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US secretly ‘interfering’ in Indian politics, planning to use Andhra Baptist Chuch to coerce Chandrababu Naidu into leaving NDA: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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US secretly ‘interfering’ in Indian politics, planning to use Andhra Baptist Chuch to coerce Chandrababu Naidu into leaving NDA: Reports

The US government is secretly interfering in India’s domestic politics through its diplomats and affiliate groups, sparking concerns from the Modi government.

According to a report by Sputnik India published on Wednesday (14th August), the Indian intelligence authorities have flagged meetings between Jennifer Larson and Indian Opposition leaders

Larson is the US Consul General who is in charge of the American mission in Hyderabad. She recently courted controversy by meeting All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

The US diplomat also met N Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Revanth Reddy, the CM of Telangana.

It must be pointed out that Nadiu is the Chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and is an ally of the ruling BJP govt at the centre. TDP’s minority cell has opposed amendments proposed by the government to the Waqf Act.

In its report, Sputnik India noted, “More significantly, intelligence sources expressed concerns over the internal political discussions figuring in conversations with American diplomats. Sources didn’t rule out the possibility of a “no-confidence motion” against the government over differences on Waqf law.

Citing sources, the media news agency stated that the American Baptist Church, which provides financial support to the Andra Baptist Church, could coerce Chandrababu Naidu into switching sides.

“The Andhra Baptist Church is the biggest tool in the CIA’s pocket right now to be used against CBN,” it claimed. Reportedly, meetings with American diplomats and the Opposition leaders have become a routine affair in the Andra-Telangana region.

Apprehensions about US-led ‘regime change operation’ in India have been rife ever since Sheikh Hasina was ousted as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The recent revelations by Sputnik India have added to the fears of possible political instability in India in near future.

BJP demands resignation of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah after governor approved his prosecution in MUDA scam

ANI
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BJP demands resignation of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah after governor approved his prosecution in MUDA scam

Mounting pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who will now face “prosecution” in the alleged MUDA scam, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said on Saturday that the CM “must resign to make way for an impartial investigation”.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, according to the Raj Bhavan sources on Saturday. Siddaramaiah has been maintaining that everything was done according to the law.

“The honourable governor of Karnataka has sanctioned protection against CM Siddaramaiah regarding the serious allegations he is facing in the MUDA scam. This is a very significant development. The nature of the allegations is very serious,” the BJP MP told ANI.

“The investigating agencies will now have to start the process of prosecution. Needless to say, one cannot expect the CM to continue in office while agencies reporting to him, are investigating charges against him. So the principles of natural justice and principles of morality demand that CM Siddaramaiah must resign and make way for impartial investigation,” he added.

Challenging the move, the Karnataka government said they would move the High Court against the governor’s permission for prosecution.

Defending the governor’s move, BY Vijayendra who is the state BJP President, said that the governor has exercised his constitutional powers.”The Hon’ble Governor has exercised his constitutional powers and allowed legal action to be taken against the chief minister’s Muda scam complaint,” he said in a post on X.

Senior Minister in the Siddaramiah cabinet Priyank Kharge criticised the move and said the BJP was using the governor’s office for political motives.

“Raj Bhavan is being misused as the BJP’s tool to undermine a democratically elected government. The Constitutional head of the State is sparking a constitutional crisis to appease his political masters. The Central Government may throw its full weight behind this, but we stand firm with the Constitution on our side,” Kharge said.

Earlier in the month, refuting the allegations, CM Siddaramaiah said,” In the case of Muda, everything was done according to law. I have not exerted any kind of influence on the allotment of the plot. My wife has been given a replacement plot in 2021 during the government period of the BJP government as per the law.”

Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

From New York’s Times Square to Europe, UK, Bangladesh: Global Indian diaspora demands justice for trainee doctor raped and murdered in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College

OpIndia Staff
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From New York’s Times Square to Europe, UK, Bangladesh: Global Indian diaspora demands justice for trainee doctor raped and murdered in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College

The horrifying rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College has triggered massive outrage and protests not just in India but also across the globe, especially among the Indian diaspora. In the past few days, the Indian community as well as people of the Indian-origin have staged – and continue to organise – protests across the world demanding Justice for the deceased trainee doctor. 

