Latest news with #Palkhi
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Maha Metro explores increasing train frequency to every five minutes on two major routes
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: Two Metro routes, Vanaz-Ramwadi and PCMC-Swargate, will soon have more daily trips to tackle increased commuter footfall, officials told TOI on Wednesday. The latest assessment by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has recommended an increase in frequency on both routes, with trains expected to run every five minutes over the next couple of months. Metro commuters have demanded increased trips before Ganeshotsav, which is slated to be celebrated around the end of Aug. Footfall at Metro stations is likely to increase significantly around this time. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune At present, trains run every seven minutes during peak hours and at a gap of 10 minutes during non-peak hours. However, travellers have observed a heavy rush during peak hours and are demanding either an increase in trips or the addition of more coaches to the current three-coach trains. A Maha Metro official told TOI, choosing anonymity, "We are already working on technicalities for operating trains at the increased frequency of every five minutes. Attaching more coaches to existing trains will be planned at a later stage." According to Maha Metro, on average, 1.75 lakh people are travelling daily on both routes. Until a couple of months ago, the average monthly footfall was around 1.5 lakh. Over 52 lakh commuters travelled by Metro in June, which was the highest monthly footfall since the inception of these services. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Frequent commuters estimated that due to continuous rain for the last one-and-a-half months, coupled with rising traffic jams, more travellers are opting to use the Metro. Karve Road resident Sujit Hande, who works in Kharadi, said he has been travelling to office by Metro for the last couple of months. "So far, the journey has been comfortable. It will be better if the administration operates more trains during morning and evening hours. Frequency should be increased to every four to five minutes," Hande said. Another Maha Metro official said, "Metro has advanced technology in place; trains can run every five minutes. The administration successfully operated trains at five-minute intervals during the time when the Palkhi processions passed through Pune." On the proposal to attach more coaches to existing trains, the official explained that all trains can have six coaches, and even platforms at all Metro stations are equipped for six-coach trains. "However, there is no immediate plan to operate trains with six coaches," the official admitted. Order placed for 12 more trains to add to existing fleet of 34 Maha Metro has placed an order for 12 more rakes, citing the proposed expansion of its services towards Katraj and Nigdi. The Metro administration has 34 rakes at present, and with the additional rakes, the fleet's size will reach 46. The new trains will have three coaches with the provision to add more. The total cost of procurement is Rs430.53 crore and the delivery of trains will take place in phases. Pune: Two Metro routes, Vanaz-Ramwadi and PCMC-Swargate, will soon have more daily trips to tackle increased commuter footfall, officials told TOI on Wednesday. The latest assessment by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has recommended an increase in frequency on both routes, with trains expected to run every five minutes over the next couple of months. Metro commuters have demanded increased trips before Ganeshotsav, which is slated to be celebrated around the end of Aug. Footfall at Metro stations is likely to increase significantly around this time. At present, trains run every seven minutes during peak hours and at a gap of 10 minutes during non-peak hours. However, travellers have observed a heavy rush during peak hours and are demanding either an increase in trips or the addition of more coaches to the current three-coach trains. A Maha Metro official told TOI, choosing anonymity, "We are already working on technicalities for operating trains at the increased frequency of every five minutes. Attaching more coaches to existing trains will be planned at a later stage." According to Maha Metro, on average, 1.75 lakh people are travelling daily on both routes. Until a couple of months ago, the average monthly footfall was around 1.5 lakh. Over 52 lakh commuters travelled by Metro in June, which was the highest monthly footfall since the inception of these services. Frequent commuters estimated that due to continuous rain for the last one-and-a-half months, coupled with rising traffic jams, more travellers are opting to use the Metro. Karve Road resident Sujit Hande, who works in Kharadi, said he has been travelling to office by Metro for the last couple of months. "So far, the journey has been comfortable. It will be better if the administration operates more trains during morning and evening hours. Frequency should be increased to every four to five minutes," Hande said. Another Maha Metro official said, "Metro has advanced technology in place; trains can run every five minutes. The administration successfully operated trains at five-minute intervals during the time when the Palkhi processions passed through Pune." On the proposal to attach more coaches to existing trains, the official explained that all trains can have six coaches, and even platforms at all Metro stations are equipped for six-coach trains. "However, there is no immediate plan to operate trains with six coaches," the official admitted. Order placed for 12 more trains to add to existing fleet of 34 Maha Metro has placed an order for 12 more rakes, citing the proposed expansion of its services towards Katraj and Nigdi. The Metro administration has 34 rakes at present, and with the additional rakes, the fleet's size will reach 46. The new trains will have three coaches with the provision to add more. The total cost of procurement is Rs430.53 crore and the delivery of trains will take place in phases.
