Latest news with #Ganpati
News18
a day ago
- Automotive
- News18
India's 1st Ro-Ro To Goa Let's You Travel On Train With Your Car! But It May Get Cancelled
Last Updated: India's first Ro-Ro train for cars, running from Maharashtra to Goa, has seen very low bookings ahead of its August 23 launch. India's first Ro-Ro (Roll-On Roll-Off) train for private cars is set to run between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa. Nevertheless, since bookings opened a week ago, public interest has been very low. According to the Konkan Railway (KR), only one person has confirmed a booking so far, out of 38 total inquiries. The train service is scheduled to start on August 23 from Kolad, but if it doesn't receive at least 16 car bookings by August 13, it will be cancelled and the registration fee will be refunded. Why the Response Has Been So Low As per the Hindustan Times, the service was launched ahead of the busy Ganeshotsav season. During this time, the Konkan route is already crowded with regular and special trains, some running over capacity. Many passengers inquired whether the Ro-Ro train would stop at key stations like Ratnagiri or Sawantwadi. However, Konkan Railway clarified that it won't halt at these stations due to the lack of car loading and unloading facilities. The Ro-Ro train can carry up to 40 cars per trip. But even with its novelty, people don't seem very interested, mainly due to high prices, limited flexibility and no major time savings. – Timings: The train ride takes around 12 hours. But passengers must check in at least 3 hours earlier to allow time for loading their vehicles. – Pricing: Rs 7,875 per vehicle Rs 935 per passenger in the AC coach Rs 190 per passenger in second-class seating A maximum of 3 passengers can travel with each car The train will run on alternate days in both directions until September 11. The return service from Verna is scheduled to begin on August 24. Concerns From Rail Associations and Experts Hindustan Times states that passenger associations and travel groups have raised concerns about the service's timing and cost. They feel it might take away space and manpower needed to run Ganpati special trains during this festival season. 'Also, the high cost of Rs 7,875 per vehicle plus individual passenger fares is not affordable for most families," said Akshay Mahapadi, secretary of the Akhand Konkan Railway Pravasi Seva Samiti, as quoted by Hindustan Times. 'The concept is innovative, but its timing is highly unsuitable. They should have announced this around December for the New Year's celebration," he added. Meanwhile, rail authorities say running this service would need a full train crew, including a loco pilot, assistants, and train managers, as well as a dedicated route, making it harder to accommodate the rush of festival travellers. Why The Ro-Ro Service Was Introduced Konkan Railway already operates Ro-Ro trains that carry loaded trucks between Kolad and Tumkur (near Mangaluru). Encouraged by that model, the railways planned this service for private car owners, especially those travelling to Goa or the Konkan region for vacations or holidays. The idea is to reduce road traffic, pollution, and travel fatigue by offering a relaxed train journey while your car travels with you. But with just one confirmed booking and no halts at key stations, the pilot project is off to a rocky start. What Lies Ahead The Konkan Railway will monitor bookings until August 13. If enough people don't sign up (minimum 16 vehicles), the train may not run at all. While the concept of travelling with your car by train is exciting, many feel the timing, pricing, and lack of flexibility have made it difficult for average passengers to get on board. view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 15:51 IST News mumbai-news India's 1st Ro-Ro To Goa Let's You Travel On Train With Your Car! But It May Get Cancelled | Why 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.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Launched with much fanfare, Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro to Goa has just one booking in one week
MUMBAI: It has been a week since booking began for the country's first Ro-Ro train service, which will ferry cars, between Maharashtra and Goa. However, there has been scarce interest evinced by citizens, as until Sunday, the Konkan Railway authorities received only 38 calls inquiring about this, of which only one person booked a seat for the journey that begins on August 23 from Kolad. The Konkan Railway (KR) authorities said that in the event of insufficient bookings (fewer than 16 cars), the trip would be cancelled and registration fees refunded. Representative picture of Roll-on Roll-off (RO-RO) service (HT Archives) (Arvind Yadav/HT PHOTO) The Ro-Ro, which can accommodate 40 cars per trip, has been planned as a non-stop run from Kolad in Maharashtra to Verna in Goa. Just before the Ganpati festival, the Konkan route becomes extremely busy for the railways, which operate regular and special trains with coaches exceeding their carrying capacity. Sources in the railways said that the majority of the queries they had received pertained to whether the Ro-Ro halted at important stations like Ratnagiri and Sawantwadi, which see a high footfall of people going to their hometowns to celebrate Ganeshotsav. However, since there are no facilities available for loading and unloading cars at these stations, there will be no halts, said railway officials. The Ro-Ro facility is proposed to be operated on alternate days in each direction until September 11. The bookings for the service will close on August 13 for the route that commences from August 23 from Kolad and August 24 from Verna. Akshay Mahapadi, secretary of the Akhand Konkan Railway Pravasi Seva Samiti, Maharashtra, pointed out that the 12-hour train journey offered no time saving over the 10 to 12 hours by road during peak congestion, especially considering the three-hour-earlier reporting and car-loading period. 'Also, the high cost of ₹7,875 per vehicle plus individual passenger fares is not affordable for most families,' he said. 'The concept is innovative but its timing is highly unsuitable. They should have announced this around December for the New Year's celebration.' The rail passenger associations fear that the Ro-Ro will eat up space that otherwise could be used to run more Ganpati special trains. At present, Central Railway has announced 250 special trains and Western Railway will operate 44 special trains for the festival. The rail passenger associations said that running the Ro-Ro train would require a full set of operational staff (loco pilot, assistant, guards, train manager) and an entire path on the already saturated Konkan Railway route that could instead be used to operate Ganpati special trains.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