Demanding Justice for ‘Abhaya’ (meaning fearless – name given for the deceased victim), the Indian diaspora has registered their outrage and staged protests across prominent cities of the World. These include New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in the United States of America, Leeds, and London in the United Kingdom, and in several European nations including Germany and Poland as well as in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka. 

Protests erupt across various cities and states in the United States of America

On Wednesday (14th August), the Indian American community staged a midnight protest in New York’s Times Square, holding banners that read, ‘Justice for Abhaya’, ‘No more Silence’ and raising slogans like – ‘We want Justice’, ‘Pray for Kolkata’.

Sayantan Das, who was part of the midnight protest at Times Square, said that there were around 40 people who gathered in a show of solidarity with students and women in Bengal.

Das said, “Some scientists and researchers of New York organized the protest and we carried leaflets and posters. There were many Indians who were nearby and they asked us about the incident. Finally, when we sang the National Anthem, they joined us.” 

An Atlanta resident, Ambarish Mitra said, “Around 150 people gathered in Atlanta on Aug 14 from 5.45 pm to 8.15 pm to demand justice and appeal for a systematic change to address discrimination and violence against women.” 

On Thursday (15th August), the Bengali community organised a protest-cum-vigil in Chicago. An advocate Sharmistha Banerjee said, “The protest came together on 24 hours’ notice. We will continue to organize, support, resist, and fight on a much larger scale.” 

In Houston, the Bengali community including members of the Houston Durgabari Society and Tagore Society of Houston staged a protest seeking Justice for the RG Kar rape and murder case victim.  

One of the organisers of the rally, Rituparna Roy said, “The fact that an educated working woman standing up to corruption was raped and murdered points to a complete systematic failure at medical institutions.” 

On Sunday afternoon, the Indian community living in Los Angeles will gather at Lake Hollywood Park to protest in front of the Hollywood signage. An LA-based teacher who grew up in Kolkata, Babli Chakraborty said, “Some 250 Indians are expected to turn up. Earlier on, rape survivors never spoke because of shame. Now, it is crucial to raise our voices.”

Indians spread across Europe express solidarity with protesters seeking Justice for Abhaya

On 15th August, around 35 members of the expat Bengali community in Cologne, Germany along with their non-Bengali friends staged a protest at the Cologne Cathedral staircase in the main station square to raise their voices over the horrific incident at the RG Kar medical college. 

Sukanya Chakraborty (36) who is an English teacher from Kolkata kicked off the protest by deciding “not to wish anyone a good evening”. She ended her speech by demanding that “no mercy” should be awarded for the perpetrators in this case.  

The meeting was organised by Debaschmidt Biswas along with Soumi Chakraborty and Sukanya Chakraborty. During the protest, Biswas read out a poem by his mother on women’s plight in her city. 

They ended the meeting by holding a candle in their hand and raising demands of “Justice for RG Kar, Justice for Kolkata”.

Indians living across the United Kingdom join global outcry for Justice in the RG Kar Medical College case

Meanwhile, on 14th August, Indians living in Leeds, gathered at Crown Point Shopping Centre and wore all-black attires to mark their protest against the heinous crime that took place in Kolkata earlier this month on the 9th August morning. 

One of the protesters, Homemaker Amrita Roy said, “I am hurt and angry. We wore all-black and observed a minute’s silence before speaking about the issue. Not a single rapist should go unpunished. No one dare hush up the matter. I demand transparency in a fast-tracked probe.” 

Additionally, on Wednesday (14th August), doctors from Bengal and other parts of India working in the UK received support from the Indian community living in the city as they held a protest and carried out a candlelight march in Manchester. 

A neonatologist at Cambridge and an alumnus of RG Kar, Arunava Dhar said, “This is a shocking incident.” 

The protests were also marked in other areas including London’s Trinity Church, Princes Street in Edinburgh, and the main square of Poland’s Krakow. 

Furthermore, a candlelight vigil was also organised in Canada’s Thistletown Community Centre. Similarly, many gathered at Elizabeth Milburn Park in Austin. In Ashland, Massachusetts, and the nearby towns of Hopkinton and Holliston, the Bengali community held an event in solidarity with India’s medical community and protesters seeking Justice for the trainee female doctor, Abhaya. 