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
40 kg of waste in 2.5 hours: How Pune Ploggers helped clean city after Palkhi processions, Sant Tukaram Maharaj, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Shaniwar Wada
Following the Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj near Shaniwar Wada on June 21, a group of 17 volunteers from Pune Ploggers, a non-profit organisation, conducted a cleanup drive in the area. The team collected nearly 40 kilograms of waste during a two-and-a-half-hour cleanup drive left behind after the annual Palkhi procession. 'We came across items like plastic bottles, food containers, footwear, and rubber mobile covers. What stood out were the large sacks of mixed food waste,' said Harsh Jain, 27, a volunteer. He said that most of the waste was located near the temporary food and water distribution areas around Shaniwar Wada. But for volunteers like Jain, this was not a one-off gesture. It is part of a growing commitment among Pune's youth to clean up their city, one plogging at a time — a quiet transformation that has been sweeping through the city. Pune Ploggers was launched in October 2019 by Vivek Gurav, an environmental and solutions consultant from Jaysingpur. The initiative was sparked by the growing pollution in the city. 'After seeing the irresponsible dumping of waste in rivers, I realised the real problem was in the city. It needed a movement that brought people together,' Gurav said. Co-founder Bhushan More echoes the urgency that shaped the idea. 'The flash floods during those years made us realise the need for a wider initiative that involves and brings citizens together,' he said. Since then, the movement has grown to over 20,000 volunteers with chapters across India and the UK. In Pune, they have conducted hundreds of clean-up drives across JM Road, Koregaon Park, Taljai Hills, ARAI Tekdi, and Hanuman Tekdi. The model is simple: jog while picking up litter. 'You pick up litter, save the planet, burn calories, and drop your ego. Most people think this kind of work is beneath them but once they join us, that changes,' More asserted. For Sakshi Jain, 26, it began during the Covid-19 pandemic with a walk along the Mula Mutha River and a desire to make the city cleaner. A friend introduced her to the community, and she now helps organise clean-up drives as part of the core team. Regarding the type of waste they collect during clean-up drives, Jain said, 'On the streets, it is mostly plastic wrappers, coffee cups, and cigarette butts while on riverbeds, we have found everything from textile waste, deity idols, and medical syringes.' More pointed out that biomedical waste is also a recurring issue across most areas of the city. 'We often come across single-use plastic, disposable food packaging, textile waste, religious offerings, and alcohol bottles,' he added. According to internal estimates, the group has collected over two million kilograms of waste, with about 30 per cent being recycled and the rest for segregation and responsible management. Jain said their consistency is making an impact. She said, 'We have been at it for five years now, and people are beginning to notice.' But for the founder, it is more than just clean-ups but it is about creating impact through awareness and community. The initiative is personal for Gurav who said, 'I come from a farming family affected by climate change. This gives citizens like us a voice and to be part of the solution.'
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A musical ode to Vithhal devotees with Maha's abhang tradition
1 2 3 Pune: Music often joins hands with devotion. And when it does, it erases divides of language, musical genre, background and religion, says Carnatic vocalist Ranjani. She is talking about abhang, a form of devotional poetry and singing in the Marathi tradition by Maharashtra's saint-poets, especially associated with the warkari sect and the worship of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. Ranjani adds, "Musicians from south India cherish and celebrate their love of abhangs, and so do rasikas." Timed in the afterglow of the warkari season, as Pune catches its breath after the rhythmic thunder of dindis and the saffron surge of devotion moved on toward Pandharpur, Bolava Vitthal concert returns for its 20th edition on June 28. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune To be held at Balgandharva Rangmandir, JM Road, this musical pilgrimage will offer the city a soul-stirring continuation of what the Palkhi left behind: faith, worship, and the sound of saints echoing through time. "This isn't just a performance," says Shashi Vyas, founder of Pancham Nishad Creatives. "The idea was born with Ganasaraswati Kishori Amonkar as a shared act of devotion. Over two decades, it grew from a small stage event into a movement of sacred sound while keeping its roots in musical and spiritual purity." This year's concert will feature Aarya Ambekar, for whomit's a personal journey through nostalgia. "I still remember the excitement of getting dressed in a white Nauwari saree with a typical varkari style gandh. We'd make thermocol Palkhis at home and carry them to school. Those small rituals as a child unknowingly sowed the seeds of a lifelong emotional connection with this tradition. So when I perform devotional music today, especially abhangs, it feels like I'm not just singing; I'm reliving those moments," said Ambekar. Siddhartha Belmannu and the Carnatic vocal duo Ranjani–Gayatri will also be performing in the are known not just for their virtuosity, but for how they channel the emotion behind abhangs. Accompanying them will be Prasad Padhye (tabla), Sukhad Munde (pakhawaj), Aditya Oke (harmonium), Shadaj Godkhindi (bansuri), and Suryakant Surve (additional rhythms). "Our childhood and growing up years in Mumbai gave us an early exposure to Marathi and abhangs, and it felt very intuitive to sing abhangs—both in terms of lyrics and musicality. The journey sensitised us to robust and melodious voice throw, the beautiful sounds and accent of Marathi, the spiritual message of the great saints, and the simple, raw yet profound renderings of songs by devotees," said Ranjani, adding, "Though the abhang originates in Maharashtra, this musical form captured the imagination of musicians and music lovers across boundaries—both throughout India and globally. The heady combination of powerful poetry or Santvani that is rendered with vigour, devotion, and universally appealing musicality erases all divides." Gayatri said, "Our style of abhang singing in concerts celebrates both Hindustani and Carnatic approaches. Music, no matter how aesthetically beautiful and melodious, touches the heart only when melody fuses with bhakti bhav, and this synergy of devotion and musical expression happens effortlessly during the time of Aashad. Singing here is not a task; it's a blessing." Siddhartha Belmannu, trained in the Kirana and Gwalior gharanas, finds deep resonance with the abhang tradition. "While one style keeps emotion at the forefront, the other explores technical expertise. Blending the two while maintaining the delicate balance is what makes my Guru Vinayak Torvi Ji's music special, and as his disciple, I try to carry the legacy with my music," said Belmannu.
