Articles by Shashank Rao
RTO begins one-month drive against fancy number plates and mandatory HSRP in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: RTOs are cracking down on fancy number plates with names like Dada and Mama. Vehicles must install High-Security Registration Plates by April 30.
Published on Feb 20, 2025 07:24 AM IST
After BKC, pod cars to connect Mira-Bhayandar with Thane- Ghodbunder
Maharashtra plans a new pod taxi route from Mira-Bhayandar to Thane-Ghodbunder to ease traffic, integrating with metro stations for better connectivity.
Published on Feb 19, 2025 08:00 AM IST
Dharavi drone survey will determine who qualifies for rehabilitation
Drones mapped Dharavi to identify illegal structures for redevelopment; those deemed illegal may lose benefits. Eligibility survey ongoing.
Published on Feb 19, 2025 07:28 AM IST
Speculation mounts on Tesla’s entry to India as it posts first job openings
Tesla plans to launch operations in India, eyeing showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi, amid job openings and discussions on dealership models.
Published on Feb 19, 2025 06:02 AM IST
Shashank Rao, Mumbai
WR develops 2 apps to nab fake tickets, ensure quick redressal of complaints
Western Railway has developed two apps for ticket-checking staff to combat fake tickets and streamline passenger complaint resolution in long-distance trains.
Published on Feb 18, 2025 07:04 AM IST
WR mulls using AI in its security network
MUMBAI: Western Railway plans to enhance security with AI and upgraded CCTV after a recent rape incident, focusing on better monitoring and patrols.
Published on Feb 16, 2025 07:52 AM IST
WR begins survey to ensure clean toilets at stations
Out of 59 toilet blocks on rail premises within Western Railway’s Mumbai division, 32 are pay-and-use facilities managed and operated by private contractors
Published on Feb 15, 2025 08:00 AM IST
150,000 tenements will be rehabilitated under Dharavi Redevelopment Project
As per the latest numbers on February 12, NMDPL has completed numbering 85,000 tenements, while over 50,000 tenements have undergone door-to-door surveys
Published on Feb 14, 2025 07:10 AM IST
Railways to tie up with IIT-B to develop sustainable suburban framework
Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation and IIT Bombay will conduct a study on the city's suburban rail network to enhance financial sustainability and service delivery.
Published on Feb 13, 2025 06:36 AM IST
New Jogeshwari terminus to be operational this year
MUMBAI: The new Jogeshwari rail terminus, costing ₹69 crore, is set to open in six months, easing congestion at major stations.
Published on Feb 11, 2025 09:16 AM IST
Soon, railway staff to be trained via VR to maintain locals
In a first for Indian Railways, the Kurla car shed has adopted a Virtual Reality (VR) based training system for repairing coaches, which is currently undergoing testing and is expected to go live later this month
Published on Feb 10, 2025 06:58 AM IST
Central Railway introduces first underslung AC local to enhance commuter experience
Mumbai's Central Railway will launch its first AC local train with an underslung motor, enhancing capacity and comfort. Expected by summer 2024.
Published on Feb 10, 2025 06:34 AM IST
169 WR train services to be cancelled for re-girdering of British-era bridge
Mumbai: Western Railway train services will be disrupted for 13 hours due to bridge work, cancelling 169 trains and causing delays on Churchgate-Mumbai Central route.
Published on Feb 08, 2025 08:48 AM IST
Four new metro lines to partially open this year
Mumbai's metro expansion includes partial openings of lines 2B, 4, 4A, and 9 this year, enhancing public transit in the region.
Published on Feb 08, 2025 08:36 AM IST
Shared auto stands outside metro stations barely functioning
Below the metro rail stations of Lines 2A and 7 are blue-coloured boards depicting an auto rickshaw and the words ‘Share Auto Stand’ with a QR code and fare. However, there are barely any autos queuing up for passengers - a pointer to the poor last-mile connectivity at metro stations on the 20 km-long Andheri (W)-Dahisar-Gundavali route.