Students in Dhaka demand Justice for Abhaya as well as victims of religious persecution in Bangladesh

On Friday (16th August) night, female students in large numbers organised a protest at Dhaka University against the RG Kar incident. They also raised their voice for all rape survivors in Bangladesh who have been denied justice in the past and demanded speedy trials for the perpetrators. 

Doctor-turned-actor Azmeri Haque Badhon was also part of the protest. She said, “I used social media to register my protest. These criminals roam freely while unleashing barbaric attacks on women. The RG Kar incident is not an isolated one. No one receives justice. It is important to address this issue on a global scale.”

Delhi High Court orders Samajwadi Party to remove defamatory tweet with allegations of sexual misconduct against BJP leader Amit Malviya

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi High Court orders Samajwadi Party to remove defamatory tweet with allegations of sexual misconduct against BJP leader Amit Malviya

The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered the Samajwadi Party to take down allegations of rape made against BJP IT cells head Amit Malviya. The court ordered the party to remove tweets posted on X (formerly Twitter) making the allegations of sexual misconduct. The court order came after Malviya approached the court against the Samajwadi Party and its media cell.

The SP’s media cell had accused Malviya of inviting women to a five-star hotel and sexually exploiting them after Malviya questioned Akhilesh Yadav for demanding DNA test in the Ayodhya rape case involving SP leader Moeed Khan.

Senior Advocates Arvind Nayar and Nalin Kohli appeared for Malviya before Justice Vikas Mahajan said that the allegations by SP caused great damage to the reputation of Malviya. The counsels argued that Malviya is the IT Cell head of a major political party and has built his reputation with great difficulty.

The suit filed by Amit Malviya states that the defamatory tweet has been viewed by 55,300 users on “X” (formerly Twitter). The post has been reposted 724 times and liked by 1,652 users, exacerbating the damage to his reputation.

Malviya’s Lawyers argued that the tweet, posted on August 8, was “defamatory” and “utterly scandalous,” and sought an interim order to take down the tweets, and the court agreed to the same. The BJP leader has also sought a mandatory and permanent injunction along with damages due to the adverse impact of the defamatory statement.

The case relates to the Ayodhya rape case where SP leader Moeed Khan is an accused. On August 3, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted that a DNA test should be conducted and the guilty should be punished. But he also added that if the allegations are found to be false, then action should be taken against the officials involved.

In a post on X, Akhilesh said, “In the case of misdeeds, the way for justice should be found by getting DNA tests done on those who are accused, and not by merely making allegations and doing politics. Whoever is guilty should be given full punishment according to the law, but if the allegations are proven false after the DNA test, then the government officials involved should also not be spared. This is the demand for justice.”

Responding to this, Amit Malviya quoted Yadav’s tweet and questioned what he intended to prove with the DNA test. SP Media Cell’s Twitter handle then responded to Amit Malviya by posting a tweet with allegations that Malviya invited women to his hotel and had illicit relationships with men. 

The tweet also included photos of BJP leaders with individuals accused or convicted of rape, which included PM Narendra Modi with Asaram Bapu (convicted of rape) and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath with Swami Chinmayanand (accused of rape). 

Tweet by SP supporter with the same allegation

Many other SP supporters on social media also posted the same claim, amplifying the allegation.

Amid protests over rape-murder of junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Mamata govt transfers two doctors including wife of ex-principal Sandip Ghosh

OpIndia Staff
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Amid protests over rape-murder of junior doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Mamata govt transfers two doctors including wife of ex-principal Sandip Ghosh

On Friday (16th August), the Mamata Banerjee-led-Trinamool Congress government transferred two doctors from the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

In a notification [pdf] issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, a total of 42 doctors were moved across the State by the government. The development came amid ongoing protests over the rape-murder of a junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The doctors who were removed from the healthcare institution included Sandipa Das and Sangeeta Pal. Coincidentally, Pal happens to be the wife of the ex-principal of RG Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Das (who had infamously dubbed the murder as ‘suicide’).

She was transferred from the Department of Microbiology at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata to that of the Government Medical College & Hospital in Jalpaiguri.

Another doctor named Supriya Das, who was an Assistant Professor at the Department of Radiology in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was transferred to the same position at Malda College.

