Latest news with #KhurshidAhmad
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
How Patna Water Metro can transform the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently announced that Patna will soon get water metro services, transforming the city into a hub for inland water transport on the Ganga. Earlier this year, the Inland Waterways Authority of India had initiated a detailed feasibility study for the project, and asked Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) — which runs a successful water metro service — to assess its potential along the Ganga and its tributaries. Patna's roads are perennially crowded. Major arteries like Gandhi Setu, Phulwarisharif, Bypass Road, and Danapur frequently witness gridlocks, affecting everyone from office goers to school children. The problem is compounded by the movement of heavy vehicles, especially sand-laden trucks, which have been permitted entry on certain routes. According to police data, there is a significant mismatch between the number of vehicles on the roads and the city's capacity to handle them. While mining associations reportedly release around 1,000 trucks daily, Patna's infrastructure can efficiently accommodate only about a quarter of that number. This persistent overload results in daily traffic crises, with breakdowns on critical infrastructure like Gandhi Setu causing hours-long jams. Beyond congestion, Patna's linear layout and riverine boundaries limit the scope for road expansion. The city is hemmed in by the Ganga to the north, the Sone near Hajipur to the west and the Punpun to the south. This unique geography, while constraining road growth, offers an under-utilised resource in the form of its rivers. Philanthropist Khurshid Ahmad, founder of Advantage Services, claims that the concept of a water-based metro for Patna was first publicly discussed at his 'Advantage Dialogue: Opinion That Matters – Main Hoon Bihar' event last September, where architect Vishnu Choudhary suggested harnessing Patna's rivers for mass transit 'on the lines of Venice and Kerela' and to turn the city's geographical constraints into its greatest asset. What is the Water Metro model? A water metro is a modern, scheduled passenger ferry system using electric or hybrid vessels, operating much like a metro rail, except on water. The concept was first realised in India with the Kochi Water Metro, launched in 2023, which now connects 10 islands with the mainland via electric boats operating from multiple terminals. The Kochi system, implemented by KMRL with German funding support, has already served over 40 lakh passengers. Patna's proposed water metro draws directly from this model. Instead of connecting islands, Patna's system will primarily serve the city's east-west axis along the Ganga, with potential for cross-river routes to Hajipur and Sonepur. What is the status of the Patna project? The IWAI has tasked KMRL with conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for Patna. In April-May, KMRL teams visited key sites including NIT Ghat, Gai Ghat, Digha Ghat, Kaunhara Ghat (Hajipur), and Sonepur, surveying river conditions during the dry season. A second round of surveys is scheduled during the monsoon (June–September), when the Ganga's water levels and sedimentation patterns change dramatically. The study covers hydrographic analysis (river depth, sedimentation, seasonal variations), as well as demand estimation through commuter surveys, origin-destination mapping, and integration with city plans. The Bihar government has nominated a senior official as nodal officer to coordinate with KMRL to identify optimal routes, estimate ridership, and model costs and revenues for a viable, sustainable system. The timeline for implementation will be clearer once the feasibility assessment is complete, with the project expected to follow a phased rollout prioritising high-demand routes and integration with existing and upcoming transport systems. What are the main challenges? Seasonal Sedimentation and Water Level Fluctuations: The Ganga's depth and flow vary widely between dry and monsoon seasons, affecting both navigation and terminal design. Infrastructural Gaps: Existing ferry services are informal and lack modern amenities. The water metro will require new, covered terminals, safe docking, ticketing systems, maintenance facilities, and charging infrastructure for electric boats. Unorganised Ferry Operations: Current river transport is largely unregulated, with dozens of small ferries lacking standard safety