Latest news with #Sarnaik
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Itwari-Umred section of Nagpur-Nagbhid broad gauge line likely to open before Diwali
Nagpur: The conversion of the 106-kilometre narrow-gauge railway line between Nagpur and Nagbhid into broad gauge is progressing rapidly. The 51-kilometre stretch from Itwari to Umred will be inaugurated before Diwali, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced. He was speaking during a review meeting at the Mantralaya regarding the progress of Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) projects. Sarnaik said MahaRail has been instructed to expedite the conversion of the 106-kilometre Itwari-Nagbhid narrow-gauge railway line into broad gauge. Specifically, the inauguration of the Itwari–Umred stretch has been scheduled before Diwali. "Once completed, the renewed rail line will connect 12 to 14 small and medium villages along the route to a major city like Nagpur," he said. The meeting was attended by MahaRail vice-chairman Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, deputy secretary of the transport department, Kiran Holkar, and other officials concerned. # 'Expedite construction of bridges for level-crossing free state' MahaRail was established in 2016 as a joint venture between the govt of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Railways to execute railway projects with state govt participation. MahaRail is responsible for completing such projects. It also shoulders the major responsibility of implementing the vision of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 'Level Crossing-Free Maharashtra' project which aims to replace all railway level crossings in the state with railway overbridges. Minister Sarnaik has also instructed MahaRail to expedite the construction of these overbridges.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Maratha youths gherao minister Sarnaik over Kunbi certificate delay
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Tension gripped the district rest house in Dharashiv on Friday after angry Maratha youths gheraoed Maharashtra's transport minister and Dharashiv district's guardian minister, Pratap Sarnaik, demanding an immediate resolution of issues related to the issuance of Kunbi caste and validity certificates. These certificates pave the way for the Maratha community youths to be recognised as OBCs. The youths, agitated over what they called deliberate delays despite submitting valid documentary evidence, blocked Sarnaik's path outside the rest house, insisting he address their concerns before proceeding. For nearly 10-15 minutes, the protesters stood firm, forcing the minister, who was accompanied by district collector Keerthi Kiran Pujar, to engage in a heated exchange. The youths alleged even after Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's successful movement, which led to a policy decision allowing eligible Marathas to be issued Kunbi certificates based on documentary proof, the caste validity committees continued to refuse issuing certificates. While Kunbi certificates are being issued to some applicants, the activists said the caste validity certificates — required for availing reservation benefits — were being withheld by the social justice department, led by minister Sanjay Shirsat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo This delay, they claimed, caused students to miss out on educational opportunities and other welfare schemes. Sarnaik, in the presence of the protestors, dialled a call to an official from the caste validity committee and said, "You were given instructions twice earlier, yet nothing has moved. If you are in charge and still not acting as per rules, then you are responsible for the trouble faced by both govt and public." Taking strong note of the grievances, Sarnaik ordered the immediate issuance of validity certificates to eligible applicants who furnished the necessary documents. "Act immediately and ensure due process is followed," he told the officer. Following the confrontation, Sarnaik was seen discussing the issue with the district collector and directing him to ensure appropriate steps are taken for the issuance of caste certificates to the Maratha community youths.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Toll-free number for MMR for vehicle complaints issued: Maharashtra Minister
Passenger commuting in autorickshaws, taxis, Ola-Uber and similar passenger vehicles in Mumbai can now register their complaints about their services on a toll-free number 1800220110, announced Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik in the state assembly on Thursday. "Passengers can register their complaints about refusal to accept the travel request, rude behaviour with passengers, transporting passengers beyond the limit, driving without displaying badges, charging extra fare. To take action against unruly drivers, a passenger toll-free number 1800-220-110 has been launched for the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region," said Sarnaik. Sarnaik said that the control room has been set up for 24 hours at the Regional Transport Office, Mumbai (West), Andheri. "This is the first time that such a service is being started for the citizens through the Transport Department. The concerned office is informed through