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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Commuters demand urgent improvements on overcrowded Thane Kalyan rail stretch
Thane: Nearly two months after the Mumbra train mishap spotlighted inadequate suburban rail services, commuter groups are demanding urgent intervention to improve conditions on the overcrowded Thane-Kalyan stretch. Activists have called on the railway administration to implement out-of-the-box solutions, such as starting Diva-originating locals and shuttles between Thane and Karjat/Kasara using the under-utilised 5th and 6th railway lines. The aim is to ease the burden on packed trains, especially during peak hours, they said. Commuter rights group members have written to the Railway Ministry, and some, like activist Amol Kendre from Diva, have even approached the Bombay High Court, seeking directions to run more Diva-CSMT locals and halt fast trains at intermediate stations like Diva and Dombivli. "The density of suburban commuters has grown significantly, but local services haven't kept pace. This is forcing people to travel in dangerously overcrowded trains, and the numbers of casualties and injuries are still high," said Om Prakash Sharma of the Thane District Rail Passengers Association, who recently wrote to the Railway Board. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A passenger travelling on the Kalyan-Karjat route complained of how they were unable to board trains en route. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo "It is difficult to enter Karjat-Kasara trains in the evening from Thane or Kalyan, often leading to fights over boarding as many short destination commuters block the gangway, leaving us to either travel by long-distance trains or wait for the next train that operates once every hour," said the commuter. Rajesh Ghangav of the Kalyan-Kasara Passengers Association suggested operating dedicated shuttles every 30–45 minutes from the far-flung suburbs of Karjat and Kasara to Thane. "Most long-distance commuters disembark at Thane. Running shuttles on 5-6 lines that could skip halts at Diva and Dombivli could provide an alternative for long-distance passengers and also reduce accident risks on the stretch," he said. Railway officials, however, confirmed no decisions were made yet about any upgrade, including Diva-originating locals or additional halts at the station for fast trains.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, BSF arms VDGs along Pak border with semi-automatic weapons
Post-Operation Sindoor and with the Amarnath Yatra coming up from July 3, the BSF has begun training village defence guards (VDGs) in operating semi-automatic self-loading rifles (SLRs) in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to check infiltration and take on terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons. The BSF, which began training VDGs in a phased manner along the 200-km border with Pakistan a week ago, has already equipped VDGs in Kathua and Samba districts with skills to operate and maintain SLRs. At present, the training is underway in Ranbir Singh (RS) Pura sector of Jammu and Arnia in Akhnoor. VDGs in Rajouri and Poonch districts will be undergoing in the next phase. 'Our training is based on weapon drills, night patrols, swift communication with BSF posts and emergency response to any contingency,' a Border Security Force officer said, requesting anonymity. 'VDGs are the eyes, ears and arms of the forces. They play a significant role in counter-terror operations and ensure vigil on inimical elements with the overall aim of ensuring lasting peace,' he said. 'Our BSF instructors have trained us on how to take position and engage terrorists for around three to four hours till the time security forces arrive in the event of an attack,' Jasvir Singh, a VDG from RS Pura, said, adding 'We are with our forces and shall abide by their directions.' The training assumes significance in the backdrop of the terror attack at Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead on April 22 and triggered the targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor on May 7. After the weapon upgrade and training, VDGs said they are better equipped to take on terrorists armed with US M4 carbines and AK-47s. Earlier, the estimated 6,000 VDGs in Jammu and Kashmir had been armed with obsolete 303 rifles. Guards at Dhangri village in Rajouri district were an exception after they were provided SLRs and Insas rifles in the wake of the terror attack in 2023 that left seven members of a Hindu family dead. 'The 303 rifles had to be loaded after each fire, but now they have been replaced with SLRs. It gives us more confidence and we are ready to do our bit,' said Om Prakash Sharma, another VDG. After the Dhangri terror attack on January 1, 2023, the Union home ministry had issued over 200 SLRs to the VDGs in Rajouri district to effectively take on Pakistani terrorists. Former Jammu and Kashmir director general of police SP Vaid, who was the man behind the setting up of village defence committees in the border areas, backed the weapon upgrade and training. 'I completely endorse the move. They (VDGs) must be trained in SLRs. When I was deputy inspector general (DIG), Jammu, in 2000, I had formed VDCs from Kathua to Akhnoor. In the rapidly changing war dynamics, this move is definitely going to give more teeth to the security forces in combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.' Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated 875 village defence committees (VDCs) with nearly 6,000 VDGs. VDCs are an important part of the anti-terrorism grid and were first set up in the mid-1990s in the Chenab Valley to arm villagers to defend themselves against Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
News18
30-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Age No Bar: Himachal Senior Citizens Clinch 4 Silver Medals At World Masters Athletics Games
Last Updated: At the World Masters Athletics Games, Om Prakash Sharma (70+) and Ajeet Singh (65+) won two silver medals each, bringing pride to India with their stellar performance While most people over the age of 60 choose retirement to relax at home, two senior citizens from Una in Himachal Pradesh decided to make their mark in athletics on the world stage. Competing in the 65+ and 70+ age groups, both won silver medals for India. Their remarkable performance at the World Masters Athletics Games, recently held in New Taipei City, Taiwan, has made the nation proud. Om Prakash Sharma, competing in the 70+ category, and Ajeet Singh, in the 65+ category, represented India and each won two silver medals in different events, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination internationally. While their achievements inspire the younger generation, both athletes expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the government and local administration. Om Prakash Sharma shared that although winning a medal for the country was an emotional moment, he had to bear the entire cost of travel and participation himself. He also urged the youth to stay away from drugs and embrace sports, which not only promote good health but also offer recognition at any stage of life. Ajeet Singh, who took up athletics after retirement, also brought home two silver medals. He said that reaching the international level in just eight years is a matter of great pride. However, he too was disheartened by the absence of any recognition or encouragement from the authorities, despite such significant achievements. Both athletes highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining physical and mental well-being. They called for better support systems and appreciation for senior athletes, and encouraged people of all ages to embrace sports as a lifelong pursuit. First Published: May 30, 2025, 09:15 IST
