Latest news with #GovernmentOfIndia
Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
On the right track: Indian Railways accelerates modernisation drive with Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
New Delhi: The Indian Railways is reinventing itself — not just as a logistical juggernaut but as a symbol of modern India's infrastructural ambition. At the heart of this sweeping change is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a visionary initiative to revitalise railway stations across the country, turning them into modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly transit hubs. A new era for railway stations The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by the Government of India, seeks to redevelop over 1,300 railway stations in phases. These stations are being upgraded with a focus on passenger convenience, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. The idea is to shift away from the outdated utilitarian model and build integrated urban hubs that reflect local culture, provide seamless transit experiences, and promote economic growth. Some of the key features of this modernisation effort include world-class amenities such as executive lounges, air-conditioned waiting areas, retail outlets, and food courts, improved accessibility with escalators, lifts, foot overbridges, and provision for the differently-abled, sustainable architecture, featuring solar panels, water recycling systems, and green cover, and multimodal integration to ensure smooth connectivity between railways and other forms of public transport. Notably, railway stations such as Rani Kamalapati (formerly Habibganj) in Bhopal and Gandhinagar Capital in Gujarat have already emerged as models of what the future holds. These stations showcase architectural elegance combined with cutting-edge facilities, standing toe-to-toe with international counterparts. Digitisation and smart services Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Indian Railways is also embracing digital transformation at an unprecedented scale. The introduction of smart ticketing, real-time train tracking apps, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytics is revolutionising how the network is managed and experienced. The UTS app (Unreserved Ticketing System) has made ticket purchasing more efficient and paperless for millions of daily passengers. Additionally, digital boards, automated announcements in multiple languages, and AI-powered surveillance systems are being rolled out to make stations safer and more informative. Vande Bharat: India's flagbearer of speed and comfort Modernisation extends beyond stations into the rolling stock itself. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express marks a new chapter in high-speed, semi-luxury rail travel. With multiple Vande Bharat routes already operational and more in the pipeline, the train has come to symbolise India's engineering capabilities and commitment to world-class transport. Freight corridors and logistics innovation Passenger amenities are just one part of the picture. The Indian Railways is also undergoing a parallel transformation in its freight operations. The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)—Eastern and Western—are designed to decongest passenger lines and dramatically improve freight efficiency. These corridors are equipped with modern signalling systems and allow for longer, faster, and heavier trains to move bulk goods across vast distances with reduced turnaround times. As a result, logistics costs for Indian industry are expected to drop significantly, boosting the country's global trade competitiveness. Complementing this is the rise of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, enabling public-private partnerships in logistics. These multimodal hubs facilitate seamless movement of goods by integrating railways with roadways, ports, and air cargo systems. Focus on sustainability Modernisation is being pursued with a strong emphasis on green goals. Indian Railways has set a target to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 — a bold move for an enterprise of its size and scale. To achieve the goal, Indian Railways has electrified more than 85% of broad-gauge routes, drastically cutting diesel dependence, and has adopted solar energy across railway premises and operations. From installing solar panels on station rooftops to introducing energy-efficient LED lighting systems, the Indian Railways is firmly committed to sustainable practices. Skilling and employment generation As it evolves, the Indian Railways continues to honour its legacy as a massive employment generator. The modernisation push is creating new opportunities for engineers, architects, technicians, data scientists, and service personnel. It is also spawning ancillary industries such as construction, manufacturing, and digital services. Railway training institutes across India are being upgraded to impart modern skill sets, including digital literacy, AI, and automation. The integration of advanced technologies is encouraging a cultural shift in how the railways operate — blending traditional values with future-ready innovation. Bringing India closer together Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this transformation is its inclusive reach. Stations in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities — often overlooked in earlier development phases — are now receiving significant attention under the Amrit Bharat vision. Whether it is Puri in Odisha, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, or Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the focus is on pan-India development, bridging the urban-rural divide. By enhancing last-mile connectivity and uplifting infrastructure in remote regions, the Indian Railways is playing a pivotal role in national integration and equitable development. A national renaissance on rails As India steps confidently into its Amrit Kaal — the era leading up to its 100th year of independence in 2047 — the Indian Railways stands as a symbol of both continuity and change. With the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as its flagship initiative and a series of transformative projects in its stride, the Railways is laying the tracks for a future that is sustainable, efficient, inclusive, and proudly Indian.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Modi's Cool Move: Why The New AC Temperature Guideline Is Smarter & Greener