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Transport union to launch auto hailing app
Mumbai: A new ride hailing app for autos floated by an autorickshaw operators' union is likely to be launched on July 15. The app, called 'Yatri Mitra', is currently undergoing testing in the beta stage. Once it goes live, commuters will be able to book rides using the app and pay as per the reading on electronic meters, union members and app developers told Hindustan Times. (Hindustan Times) 'When we interacted with autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai and Thane, they shared the need for an app that could facilitate meter-based payments, benefitting both passengers and drivers,' said DM Gosavi, general secretary of the Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi and Transport Union, which is behind the effort. The union has around 1,000 auto drivers among its members and unaffiliated auto drivers will be able to use the app after registering for the service, said sources. The app has been developed by Metazen Labs Pvt Ltd, which has created apps for the Income Tax department, Mumbai Port Trust, Thane Municipal Corporation, and Rotary International, among others. It will be run jointly by Metazen and the Seva Sarathi union, the sources added. 'Aggregators like Uber and Ola charge a hefty commission from drivers based on their earnings. But drivers using the 'Yatri Mitra' app will have to pay a nominal daily fee of ₹ 25 and those using the app regularly will receive personal accident insurance coverage,' said Narendra Rao, director, Metazen Labs. Passengers will be charged as per the meter and payments can be made via cash or UPI, Rao said. The service will initially be launched in Mumbai and Thane and expanded gradually to other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). At least 10,000 autos are expected to be enrolled at the time of the launch, said sources. There are 251,461 auto rickshaws in Mumbai, and 555,986 auto rickshaws in the MMR, as per data from the Maharashtra state transport department. Another ride hailing app for air-conditioned taxis called 'Palkhi', started by a former driver, is also likely to be relaunched next year. The app was launched in 2019 but shut down later due to issues with financing and the installation of CCTV cameras inside cabs, which did not go down well with passengers due to privacy concerns, said Praful Shinde, the owner of Palkhi Cabs. 'We are looking to upgrade our system and relaunch the app next year,' said Shinde, who drove an aggregator cab prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. This Palkhi app will not have surge pricing and tariffs will be based on the Maharashtra aggregator cab policy, Shinde said.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Indian Express
Pune police busts gangs that stole cell phones, gold ornaments during Palkhi processions
In a coordinated action conducted by the Crime Branch of the Pune City Police during the passage of Palkhi processions in Pune, two separate gangs stealing cell phones and gold ornaments from the Warkarkis — devotees participating in the Wari — were busted, resulting in the arrest six persons including four women and the detention of a minor. Over 220 grams of gold ornaments and 14 cell phones which were stolen or snatched from the Warkaris were recovered after the action, officials said. Officials said that a number of thefts and robberies had been taking place during Palkhi processions over the years. To prevent these crimes and to catch the perpetrator behind them, the Crime Branch has assigned dedicated teams for select zones in the Pune City jurisdiction. Teams from Zone 5 and 6 received specific inputs about some suspects committing these crimes. Based on the first set of inputs, police arrested five members of an inter-district gang including four women. The suspects have been identified as Chandani Shakti Kamble (32), Rita Namdeo Damble (35), Babita Suraj Upadhye (57), Pooja Dhiraj Kamble (35) all residents of Udgir in Latur district and their male accomplice Ganesh Vilas jadhav (30), a resident of Akkalkot in Solapur district. In their searches, the police have recovered over 220 grams of gold ornaments. Working out a separate set of inputs, another team of the Crime Branch found out that two suspects were involved in multiple thefts and snatchings of the cell phones from the Warkaris. They arrested Arbaz Naushad Shaikh (19), a native of Sahibganj in Jharkhand and detained his 17-year-old accomplice. Police recovered from their possession as many as 14 stolen cell phones. Senior officials of the Crime Branch have appealed to warkaris and devotees who have lost their cell phones and gold ornaments during the palkhi processions to report the theft to local police stations.