protocols. Regulatory and Administrative Complexity: Multiple agencies and departments will need to coordinate, requiring clear frameworks for safety, operations and revenue sharing. What are the expected benefits? If implemented effectively, the Patna Water Metro could deliver multiple advantages: Decongestion: By offering a direct, traffic-free alternative along the river, the water metro could ease pressure on Patna's busiest roads, especially for commuters living along the riverbanks from Koilwar to Bakhtiyarpur. Environmental Gains: Electric and hybrid ferries emit far less pollution than cars or trucks. Inland water transport can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to six times per tonne-km compared to road transport, helping Patna address its other major problem of air quality. Improved Connectivity: Plans include 16 new community jetties and two modern terminals, with hybrid catamaran vessels and a local vessel repair facility, enhancing both passenger and cargo movement. Cost-Effective Travel: Water transit can move large numbers of passengers or cargo at lower per-person costs, making it an affordable alternative for daily commuters. Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate jobs in construction, boat-building, operations, and tourism. Riverfront development around jetties could spur new markets, restaurants, and public spaces, while scenic ferry rides may boost tourism. How will it fit with other transport projects? The water metro is designed to complement Patna's upcoming rail metro, whose first phase is set to open on August 15. The city's new Blue Line will connect Patna Junction with the Inter-State Bus Terminal, and water metro terminals are expected to be planned near major transport hubs, residential areas, and markets to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity. How does this align with national plans? Patna's water metro is part of a broader national push to develop urban water transport. The city sits on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), a 1,390-km stretch of the Ganga from Varanasi to Haldia. The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), a Rs 5,061 crore initiative led by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, with completion expected by December, has built terminals and dredged channels along NW-1, providing vital infrastructure for further exploration to Patna's Water Metro. What are the potential long-term impacts? A successful water metro could catalyse broader urban renewal along Patna's riverfront, as well as help develop Hajipur as its sister city, by sparking redevelopment, tourism infrastructure, and commercial growth. Socially, it promises affordable, accessible transport for all, including the elderly and disabled, while connecting riverside communities and creating new employment opportunities.
The Guardian
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Khurshid Ahmad obituary
My friend Khurshid Ahmad, who has died aged 93, was a pioneering scholar admired for helping to develop the field of Islamic economics as an academic discipline. In 1973 he founded the Islamic Foundation in Leicester, a centre dedicated to research, education and training that has published more than 400 books and papers. It is now housed at the Markfield Conference Centre in Markfield, Leicestershire. Khurshid believed that conventional banking methods produce various forms of injustice, and he was deeply opposed to the charging of interest to people who borrow money. Much of his work was based on trying to find alternatives to interest-charging that were compliant with ethical Islamic principles. Khurshid was born in Delhi, in India, to Nazir Ahmad Qureishi, a journalist and businessman, and Sarwar Jahan. He attended the Anglo-Arabic school in Delhi, then, following the birth of the state of Pakistan in 1947, migrated with his family to Lahore. After gaining a degree in economics from Karachi University, followed by a master's in Islamic studies, he taught economics in Karachi at the Urdu College and Karachi University. He moved to the UK in 1968 to do a PhD, and after setting up the Islamic Foundation, he served as its chairman until his retirement in 2017. He was awarded a number of honorary doctorates, including by Loughborough University and the University of Malaya in Malaysia. Khurshid's wife, Azra (nee Mohebullah), whom he married in 1967, died in 2015. He is survived by their sons, Haris, Salman and Umer, and daughters, Asma, Salma and Fariha, and by his brother, Anis.
