India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
Chandigarh: The route for procuring 100 e-buses to replace the aging 100 diesel buses of the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) is turning out to be a bumpy one. The Chandigarh administration has been pursuing the replacements for more than a year, but the requisite approval from the central govt is still awaited.Earlier this week, secretary transport Diprava Lakra and director transport Praduman Singh met the officers of the ministry of home affairs in Delhi. According to the officers, the MHA officials were positive about the proposal, which will soon pave the way for the tender process for 100 new electric buses. However, for this, the Chandigarh administration will first have to obtain a no objection certificate from the ministry of housing and urban affairs, after which the administration will be able to purchase new buses as a replacement at its own level.The UT administration was to receive 100 e-buses through a central govt tendering process, which has been stuck in legal tangles for more than a year. At the same time, CTU will phase out 100 diesel buses by Nov this year."Under the current circumstances, the administration will float fresh tenders on its own. The terms and conditions will be the same as those set by the central govt. The tender will be floated after approval from the competent authority. From the start of the tendering process to the delivery of buses, it will take at least six months," said a UT official.The urgency for procuring the buses stems from the fact that out of the 358 diesel buses, 100 will complete their 15-year service limit by Nov this year, and these will have to be phased out. The CTU is the mainstay of the public transport system in the Tricity, with Mohali having no tricity bus service available and Panchkula having a very limited local bus service. If these 100 buses are taken off the road, there would be a consequent reduction in bus services within the tricity.The process to replace these 100 diesel buses with e-buses started a couple of years ago. "The buses were being purchased under a central govt scheme, and even the tendering process was completed last year. But since then, litigation has plagued the execution of the tender. Even if the tender materialises now, we are still unlikely to get the 100 buses before Nov," said the official. MSID:: 121681666 413 |
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Society for Employment Promotion and Training in Twin Cities (Setwin) announced plans to introduce electric mini buses in Hyderabad to combat pollution, which is decided in a recent review meeting. Setwin operates 37 buses across six routes, serving the public in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Setwin chairman N. Giridhar Reddy and managing director K. Venu Gopal Rao said the decision aligns with the RTA Act, which mandates the replacement of buses older than 15 years. The resolution to transition to electric buses has been passed, and plans a ...Read More >
New Delhi/Noida, Jun 27 (PTI) End-of-life vehicles detected at fuel stations or found parked at public places will be impounded and a penalty of Rs 10,000 imposed on four-wheeler owners and Rs 5,000 on two-wheeler owners starting July 1, officials said on Friday. EOL vehicles are diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. Irrespective of the states they are registered in, they will not be given fuel in Delhi starting July 1, according to directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) earlier. Around 500 fuel stations in Delhi have inst ...Read More >
New Delhi: India's electric vehicle market witnessed mixed trends in June 2025, with electric cars, two-wheelers, and buses registering growth while sales of passenger and cargo electric three-wheelers declined month-on-month, according to a report by JMK Research & Analytics. Sales of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) rose 5 per cent month-on-month to 1,05,282 units in June. The top three players continued to dominate the segment, accounting for about 65 per cent of the total registrations. Passenger electric three-wheeler (E3W) sales stood at 51,698 units in June, showing a 7 per cen ...Read More >
New Delhi: The debate among scientists and environment policy experts over what really drives vehicle pollution has heated up in Delhi after the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) directive of denying fuel and impounding end-of-life vehicles from July 1 onwards.Petrol vehicles that are over 15 years old and diesel vehicles that are over 10 years old are in the direct line of fire of CAQM's Direction 89.The policy's aim is to reducing emissions, but environmentalists and automotive exp ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Starting Tuesday, the Delhi government is planning to stop the sale of petrol and diesel to end-of-life (EoL) or over-age vehicles - a move aimed at fighting vehicular emission-linked air pollution in the Capital, an official said. Petrol pump owners on Monday confirmed that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other devices linked to the transport ministry's data bank have been installed at their outlets to identify EoL vehicles. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a direction that all EoL vehicles identified throu ...Read More >