To protect newly concretised roads, BMC to fine Ganpati mandals Rs 15,000 per hole
1 2 3 4 5 Mumbai: In a bid to protect newly concretised roads across Mumbai, the BMC has increased the penalty for road-digging by Ganesh mandals for the very first time from Rs 2,000 to Rs 15,000 per hole. Ganpati mandals often dig holes in the ground to affix bamboo poles for mandaps. Civic officials said the earlier fine had little deterrent effect, especially since many mandals operate with a turnover running into crores of rupees. Also with the ongoing cement-concretisation project of the BMC, which aims to concretise all roads of the city, there is a policy that does not permit even trenching works for the first three years. "Therefore in such a scenario, mandals digging up the road for setting up pandals cannot be accepted lightly. Also with the cost of re-laying damaged concrete roads significantly higher, the civic body opted for a stricter approach to discourage unauthorised digging," said a BMC official. He added that the revision in penalty has been done by the infrastructure wing of the BMC which is currently involved in the cement concretisation of roads. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 of These Questions Correctly. IQ International Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A BMC official involved in the Ganeshotsav preparations for the city said that there was also a case in the court wherein an NGO had pointed out that the penalty for mandals damaging city roads was too low. "Therefore the deputy municipal commissioner, infrastructure, proposed the penalty which has also received a sanction of the municipal commissioner," he said. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, the coordinating body of Ganesh mandals in the city, has demanded that the BMC revoke the new Rs 15,000 penalty for digging holes in the ground. Issuing a list of demands from the civic body and police authorities for Ganeshotsav, the samiti sought waiver of police cases against karyakartas, removal of abandoned vehicles near mandaps, and urged police to not prevent music bands from joining their aagman processions. Samiti president Naresh Dahibawkar said former CM Eknath Shinde had waived all fees for mandals so the present govt should do so too. The samiti pointed to its new privilege as "state festival" and said it expected "respectful treatment from the govt authorities".
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
The Magical Festival Glow That Turns Mumbai Into a Dreamland
Mumbai, the mesmerizing financial capital of India, is characterized by its speed, continuous skyscrapers, and congested local trains. But behind its proactive facade is a city with deep roots in culture. When major festivals come around, Mumbai experiences an astonishing transformation. Streets come alive with deep passion, neighborhoods join hands in appreciation, and cities are decorated with a spectrum of colors, extravagant lights, and creative masterpieces. The city does not reserve its vibrantly colorful view from Diwali's golden glow to Ganesh Chaturthi's grand processions, instead, it showcases a fantastic sight year round. These events are not just ceremonies, they change how the city is defined. Diwali: The Where Everything is Fast-Paced, Now Glimmering and Radiating in Light The festival of lights, Diwali, turns Mumbai into a glittering wonderland. Around the time of celebration, sites such as Crawford Market, Zaveri Bazaar, and Linking Road resemble megaliths with towers of incense, mounds of sweets, and astonishing glowing lanterns. The shops go head to head with each other using garlands of marigold, sconces, and LED fairy lights to shine brighter than the previously competing shop. Both the ghetto and the high class areas of the city sparkle with illuminated diyas lining the windows, showcasing the victory of luminosity over obscurity. The spectacular light displays decorating Mumbai's famous structures like Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus put the city in a festive mood. Fireworks light up the sky over Marine Drive and families sitting on terraces taking in the view share sweets and laughter. Strangers greet each other and traffic slows down as neighborhoods become centers of glee. The rush of the city is set aside Diwali. The warmth and festive spirit is what one experiences during this time as the city softens a bit. Ganesh Chaturthi: When the City Bows to the Elephant God Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi is an experience like no other. The city celebrates the festival for ten days and does so by honoring Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. It is through enormous and artistically designed pandals (temporary shrines) that this city comes alive. Idols made from gold-leaf, fluorescent paint and other eco-friendly materials beautifully capture the modern and traditional aspects of our country. Every locality has its own shrine, the Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most famous and draws millions of devotees. The visarjan (immersion) procession is the festival's highlight. As millions of people fill the streets to celebrate with dance, music, and chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya!', they bring their idols to the sea. Chowpatty Beach and Girgaon turn into oceans of people as the city prepares to say goodbye to their cherished deity. The immersion serves as a representation of the multitasking spirit of Mumbai, meaning the willingness to change while still maintaining possession of one's faith. In the current eco-friendly age, the celebrations have been further enhanced with the introduction of clay idols and artificial ponds to aid in environmental sustainability. Christmas in the Tropics: A Frosty Fantasy While being a minority, Mumbai's Christian population certainly knows how to celebrate the holiday season as they decorate the city in green and red. Bandra is known for being home to iconic churches such as the Mount Mary Basilica, which transform into celebratory centers. Streets are filled with star-shaped lanterns, tinsel-covered Christmas trees, and life-sized Nativity decorations. There are also overflowing bakeries on Hill Road and Byculla with carolers enthusiastically performing in English, Konkani, and Marathi. Malls and business districts in Mumbai get into the spirit by putting out decorations featuring Santa Claus cutouts, fake snow machines, and reindeer displays adorned with glitter. Windows often bear a faux frost while parks like Oval Maidan turn into Christmas carnivals. The joyous inclusivity of the festival brings in people from all religions who come together to celebrate by attending Bandra's Midnight Mass or sharing cakes with neighbors, signifying the secular heart of the city. Eid-ul-Fitr: A Feast Under the Moonlit Sky Celebrating Eid marks the end of Ramadan and gets the Mohammed Ali Road and Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai's Muslim dominated areas lively. Stalls offering caps, ittar (perfume), and mehndi designs line the streets. These areas are a heaven for food lovers, with sizzling kebabs, syrupy phirnis and flaky malpuas drawing people from all over the city during the night. The minarets of Haji Ali Dargah and Jama Masjid are illuminated with fairy lights which showcase their beauty during the night. Non Muslims indulging in desserts like seviyan (vermicelli pudding) and those shopping for goodies highlight the community spirit of the festival. Even after considering the pluralism of the city, Eid is a stark reminder of the joy that brings people of all backgrounds together. Navratri And Dussehra: Nine Nights of Dance and Drama Garba dances places across parks, clubs, and even parking lots are turned into venues by the Gujarati and the Marwari during Navratri in Mumbai. Women dressed in chaniya cholis and men dressed in kurtas dance elegantly to rhythmic music. In addition, during Dussehra, outdoor spaces are filled with Ram Leela performances and at the end of the highlight of the show where giant effigies of Ravana are set on fire to illuminate the night landscape. Conclusion: A City That Celebrates as One Instead of a migration form of art witnessing abandoned structures, the resurrection of Mumbai will celebrate hope and defiance. These festivals have proven to transcend the boundaries of religion, caste or boundaries of a community. The towns transform into courtyards, commuters change into friends for a festive occasion. The city, illuminated by dazzling lights, emerges out of deep sleep to mark the festivities and celebrates unity in diversity. From this we learn that 'Hero is someone who can reverse the pessimism downpour,' and that, amidst the chaos of Mumbai, it stands steadfast ready to redeem itself.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ganpati mandals decry hike in pothole penalty from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000, seek roll-back
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvaya Samiti, an umbrella body of Ganpati mandals from across the city, on Sunday urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to scrap the recent hike in penalty for potholes near Ganpati pandals from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 per pothole. Representative Image (PTI) The hike will place unreasonable financial burden on organisers of the festival and leave them susceptible to penal action, said advocate Naresh Dahibawkar, chairman of the Samiti which represents around 2,000 Ganpati mandals. 'Such strict enforcement is not there even for contractors who construct poor roads,' said Dahibawkar. 'We will follow up with both the BMC and the state government to seek cancellation of the fine.' For several years now, the BMC has been levying penalties on Ganpati mandals for potholes found in the vicinity of Ganpati pandals after the festival. Till last year, the penalty was ₹2,000 per pothole. But on July 21 this year, the civic body issued a circular notifying a hike in the fine to ₹15,000 per pothole. Ganpati mandals across the city, including the richest and most popular ones, were alarmed by the decision. More so because they were expecting some concessions after the state government, on July 10, declared Ganeshotsav the state festival. At a meeting of the Samiti held on Saturday in Dadar, representatives of various mandals raised concerns about the hike, and unanimously resolved to urge the authorities for a rollback. 'Many mandals take the initiative to fill potholes after the festival,' said a mandal representative who attended the meeting. 'Yet, the BMC is targeting mandals. This is grossly unfair.' Mandal representatives also raised other concerns during Saturday's meeting, including BMC's insistence on undertakings for immersion of plaster of paris idols, the need for insurance coverage for both mandals and devotees, and coordination with traffic and police officers during the 10-day festival. After listening to concerns of various mandals, the Samiti resolved to take up the demand for scrapping the penalty hike with the civic body and the state government. It also constituted two sub-committees – one each for the eastern and western suburbs – to better address hyperlocal issues faced by mandals.