Last Updated: Under Modi's leadership, there has been a strong commitment to transitioning towards a sustainable and green energy future. The Government Of India could soon regulate the temperature of your air conditioners. Sounds weird right, but it's happening and the major air conditioner manufacturers are complying. In an attempt to control electricity consumption, the government is planning to standardise air conditioner temperatures. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently said in a press conference, 'The temperature should be between 20℃ to 28℃ for all ACs, according to these new regulations, I don't think any of us even use the AC at temperatures below 20℃'. While well-intentioned, this one-size-fits-all approach risks overlooking individual comfort needs and begs the question: why is the government regulating the temperature of my air conditioner? The logic is quite clear: to alleviate pressure on an increasingly strained power grid. Air conditioners currently account for approximately 50 gigawatts (GW) of electricity use, nearly one-fifth of the nation's maximum power load. Approximately one billion tonnes of coal was burnt to meet this rising electricity demand. The regulation is important given that more and more people are now able to afford air conditioners, and consequently sales are going up. Over 14 million AC units were sold last year. This has led to a share of household electricity use to rise from 22 per cent in 2012–13 to 25 per cent in 2022–23. But why is there such a high demand for ACs and residential cooling? In 2024, India recorded 536 heatwave days, the highest in 14 years, with temperatures rising to 49.2°C. It was officially the warmest year. 11,000 heat-related deaths were recorded between 2012-2021. In 2024, more than 200 heat-related deaths were recorded. Even an incremental one-degree Celsius increase in AC temperature can cut energy use by 6%. Projections suggest that tighter energy regulations for ACs could save up to 60 GW of peak demand by 2035, potentially avoiding the need to spend ₹7.5 trillion (approximately $88 billion) on building new power plants and grid systems. Apart from the economic savings for the government and climate protection one of the more underappreciated aspects of the temperature guideline is the positive impact it can have on personal health. Low indoor temperatures below 20 °C could potentially cause temperature shocks. It can lead to fatigue, increased stress on internal organs, and even respiratory issues. A moderate setting around 22°C to 24°C helps the body transition more smoothly between indoor and outdoor conditions, reducing health risks. Setting air conditioners at 22 °C also has specific benefits for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, or those with existing respiratory conditions. Lower temperatures can also flare up cold-induced ailments such as asthma, joint pain, or sinus irritation. Additionally, sleep quality tends to improve when indoor temperatures aren't set too low. Why India Is Not Unique Globally, countries are taking similar steps as what India has proposed. Often these are stricter. India's 20–28 °C range, is more flexible than the range of most countries. Modi the Green Warrior Under Modi's leadership, there has been a strong commitment to transitioning towards a sustainable and green energy future. A pivotal moment was at the COP 26 summit in Glasgow, where Modi announced India's ambitious 'Panchamrit" plan, committing the nation to achieving net-zero by 2070. To help fuel this green transition, Modi government introduced sovereign green bonds to attract investment for projects. Domestically, the PM has spearheaded the Green India Mission since 2014 to enhance the country's forest cover. This has led to a consistent increase in forest cover to 25.17 per cent. In urban areas, focus has been on sustainability and waste management. Schemes like Swachh Bharat have reduced groundwater contamination and improved public health. Silent Revolution in Energy Efficiency While AC temperature standardisation is the latest government initiative, under the Modi government there has been concerted efforts in reducing electricity consumption. Green building designs are an integral part of the Smart Cities Mission. These envisage more use of solar energy, water conservation, smart lighting and energy efficient HVAC systems. Many Smart City projects have incorporated GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) or IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) standards. GRIHA is India's green building rating system, developed by the GRIHA Council and TERI in 2007. It was revamped in 2019 under the Modi government to align with global sustainability goals and India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. High-profile state-backed projects have focussed on energy efficiency. Take for example, the Bharat Mandapam, where 43.5% reduction in energy consumption has been achieved through efficient AC systems and the integration of 400 KWp of solar PV panels. Similarly, at the new Parliament building, energy-efficient lighting has helped save over 50% power. New sustainable building codes such as the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code for commercial buildings and Eco Niwas Samhita for residential buildings have also been deployed by the Modi government, which aim to reduce electricity consumption by 18 per cent. Modi also spearheaded programmes like UJALA which distributed over 36.87 crore LED bulbs, resulting in estimated energy savings of 48.41 billion kWh and avoiding a peak demand of 9,789 MW. The Street Lighting National Programme has installed over 1.31 crore LED streetlights, saving 8.82 billion kWh annually. Keeping the Lights On The Modi government has been at the forefront in driving capacity addition to existing power infrastructure. Per capita electricity consumption in India has increased to 1,395 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2023-24, marking a substantial 45.8 per cent increase from 957 kWh in 2013-14. Rural areas now enjoy an average of 21.9 hours of electricity daily, up from 12.5 hours in 2014, while urban areas receive up to 23.4 hours, reflecting significant improvements in reliability and reach. Power generation has been a major focus area. India's total installed power generation capacity has surged by an impressive 83.8 per cent since March 2014. India successfully met an all-time maximum power demand of 250 GW during FY 2024-25, with energy shortages reducing to a mere 0.1 per cent from 4.2 per cent in FY 2013-14. The contribution from green energy sources is also rising. Since April 2014, 129 GW of renewable energy capacity has been added, including a substantial 91 GW of solar power. However, there are challenges ahead. In the next two-three decades India faces an estimated investment gap of USD 1 to 2 trillion in energy infrastructure to achieve its target of 500 GW of clean power by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. top videos View all The core challenge is to balance escalating energy demands and rising aspirations with climate change considerations. While standardisation of AC temperatures, from the outside, seems like an unnecessary and intrusive move, it does play a part in reducing energy consumption in the longer term. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. tags : air conditioner global warming Narendra Modi Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 17:31 IST News opinion Modi's Cool Move: Why The New AC Temperature Guideline Is Smarter & Greener | Opinion
Times of Oman
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
BCCI decides to suspend the remainder of IPL 2025 for a week
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with immediate effect for one week, as per a release from BCCI media advisory. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders. The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. "At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces, and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan's armed forces. While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation," a statement from the board said. The development comes on the heels of Thursday night's unfortunate incident at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, where the highly anticipated match between PBKS and DC was called off. The IPL has entered it closing stages with the final originally scheduled for May 25.