Published on Feb 07, 2025 09:28 AM IST
New auto, taxi fares delayed as meter recalibration yet to begin
Mumbai's auto and taxi fare revision faces chaos as electronic meter recalibration delays spark disputes, leaving passengers vulnerable to overcharging.
Published on Feb 06, 2025 08:22 AM IST
BEST allocated ₹1,000 cr in BMC budget
BEST’s losses in 2025-26 stood at ₹2,200 crore while its overall financial liability stood at ₹9,286 crore
Published on Feb 05, 2025 08:00 AM IST
A double-decker challenge to replace Elphinstone bridge
The British-era bridge passes over railway tracks catering to the Central and Western lines but is also surrounded by two railway stations and several buildings. Authorities also plan to install a double-decker single-fabricated steel open web girder weighing a massive 4,200 metric tonnes
Published on Feb 05, 2025 07:24 AM IST
Interval between locals to be reduced from 3 to 2 mins: Railway minister
The railways is also working on augmenting the quality of commute on suburban locals, the railway minister said
Published on Feb 04, 2025 08:22 AM IST
New auto, taxi fares delayed as meter recalibration yet to begin
Mumbai's new auto and taxi fares, with a ₹3 increase, are delayed due to meter recalibration issues. Passengers still pay old rates as updates await.
Published on Feb 02, 2025 07:14 AM IST
Mahayuti hails ‘dream budget’, MVA says nothing in it for farmers
Leaders of the Mahayuti government hailed the ‘dream budget for the middle class’ announced by the finance minister on Saturday, and appreciated its provisions for projects in Maharashtra. On the other hand, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) said the budget had nothing concrete for farmers
Published on Feb 02, 2025 06:18 AM IST
BEST rejigs training procedure, 21-day lessons for drivers
All BEST drivers, including employees of the undertaking and staff provided by wet lease operators, will have to undergo a compulsory 21-day training while those driving e-buses will undergo an additional six-day practical training and driving test
Published on Feb 01, 2025 06:46 AM IST
SwaRail: Railways’ super app
The super app, as it is referred to by railway officers, is in the final stages of testing by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). According to a railway official, the purpose of the app is to provide a single window solution to all public applications
Published on Feb 01, 2025 05:52 AM IST
Inclusion of north-bound trains in timetable irks Konkan passengers
On Wednesday, a delegation of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) met Central Railway (CR) officials
Published on Jan 31, 2025 06:50 AM IST
Plan to procure 69 interceptor vehicles hits price barrier
tate transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has sought an explanation regarding the steep cost of radars from department heads and Regional Transport Office (RTO) representatives
Published on Jan 31, 2025 06:42 AM IST
WR plans major crackdown on ticketless commuters
MUMBAI: Western Railway is creating 'pre-custody areas' for ticketless travelers and using bodycams for ticket checkers to document offenders.
Published on Jan 30, 2025 08:08 AM IST
State govt to conduct feasibility study for underground parking malls, water taxis, ropeways
Government agencies such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) have been asked to conduct the feasibility studies and submit detailed project reports in the next two to three months
Published on Jan 30, 2025 07:58 AM IST
Despite ₹551 crore outlay, 2,428 died while crossing tracks in 2 years
According to the latest data from the railways, out of 2,468 deaths on tracks in 2024, 1,151 died while crossing the tracks
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 01:29 PM IST
State signs pact with UK agencies to raise metro revenues
MoU signed with the Department for Transport (DfT) of the United Kingdom government, and Crossrail International (CI), its wholly owned subsidiary which provides strategic advice on rail projects
Updated on Jan 28, 2025 08:22 AM IST
400-tonne girder for Carnac bridge left dangling from a crane
BMC's girder launch for Carnac bridge faced delays due to technical failures, leading to extended train disruptions and emergency blocks.
Updated on Jan 28, 2025 08:04 AM IST