BENGALURU: Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (BMTC) push towards eco-friendly public transport got a major boost with the induction of 148 new non-AC electric buses on Friday. The buses were flagged off by Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy at the BMTC Central Office in Shanthinagar. The event also marked the launch of new routes under express services and package tours. With this, BMTC's electric bus fleet now totals 1,436 vehicles. The BMTC stated that the operation of electric buses prevents the emission of nearly 2.07 lakh kg of carbon dioxide per day and saves aro ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Congress leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned the government over the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, alleging foreign pressure and demanding clarity on its terms. Mevani accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of backing down under US influence and asked why the remaining terrorists haven't been caught. 'It's been a month since the government launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have caught a terrorist. The Prime Minister boasts of a 56-inch chest, says India is a Vishwa Guru, and speaks of vermilion running through our veins. Then why haven't the ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The much-awaited Shilpa Layout Phase 2 flyover is finally open to the public. Telangana chief minister inaugurated the flyover at Gachibowli on Saturday, June 28. Named after late senior Congress leader and five-time MLA P Janardhan Reddy, the 1.2 km-long six-lane bi-directional flyover has been built at a cost of Rs 182.72 crore. Built under the Strategic Road Development Programme (SRDP), the new PJR flyover promises smoother vehicular movement between ORR, Kondapur, Hafeezpet, Hitech City, and the Financial District. Addressing the crowd, CM Revanth stated that more flyovers a ...Read More >
Kolkata: Traffic movement in parts of Kolkata was heavily affected on Tuesday due to demonstrations and processions carried out as part of the Bharat Bandh called by several trade unions and farmer organizations. Major traffic diversions were put in place across the city. A large procession was reported on the Sealdah Flyover and AJC Bose Road, leading to temporary roadblocks and diversions during peak hours. Authorities also confirmed a significant demonstration at Raja SC Mullick Road, causing slow movement and congestion in the surrounding areas. Commuters were advised to avoid affected r ...Read More >
The Baatara Gorge Waterfall, also known as the "Cave of Three Bridges," is one of Lebanon's most enchanting natural wonders. This unique geological formation in Tannourine has been captivating visitors for centuries. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to visit this breathtaking site. From practical tips to essential information, we've got you covered! The ideal time to visit the Baatara Gorge Waterfall is in the springtime, specifically between March and May. Why? Well, this is when the snow from the mountains around melts down, providing water to the fall an ...Read More >
Chennai, July 13: A massive fire that broke out in a diesel-laden goods train near Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu was fully extinguished after nearly seven hours of intense firefighting on Sunday. The blaze, which erupted around 5.30 a.m., gutted 18 wagons and caused major disruptions on the busy Chennai-Arakkonam rail route. The train was carrying 12.6 lakh litres of diesel in 18 tanker wagons, each loaded with 70,000 litres of fuel. All 18 wagons were completely destroyed in the fire, resulting in a loss of diesel worth approximately Rs 12 crore. Dramatic visuals from the site showed the tankers ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 14 (PTI) Protesters scuffled with the police and roads were blocked during a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP in Khejuri area in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal on Monday to protest the unnatural deaths of two persons. Sujit Das (23) and Sudhir Chandra Paik (65) died when they went to attend a Muharram event in Janaka area of Khejuri on Friday night. Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that seven people, including a local TMC leader, beat them to death, while police stated the two died after halogen lamps accidentally fell on them fro ...Read More >
Mumbai BEST accident: Amid ongoing investigations into the Kurla accident case, the Mumbai police on Tuesday, sought custody of the driver of the electric bus - operated by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which led to the death of seven persons, and injured 42 others on December 10. Reportedly, the Mumbai police suspect that the driver, Sanjay More, might have 'deliberately' attacked the people, using the bus as a 'weapon'. A magistrate court has now ruled that More would be under the custody of Mumbai Police until December 21. The Mumbai Police presented San ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), considered the richest civic body in the country, tabled its budget of Rs 74,427 crore for 2025-26 at its headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday. The additional municipal commissioners presented the budget to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the state-appointed administrator. BMC is currently run by an administrator since the term of the corporators ended on March 7, 2022. This is the third year of the budget being presented to the administrator, in deviation from the norm where the municipal commissioner presents the budget to the standing co ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is set to introduce WhatsApp ticketing and digital bus passes, offering passengers a faster and more convenient way to travel. Under the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), commuters will soon be able to book tickets by simply entering journey details through WhatsApp and receiving e-tickets instantly. Digital bus passes will also be issued via the RTC mobile app and verified using handheld ticketing machines by conductors. Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced these initiatives during his visit to ...Read More >