The decision was sharply criticised by the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA).

“We strongly condemn @MamataOfficial @BengalGovernor unjust transfer of faculty members who supported our protest.These punitive measures will not silence our demands for justice and security.We stand united and resolute in our fight,” it tweeted.

Allahabad HC refuses to quash proceedings against Ghulamuddin and 5 others who carried Indian Flag with verses of Quran on it, says violation of Flag Code

OpIndia Staff
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Allahabad HC refuses to quash proceedings against Ghulamuddin and 5 others who carried Indian Flag with verses of Quran on it, says violation of Flag Code

Allahabad High Court has refused to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against 6 Muslims for insulting the Indian flag. All the accused were carrying the tricolour in their hands in a religious procession. Verses from the Islamic book Quran were written on the Indian flags they were carrying.

While hearing the case, Justice Vinod Diwakar said that prima facie the act committed by the accused is punishable under the Indian Flag Code 2002. Justice Diwakar further said that Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act 1971 has been violated by the applicants.

The court said that the Indian Flag is a symbol of the unity and diversity of the nation beyond religious ethics and cultural differences. The court said, “It is a unifying symbol representing the collective identity and sovereignty of India. The act of disrespect towards the tricolour can have far-reaching socio-cultural effects, especially in a diverse society like India.”

The Allahabad High Court also said that incidents of writing verses of the Quran and Kalma etc. on the tricolour can be taken advantage of by those who want to create communal disputes or promote misunderstandings between different communities. Therefore, the actions of some individuals should not be used to tarnish the entire community.

Jalaun Police of Uttar Pradesh had registered a case against accused Ghulamuddin and 5 others last year under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act 1971 Act. In this case, the accused had approached the court seeking bail. His lawyer argued that the investigation did not reveal whether the flag mentioned in the FIR was a tricolour or any other flag with three colors.

The lawyer of the accused further argued that the police could not bring any evidence on record to show that any mischief was done with the National Flag specified in Sections 2 and 3 of the Act. The lawyer also alleged that the police had planted the National Flag after registering the FIR and the accused were implicated in a false case.

At the same time, the Additional Government Advocate (AGA) appearing on behalf of the state government said that the tricolour was waved during the procession. During this, it was seen that something was written in Arabic on the tricolour. It was found out that these are verses from Quran and kalma. Police constables Khurshid Alam, Ehsanullah and Ramdas have recorded their statements in the court.

The government lawyer said, “When Shahar Qazi Maulana Sabir Ali was summoned to Jalaun and asked to read what was written on the flag, he said that Islamic Kalma was written on the flag. Apart from this, a verse related to the sword ‘Zulfiqar’ of Ali was written.

After hearing all the arguments, the court rejected the petition and said that only the trial court can take a decision on this. The court said that no illegality, perversity or any other significant error has been found in the summons order which would justify interference by the court in exercise of powers under Section 482 of the CrPC.

Deliberate attempt to derail Sabarmati Express? – Engine derailed because of object placed on the track, no injuries: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

OpIndia Staff
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Deliberate attempt to derail Sabarmati Express? – Engine derailed because of object placed on the track, no injuries: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Early morning on Saturday, August 17, the engine of the Sabarmati Express train derailed near Kanpur at 2.35 AM. Thankfully, no passenger or Railway staff was hurt in the incident. Now, the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared that the derailment of the engine took place because of an object placed on the track.

Notably, twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur after the engine hit an object placed on the track. 

Taking to X, the Railways Minister said, “The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Amdavad) hit an object placed on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 02:35 am today.”

Minister Vaishnaw further added, “Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it.” He further added that there were no injuries to passengers and the staff and train was arranged for their onward journey to Amdavad.

Railway Board officials said involvement of miscreants is being looked into as it appears that the engine hit an object placed on track.

Reportedly, A Railway official said, “We found a foreign material near the 16th coach of the train. Looking at the size of the damaged portion of cattle guard of the engine, it seems that the engine hit this foreign object and derailed.”

YouTuber placing objects on Railway tracks

Notably, this won’t be the first incident of someone deliberately placing objects on Railway tracks. There are many YouTube channels operating where the “creator” puts random things on Railway tracks and then record the videos for likes and shares.