Mint
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
15 civilians killed, 43 injured in Pakistan's ‘barbaric' shelling in J&K's Poonch and Tangdhar after Operation Sindoor
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir region witnessed heavy shelling from across the border on Wednesday. Soon after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' early Wednesday, Pakistan's 'barbaric' shelling left a trail of destruction – damaged houses, broken shops, burnt vehicles, bloodstains and debris-littered streets. At least 15 people were killed and 43 others injured in the cross-border artillery and mortar shelling from the Pakistani army along the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir. 'Artillery firing by the Pakistan Army since last night has hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdhar. Caused the death of 15 innocent civilians and injured 43 others,' defence officials said. Among the worst-hit border areas was Poonch district. Rajouri district in Jammu region, and Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara district also witnessed the Pakistani shelling. Residents and officials described the indiscriminate shelling by Pakistani forces as 'barbaric and cowardly', according to the PTI report. The shelling started around 2 AM in the entire border belt, leaving dozens of residential houses damaged, with their inhabitants running for cover after being woken up by the deafening sound of explosions. The Pakistani forces used heavy artillery and mortars, targeting dozens of forward villages and densely populated civilian areas in Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi and Poonch city, a police officer said, according to a PTI report. 'Targeting unarmed civilians is not bravery. It was is a cowardly act by Pakistan,' the officer said, as per the report. 'It was like a war zone with the injured screaming for help and families forced to look for cover. The damage could be seen everywhere,' Mohd Zahid, a local resident, said as he thanked his luck for escaping the shelling. Over 150 residents of Dhaki have shifted to the homes of their relatives after more than a dozen houses were damaged by the shelling. 'We were not expecting such a situation at the dead of the night. We were lucky to survive the shelling and, therefore, it was better to move to some safer place for the time being,' said Khurshid Ahmad, a resident of Dhaki. 'Pakistan is retaliating to India's operation by targeting the civilian population. They missed the military targets and shelled us heavily overnight, killing our people and injuring many. The damage to our homes and property is massive,' said Sardar Navneet Singh from Mankote. Videos circulating on social media showed the horror unfolding in the affected areas, drawing widespread outrage. The officials said the Indian Army is responding to the shelling in a befitting manner, resulting in many casualties on the enemy side after several of their posts engaged in firing were destroyed, according to the report. India launched 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Indian Air Force (IAF) hit nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday.
Economic Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in J-K's Poonch
PTI Poonch: A civilian looks at damaged properties after heavy firing and shelling by Pakistan military overnight across the Line of Control and International Border, at Mendhar area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. At least three civilians were killed and ten injured in the incident, according to officials. Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left behind a trail of destruction on Wednesday. Nine people were killed and 28 others injured in the cross-border artillery and mortar shelling in this worst-hit border district, soon after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' early Wednesday to hit nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The Pakistani shelling was not only restricted to Poonch, but was also witnessed in the forward areas of nearby Rajouri district in Jammu region, and Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara district. The indiscriminate shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am in the entire border belt, leaving dozens of residential houses damaged with their inhabitants running for cover after being woken up by the deafening sound of explosions. The Pakistani response involved the use of heavy artillery and mortars, targeting dozens of forward villages and densely-populated civilian areas in Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi and Poonch city, a police officer monitoring the situation on the ground said. The shelling left a trail of destruction -- damaged houses, broken shops, burnt vehicles, bloodstains, and debris-littered streets. Even heritage sites like the Poonch Fort and ancient temples were not spared. "Targeting unarmed civilians is not bravery. It was is a cowardly act by Pakistan," the officer said. The residents in Poonch city reported a sleepless and terrifying night with shells exploding in close quarters, echoing through the hills. "It was like a war zone with the injured screaming for help and families forced to look for cover. The damage could be seen everywhere," Mohd Zahid, a local resident, said as he thanked his luck for escaping the shelling. More than 150 residents of Dhaki have shifted to the homes of their relatives after over a dozen residential houses were damaged by the shelling. "We were not expecting such a situation at the dead of the night. We were lucky to survive the shelling and, therefore, it was better to move to some safer place for the time being," said Khurshid Ahmad, a resident of Dhaki. Shells also landed near the UN station and forest department buildings in Poonch, causing extensive damage to both the structures. Five of the shelling victims, including two minor siblings -- Mohd Zain Khan (10) and his elder sister Zoya Khan (12) - died in the vicinity of the town. "Pakistan is retaliating to India's operation by targeting the civilian population. They missed the military targets and shelled us heavily overnight, killing our people and injuring