Ranchi: The long awaited Ratu road flyover was inaugurated by Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday. The 4.18 km long, four-lane project has been built at a cost of Rs 560 crore. Once opened for traffic movement, the flyover will boost the city traffic by doing away with the perennial traffic congestion at Ratu road. Besides inaugurating the flyover, Gadkari also laid the foundation stone for two new flyover projects at the OTC ground in the evening. Various MPs, state transport minister Deepak Birua among others were present on the occasion.Calling the newly ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR: With the Odisha Drivers' Mahasangha's strike continuing for the third consecutive day on Thursday, bus passengers across the state faced severe problems in commuting. With the government and the association yet to arrive at a resolution, people could be seen stranded at bus stands in several major cities of the state. Though OSRTC buses were operational, they were few and far between and unable to handle the huge rush of passengers. Many people complained that since the frequency of private bus trips was much more than OSRTC, they were finding it difficult to travel in governmen ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a belligerent, brilliant, and breathtaking performance from the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned the first ever champions of the Rugby Premier League, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The Chennai Bulls thrashed the Delhi Redz by a scoreline of 41-0 in the final, to clinch the title. In fact, the margin of victory is the biggest across Season 1 of the GMR RPL. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, came away with a third-place finish, after they won 17-12 against the Bengaluru Bra ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Normal life came to a standstill across Kerala on Tuesday after around 20,000 private buses were off the roads due to a token strike called by the operators. The operators have been raising demands like an increase in charges for student concessions, steps to check fake concession cards, besides a few other demands for a while now. With the talks with the Transport Commissioner failing, the operators decided to have a token strike on Tuesday. They have warned that if the government fails to address their demands in a week, they will have no other o ...Read More >
T'puram/Kochi/Kozhikode: The nationwide strike called by central trade unions demanding a rollback of labour reforms and protection of public sector institutions brought Kerala to a near-total standstill on Wednesday.All sectors -- except essential services -- were paralysed, with shops, factories, offices and educational institutions shut across the state. Public transport took a major hit, leaving many stranded at bus stands and railway stations. Scattered incidents of violence and clashes were reported from multiple districts.Govt establishments, including the Secretariat, wore a deserted l ...Read More >
Chennai: Preliminary investigations attribute the fire on the goods train near Tiruvallur to a possible spark from overhead electrical equipment (OHE) igniting fuel leaking from a derailed wagon.The incident paralysed services on the busy Chennai-Arakkonam route and left nearby residents engulfed in thick black smoke. The disruption left thousands of rail passengers stranded, many of whom were unable to get updates as railway helplines went unanswered for hours. The train carrying diesel from Chennai Harbour to Walajah Road Siding was exiting Tiruvallur station around 5.30am on Sunday, when a ...Read More >
A 55-year-old man, who was among the several persons injured in the BEST bus accident in Kurla area here, died on Monday morning, taking the death toll to eight, a civic official said. The electric bus, hired by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on wet-lease basis, ploughed into a crowd and fatally knocked down seven persons and injured 42 others on a crowded road in Kurla area on December 9. Several vehicles were also damaged in the incident. One of t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 105 new orange-coloured DEVI (Delhi EV Inter-connector) electric buses and inaugurated the newly built Sector A9 depot in Narela, calling it a step towards cleaner and more efficient public transport for the capital. Gupta said the depot was completed in just 90 days and claimed it reflects the BJP government's commitment to deliver on promises made to Delhi residents. She also attacked the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of pushing Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) into losses and fostering ...Read More >
Chennai, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday flagged off Chennai's first fleet of low-floor electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (MTC) Vyasarpadi depot, marking a significant step towards greener urban transport in the city. A total of 120 electric buses, worth Rs 207.90 crore, have been introduced under the Chennai City Partnership Programme and Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme, with support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Inaugurating the upgraded electric bus depot at Vyasarpadi, develop ...Read More >
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said that her government has made women's safety a priority of governance, and work is in progress to eliminate unsafe and dark spots in the city. In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "We have made women's safety in the capital not just a promise but a priority of governance. Continuous efforts are being made in coordination with the police and administration to make Delhi safer for women." She said, "Dark spots are being identified and security measures are being strengthened there, PCR patrolling has been increased, panic buttons an ...Read More >
Chennai: Chennai's first batch of electric buses hit the roads on Monday, with 120 non-AC low-floor buses flagged off by chief minister M K Stalin from the newly upgraded Vyasarpadi depot.While these buses feature modern amenities like a kneeling mechanism for easier boarding by senior citizens, women, children, and persons with disabilities, they lack air-conditioning -- a feature now standard in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The kneeling function lowers the floor by another 250 mm, making the bus accessible for all. The buses, built by OHM Global Mobility (a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland) at 2 ...Read More >
Ludhiana: Several labour unions and employee federations in Ludhiana joined the 'Bharat Bandh', protesting the increasing contractualisation of jobs, the dilution of labour laws, and "anti-worker and pro-corporate" policies of the govt. They demanded the regularisation of contractual workers in the transport sector. Jagtar Singh, general secretary of the PRTC Contract Workers Union, said that PRTC and Punbus staff were observing a three-day strike, highlighting that nearly 7,000 employees in both services continued to work on a contractual basis and faced acute job insecurity. He urged the Pun ...Read More >