modern coupling design which transmitted the impact energy throughout the train. For additional safety, there was a cattle guard at the front to deflect anything that came on the track.
The clarification said Vande Bharat trains had 'Kavach' and other built-in safety devices. The braking system was modern and fully integrated with the safety system.
'Having run millions of kilometres by now, equivalent to covering the earth's perimeter multiple times, the Vande Bharat trains have proven to be safe and efficient,' the note said.
The Hindu article was based on a safety report generated by the Commission of Railway Safety, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and submitted to the Railway Minister. One of the safety measures suggested in the operation of high-speed trains was to prevent trespassing by fencing tracks.
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The Hindu
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- The Hindu
Not much Onam cheer for independent traditional weavers of Balaramapuram
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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Explore Chennai's Victoria Public Hall, which once hosted ballroom dances and film screenings
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An article in Madras Musings states that Sir AT Arundel, President of the Corporation at the time, raised funds to build the structure as 'an affirmation of loyalty to the Crown'. The opening however, would not have been possible if Rajah Sir Ananda Gajapati, the Maharajah of Vijayanagaram, did not set aside three and a half acres from People's Park to a Board of Trustees on a 99-year lease at eight annas (half a rupee) a ground per year. He is remembered in a tablet, embellished with all his titles, preserved at the entrance, for having laid the foundation stone. Chisholm designed the hall with Gothic arcades and tiled sloping roofs and verandahs. A tall four-sided tower that rises to a height of 150 feet continues to exist till date with a claustrophobic winding path, just perfect to take one to the top to the top. Another article from The Hindu's archives states that Chilsom made small rounded balconies, some of them with canopies to make baldacchinos, all along the length of the tower. A memorial to a former Governor of Madras, Sir Charles Trevelyan, stands in the form of a fountain at the front yard of the Hall. It is said that Trevelyan not just improved Madras' water supply and drainage supply systems but also opened the governor's house to tea parties and tiffins, a concept unheard of at the time. The Victoria Public Hall's purpose was to further the city's cultural and intellectual pursuits. It is why the place hosted several talks, screened films, held ballroom dances, saw performances of plays and discourse on challenging political, spiritual and nationalistic concepts. Chennai owes its cinematic roots to Victoria Public Hall. An article in The Hindu states that the premiere of the first ever film screening in the city was by T Stevenson in December 1896, the proprietor of the Madras Photographic Store. At Victoria Public Hall, he screened ten short films and many magic lantern slides, depicting views of Madras such as the Guindy horse races and a Mowbray's Road street scene. However, the first few shows were quite the bust. The Madras Mail from December 8, 1896 says that only 'a few adventurous ones went forth to see his show' as rain played quite the spoil sport. The reviews for the show were also, frankly, scathing as the Mail stated that the photographs were 'not distinct enough and in some cases seemed too rapidly worked.' Besides the tryst with cinema, several plays, particularly those political by nature, were hosted by the Suguna Vilasa Sabha. It is also stated that the Justice Party had its first meeting at the Victoria Public Hall in 1916. The hall has also played host to several eminent speakers. An article from The Hindu's 1897 edition speaks of Swami Vivekananda's visit. Mahatma Gandhi has also addressed a gathering here. Chennapuri Andhra Maha Sabha also functioned out of the premises in 1914 with the aim to promote Telugu culture and literature for 30 odd years. Several sports: table tennis, billiards, and chess found patronage here at the ground floor of the venue. Despite having played such a central role in Chennai's pursuit, the hall was often found in dire straits. Although exhibitions were held at the hall intermittently since the 1980s, no consistent use was planned for the location. Heralding change With the latest restoration in place, Victoria Public Hall is expected to return to its glory days. Galleries have been installed on the premises for travelling exhibits and a permanent one on the reconstruction of the heritage building. The GCC plans to open the space for talks and occasional performances. 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Earthquake proofing was done and an attempt to conceal the use of modern embellishments like air conditioners and lighting were done in a manner so as to not appear garish. 'For the inauguration, we plan on hosting an exhibition on Chennai, its roots, the recent discoveries of the Tamil civilization and many more. There will also be a fete with cultural performances and a food festival,' says Christy. Of contributions Victoria Public Hall is about 90% ready to invite visitors as of today but a date is yet to be set on the inauguration. As workers put the final touches on the historic staircase of the building and the front yard, I ask a labourer what he thinks of working on the building and his thoughts on the recent sanitary workers' protest that was held close to the entrance of the hall. The labourer insists on a state of impermanence. 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News18
9 hours ago
- News18
Karnataka: Hubballi To Get New Elevated Road, Renovated Bus Station; Know More
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