Earlier in August, a YouTuber named Gulzar Sheikh was arrested for putting different items on railway tracks including cycles, soaps, stones and more in the name of content creation.

OpIndia investigated the matter and found that many YouTube channels have been uploading such videos for likes and shares. In most probability, these channels are earning hefty money by monetizing these videos where they attempt to derail trains by placing objects on the tracks.

Schools shut, internet suspended and prohibitory orders imposed: Udaipur witnesses unrest after Muslim boy stabs Hindu student

OpIndia Staff
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Schools shut, internet suspended and prohibitory orders imposed: Udaipur witnesses unrest after Muslim boy stabs Hindu student

On Friday (16th August), the district administration in Udaipur city of Rajasthan suspended internet services for a period of 24 hours.

The development came after communal violence broke out in the city over the stabbing of a minor Hindu student by a Muslim boy at a government school.

Keeping the situation in mind, the administration has shut down all schools and colleges in Udaipur on Saturday (17th August). According to district collector Arvind Poswal, the educational institutes will remain closed until further orders are made.

In the meantime, the police detained the Muslim boy for attacking the Hindu student. District Collector Arvind Poswal informed, ” “There were some complications in the boy’s kidney for which expert doctors from private hospitals have been called in.”

“The Internet has been shut down in parts as a precautionary measure,” he said. An investigation has been launched in connection to the case.

While speaking about the matter, BJP’s MLA Phool Singh Meena emphasised, “The situation in Udaipur has escalated into a riot. We should demolish the accused’s house with a bulldozer. It’s crucial to prevent such incidents.

“The government will take action against those responsible for the crime,” he added.

The case is reminiscent of the deadly attack on Hindu tailor Kanhaiya Lal by two radical Muslim men in Udaipur in June 2022 for supporting ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The killers were identified as Muhammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Muhammad. The video of the incident was shared widely on social media.

RG Kar rape and murder case: NCW inquiry committee uncovers lapses in security, infrastructure, and investigation in Kolkata

ANI
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RG Kar rape and murder case: NCW inquiry committee uncovers lapses in security, infrastructure, and investigation in Kolkata

A two-member inquiry committee constituted by the National Commission for Women (NCW) investigated the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and submitted its preliminary findings uncovering lapses in security, infrastructure, and investigation.

The NCW in a statement said on Friday that the site where the deceased was allegedly raped and murdered is undergoing sudden renovations, potentially leading to tampering with evidence.

“The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of a distressing incident reported by the media involving the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata. The Commission, deeply concerned by the gravity of the situation, has promptly initiated an inquiry into the matter,” it said.

“On 10 August 2024, the NCW addressed a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, seeking immediate action and a thorough investigation into the incident. The Commission’s involvement was triggered by a media report captioned “Kolkata rape-murder: Hospital official told doctor’s family she died by suicide, say sources,” which revealed shocking details surrounding the death of the trainee doctor,” it added.

The two-member inquiry committee constituted by the NCW included Delina Khondgup, an NCW Member, and Soma Chaudhary, an Advocate appointed by the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority.

“The Commission constituted a two-member Inquiry Committee to investigate the case, consisting of Delina Khondgup, NCW Member, and Soma Chaudhary, an Advocate appointed by the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority. The Committee arrived in Kolkata on 12 August 2024 and has been rigorously examining the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement from NCW said.

The Inquiry Committee of the NCW found that no security guards were present during the incident, and there was insufficient security coverage for on-call duty interns, doctors, and nurses during night shifts.

“The hospital lacks basic amenities for female doctors and nurses, with washrooms in poor condition, no security measures, and inadequate lighting. The questioning of the former Principal, who resigned after the incident, remains incomplete. The Inquiry Committee urges a thorough and expedited investigation,” the statement said.

“There is no adequate protection or safety for on-call female duty interns, nurses, and female doctors. The site where the deceased was allegedly raped and murdered is undergoing sudden renovations, potentially leading to tampering with evidence. The crime scene should have been sealed immediately by the police,” it added.

The NCW is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable. In light of the serious lapses uncovered, the Commission urges immediate corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, a nationwide withdrawal of services has been announced by doctors of modern medicine starting from 6 am on Saturday, August 17 to 6 am Sunday, August 18, per the official statement released by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Thursday.