email regarding the complaints received by this room. Notices are sent to the vehicle owners found guilty, and action is taken. After hearing them, the guilty vehicles are recorded in the blacklist. No further work related to the vehicles is done until penal action is taken against the vehicles mentioned in the blacklist," he added. The minister said that the action will continue effectively in the future. "Citizens of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region should register a complaint on this toll-free number if they need any help regarding passenger vehicles like autorickshaws, taxis, Ola-Uber, passenger buses," he added. The Transport Minister has also appealed to the citizens to take advantage of this toll-free service and cooperate with the Transport Department for smooth services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
News18
5 days ago
- News18
Mumbai: Ola & Uber Strike Leaves Commuters Stranded For Third Day, Know More
Last Updated: Cab chaos grips the city as drivers demand fair pay, lower commissions, and protection under new labour laws. Drivers working with popular ride-hailing apps like Ola, Uber, and Rapido have gone on strike across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The protest, which began mid-week, is set to grow bigger with a sit-in planned at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai today. Already, nearly 70 percent of these cabs are off the road, affecting thousands of daily commuters. Passengers have been left stranded, especially at airports and railway stations. The Mumbai airport authorities have advised people to check transport options before travelling. Why are drivers protesting? The striking drivers are demanding better pay and working conditions. Their key demands include: Fare parity with traditional black-and-yellow taxis A ban on bike taxis A limit on new auto-rickshaw and taxi permits Lower commission rates charged by app companies A fixed base fare for stable income Formation of a welfare board for app-based drivers A new Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act Has the government responded? Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik met with driver representatives earlier in the week. However, no concrete solutions were offered, and drivers remain firm on continuing their strike. As per Times Now News, Sarnaik said, 'We explained everything, but the protest is still on. That's not right." How is the strike affecting people? With fewer cabs available, wait times have soared and dynamic pricing has shot up. Morning and evening rush hours have become a nightmare for many. School runs and airport pickups are worst hit, with reports of over 30-minute wait times and multiple cancellations. What's next? Until both sides reach a resolution, the disruption is likely to continue. Drivers say they want fairer earnings and more respect for their work. Meanwhile, commuters can only hope for a quick end to the deadlock. view comments First Published: 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.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trains packed despite metro, task force will talk to pvt sector on timings: Min
Mumbai: Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said the govt would set up a task force to engage with the private sector for staggered timings for employees to reduce pressure on suburban trains during rush hour. He was responding to questions regarding the Mumbra accident, which claimed the lives of five commuters who fell off the train due to overcrowding last month. Sarnaik told the assembly that since Jan 1, the state has allowed its own employees to arrive an hour late at office and compensate by staying an hour late. CM Devendra Fadnavis had spoken to the railway ministry about automatic closing doors on local trains, the same way it has been done for AC trains, said Sarnaik. He added that 7,565 commuters have lost their lives in the last three years while travelling on Mumbai's local trains and 7,293 have been injured. He said that in 2024 alone, 741 commuters had died on the Thane-Kalyan stretch. In a written statement, Sarnaik said that according to information received from the Central Railway, the terminals of CSMT, Dadar and LMTT operate 190 mail and express trains and 106 goods trains on a daily basis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "As a result, the use of the Main line and Harbour line is more than 100%." The introduction of metro rail had not eased pressure on local trains. "This is because population in Mumbai Metropolitan Region has risen," Sarnaik said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The state has been focusing on increasing local transport alternatives. "We are introducing pod taxis in BKC area and also exploring this in Mira Bhayandar, Thane and Navi Mumbai. We are also looking at bike taxis and water transport from Gateway of India," said Sarnaik. The Central Railway operates 1,890 electric multiple units (EMUs). Of these, 894 services are on the Main line with 80 AC EMUs , 614 on Harbour line, 262 on Trans-Harbour line and 40 on the Port line, running from CBD Belapur-Seawoods stretch to Uran. Two special trains reserved for women run during morning and evening rush hour, with three additional coaches for women in 21 trains, said Sarnaik.