many. The damage to our homes and property is massive," said Sardar Navneet Singh from Mankote. Mankote reported the first of the nine deaths in the Pakistani shelling when a mortar shell hit the house of Kala Singh, killing his wife Balvinder Kour and injuring their 13-year-old daughter. Mohammad Sadiq, a forest guard, said two of his colleagues were wounded after shells exploded near their office. Many frightened residents have started fleeing their homes in search of safer zones. "We are moving to safer places. There's fear everywhere," Maqbool Ahmed, who left Poonch with his family in a private vehicle, said. Videos circulating on social media showed the horror unfolding in the affected areas, drawing widespread outrage. Fire service teams have been deployed to control the blazes sparked by the shells. The local administration is coordinating the relief efforts, even as the situation remains tense with intermittent shells still hitting the area. National Conference MLA Aijaz Jan said, "The situation is worrisome given the damage caused by the shelling. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is closely monitoring the developments." Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP S P Vaid condemned Pakistan for targeting the civilian population. "The Indian forces hit terrorist targets like the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which have targeted security forces and innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 35 years," he said, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for keeping his promise of avenging the Pahalgam killings. However, Vaid said that Pakistan once again exposed its behaviour by targeting civilians living close to the border. The Indian Army is responding "in equal measure" to the ceasefire violations, officials said, reaffirming that civilian safety remained its top priority.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in J-K's Poonch
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left behind a trail of destruction on Wednesday. Nine people were killed and 28 others injured in the cross-border artillery and mortar shelling in this worst-hit border district, soon after India launched ' Operation Sindoor ' early Wednesday to hit nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Pakistani shelling was not only restricted to Poonch, but was also witnessed in the forward areas of nearby Rajouri district in Jammu region, and Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara indiscriminate shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am in the entire border belt, leaving dozens of residential houses damaged with their inhabitants running for cover after being woken up by the deafening sound of Pakistani response involved the use of heavy artillery and mortars, targeting dozens of forward villages and densely-populated civilian areas in Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi and Poonch city, a police officer monitoring the situation on the ground shelling left a trail of destruction -- damaged houses, broken shops, burnt vehicles, bloodstains, and debris-littered streets. Even heritage sites like the Poonch Fort and ancient temples were not spared."Targeting unarmed civilians is not bravery. It was is a cowardly act by Pakistan," the officer residents in Poonch city reported a sleepless and terrifying night with shells exploding in close quarters, echoing through the hills."It was like a war zone with the injured screaming for help and families forced to look for cover. The damage could be seen everywhere," Mohd Zahid, a local resident, said as he thanked his luck for escaping the than 150 residents of Dhaki have shifted to the homes of their relatives after over a dozen residential houses were damaged by the shelling."We were not expecting such a situation at the dead of the night. We were lucky to survive the shelling and, therefore, it was better to move to some safer place for the time being," said Khurshid Ahmad, a resident of also landed near the UN station and forest department buildings in Poonch, causing extensive damage to both the of the shelling victims, including two minor siblings -- Mohd Zain Khan (10) and his elder sister Zoya Khan (12) - died in the vicinity of the town."Pakistan is retaliating to India's operation by targeting the civilian population. They missed the military targets and shelled us heavily overnight, killing our people and injuring many. The damage to our homes and property is massive," said Sardar Navneet Singh from reported the first of the nine deaths in the Pakistani shelling when a mortar shell hit the house of Kala Singh, killing his wife Balvinder Kour and injuring their 13-year-old Sadiq, a forest guard, said two of his colleagues were wounded after shells exploded near their office. Many frightened residents have started fleeing their homes in search of safer zones."We are moving to safer places. There's fear everywhere," Maqbool Ahmed, who left Poonch with his family in a private vehicle, circulating on social media showed the horror unfolding in the affected areas, drawing widespread service teams have been deployed to control the blazes sparked by the shells. The local administration is coordinating the relief efforts, even as the situation remains tense with intermittent shells still hitting the Conference MLA Aijaz Jan said, "The situation is worrisome given the damage caused by the shelling. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is closely monitoring the developments."Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP S P Vaid condemned Pakistan for targeting the civilian population."The Indian forces hit terrorist targets like the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which have targeted security forces and innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 35 years," he said, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for keeping his promise of avenging the Pahalgam Vaid said that Pakistan once again exposed its behaviour by targeting civilians living close to the Indian Army is responding "in equal measure" to the ceasefire violations, officials said, reaffirming that civilian safety remained its top priority.