Notably, the strike has been called by IMA amid the ongoing protest in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College.

In its official statement, IMA stated that routine OPDs and elective surgeries will not take place during those 24 hours; however, other essential services will be maintained.

On August 9, a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered on duty at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which led to nationwide strikes and protests by the medical fraternity.

The incident triggered massive protests. On Wednesday, the protest ground and the hospital campus at RG Kar were vandalised by a mob, forcing the security personnel to disperse the crowd. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Union Cabinet approves Bangalore Metro Phase-3, Thane Integral Ring Metro and Pune Metro Phase-1 Extension with a total cost of ₹30,766 crore

OpIndia Staff
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Union Cabinet approves Bangalore Metro Phase-3, Thane Integral Ring Metro and Pune Metro Phase-1 Extension with a total cost of ₹30,766 crore

The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved three new metro projects in Pune, Bengaluru and Thane, in a bid to ease traffic congestion and provide efficient transportation. The cabinet approved two corridors of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 project for 44.65 km with 31 stations, 29-km Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project corridor, and a 5.45 km extension of Phase-1 of Pune metro.

The cabinet also approved the development of Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal and an army airport into a civilian airport at Bihta, Bihar.

Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 

The Union Cabinet also approved the Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project with two elevated corridors for a length of 44.65 Km with 31 stations. Corridor-1 from JP Nagar 4thPhase to Kempapura (along Outer Ring Road West) for a length of 32.15 Km with 22 stations and Corridor-2 from Hosahalli to Kadabagere (along Magadi Road) for a length of 12.50 Km with 9 stations.

On operationalization of Phase-3, Bengaluru city will have 220.20 Km of active Metro Rail Network. The total completion cost of the project is Rs.15,611 crore.

Benefits of the Project:

The Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development. Phase-3 acts as a major expansion of the Metro Rail Network in the city.

Enhanced Connectivity:       

Phase-3 will add approximately 44.65 Km of new metro lines, connecting the western part of the city of Bengaluru that were previously underserved. Phase-3 will integrate key areas of the city which includes Peenya Industrial Area, IT industries on Bannerghatta road and Outer Ring Road, Textile and Engineering items Manufacturing units on Tumkuru Road and ORR, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Major educational institutions like PES University, Ambedkar College, Polytechnic College, KLE College, Dayanandsagar University, ITI etc. Phase-3 corridors also provide connectivity to the Southern part of the city, Outer Ring Road West, Magadi road and various neighbourhoods, enhancing overall connectivity in the city. Improved last mile connectivity to commercial centres, industrial hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities will facilitate better access for residents.

Reduction in Traffic Congestion:

Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-3 as an extension to the Metro Rail network in the Bengaluru city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the Outer Ring Road West, Magadi road and other major arterial roads of the city. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.

Environmental Benefits:      

The addition of Phase-3 Metro Rail Project and increase in overall Metro Rail Network in Bengaluru city, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.

Economic Growth:      

Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-3 will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel. Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.

Social Impact:    

The expansion of Phase-3 Metro Rail network in Bengaluru will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services.

Multi-Modal Integration& Last Mile Connectivity:

Multi-Modal Integration is planned at 10 locations at JP Nagar 4th Phase, JP Nagar, Kamakya, Mysore Road, Sumanahalli, Peenya, BEL Circle, Hebbal, Kempapura, Hosahalli and provides interchanges with existing and under construction Metro Stations, BMTC Bus stands, Indian Railway Stations, proposed Suburban (K-RIDE) Stations.

All the Phase-3 stations are proposed with dedicated bus bays, Pick up and drop off bays, Pedestrian Paths, IPT/Auto Rickshaw stands.  BMTC is already running feeder buses to the operational metro stations and the same will be extended to the Phase-3 stations also. Parking facilities have been provided at 11 important stations.  The existing stations of Phase-1 & Phase-2 are integrated with proposed stations of Phase-3.Direct connectivity through FoBs/Skywalks to two Railway stations (Lottegollahali and Hebbal). At Phase-3 metro stations, provision for bikes and cycles sharing facility has also been provided.

Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project

The 29-km corridor will run along the periphery of west side of Thane city with 22 Stations. The network is encompassed by Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park [SGNP] on the other.

This connectivity would provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transport, facilitating the city to realize its economic potential and ease traffic congestion on the roads. The project is also expected to contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs.12,200.10 crore, with equal equity from Government of India and Government of Maharashtra as well as part-funding from bilateral agencies.

Funds would also be raised through innovative financing methods such as by selling Station naming and access rights for corporate, monetization of assets, Value Capture Financing route.

The corridor that connects major business hubs would provide an effective transport option for large section of employees.  The Project is likely to be completed by 2029.

More importantly, the Metro line would benefit thousands of daily commuters, especially students and those commuting every day to office and work area by providing faster and economical transport options. The project would result in total daily ridership on the metro corridors for the years 2029, 2035 and 2045 by 6.47 Lakh, 7.61 lakh & 8.72 lakh passengers respectively.

Maha Metro will execute the project, along with civil, electro­mechanical, other associated facilities, works and related assets. Maha-Metro has already started the pre-bid activities and preparation of Tender documents. The contracts will be floated immediately for bidding.

Pune Metro Phase-1 extension

The union cabinet approved the Swargate to Katraj Underground Line Extension of the existing PCMC-Swargate Metro Line of Pune Metro Phase-I project. This new extension is known as the Line-l B extension and will span 5.46 km and will include three underground stations, connecting key areas such as Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs.

The project, aimed at providing seamless connectivity in Pune, is set to be completed by February, 2029.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs.2954.53 crore, with funding to be equally shared by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, along with contributions from bilateral agencies, etc.

This extension will integrate with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, which includes the Metro Station, the MSRTC Bus Stand, and the PMPML Bus Stand, providing seamless connectivity for commuters within and outside Pune City. This extension will enhance connectivity between the southernmost part of Pune, the northern parts of Pune and the eastern and western regions via the District Court interchange station, providing seamless connectivity for commuting within and outside Pune City.

The Swargate to Katraj Underground Line will significantly alleviate road traffic congestion and provide a safer, more comfortable travel experience by minimizing the risk of accidents, pollution, and travel time, thus supporting sustainable urban development.

The new corridor will link various bus stops, railway stations, recreational centers like the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park,Taljaihillock (tekdi), malls, etc., various residential areas, educational institutions, colleges, and major business hubs. It will provide a faster and more economical transport option, benefiting thousands of daily commuters, especially students, small business owners and professionals traveling to offices and business centers. The projected daily ridership on the Swargate-Katraj Line for the years 2027, 2037, 2047, and 2057 is estimated to be 95,000,1.58 lakh, 1.87 lakh, and 1.97 lakh passengers, respectively.

The project will be executed by Maha-Metro, which will oversee civil, electro-mechanical, and other associated facilities and works. Maha-Metro has already begun pre-bid activities and is preparing tender documents, with contracts expected to be floated for bidding shortly.

This strategic expansion is expected to unlock Pune’s economic potential, providing a significant boost to the city’s infrastructure and contributing to its sustainable development.

New civil enclave at Bihta

In a move to address the impending saturation of Patna Airport, the Cabinet has approved the development of a new civil enclave at Bihta, Bihar. With an investment of Rs. 1,413 crore, this project includes the construction of a new Integrated Terminal Building designed to handle up to 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with an annual capacity of 50 lakh passengers, expandable to one crore.

The new terminal will span 66,000 square meters and will be equipped with modern facilities, including an apron capable of accommodating 10 parking bays for aircraft like the A-321 and B-737-800. This development is crucial for catering to the growing passenger demand in Bihar and is expected to significantly enhance the region’s connectivity.

 New Civil Enclave at Bagdgora Airport

The Cabinet has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a new civil enclave at Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, West Bengal, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,549 crore.

The new terminal building will cover 70,390 sqm and is designed to handle 3,000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP), with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers. The project will include the construction of an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321 aircraft, two link taxiways, and multi-level car parking. The terminal will also focus on sustainability, featuring a green building design that incorporates renewable energy sources and maximizes natural lighting to reduce its environmental impact.

This development is set to enhance Bagdogra Airport’s operational efficiency and passenger experience, further solidifying its importance as a key air travel hub for the region.

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