Maharashtra
Mumbai: CR To Install More CCTV Cameras, Talk Back Systems In Ladies Coaches Of Local Trains; Panic Buttons On Every Platform
The Central Railways (CR) is taking significant strides to enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of its services, with a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at benefiting commuters. In a press conference on Thursday, Ram Karan Yadav, the General Manager of Central Railways, highlighted several key projects and improvements.
Yadav acknowledged the challenges associated with introducing more 15-car local train services, emphasizing the necessity for platform extensions to accommodate the longer trains. When questioned about the accommodation in first-class compartments for women, he stated that existing compartments adhere to norms, but further consideration would be given based on demand.Asked about the proposed station between Mulund and Thane he said authorities concerned have yet to allocate the necessary land for the new station.
Enhanced security for women
One of the primary focuses is the safety of women passengers. CR has undertaken the task of equipping all ladies coaches of suburban trains with CCTV cameras and TalkBack systems by March 2024. Currently, 421 out of 771 coaches are already equipped with CCTV, and emergency TalkBack Systems are operational in 512 ladies coaches. The “Meri Saheli” scheme has been launched to secure women traveling alone on long-distance trains, with special attention to 103 identified crime-prone trains.
40 critical signals grappling with visibility and identity issues
Mumbai division of CR has identified 40 critical signals grappling with visibility and identity issues. According to Yadav a comprehensive plan for the potential relocation of these signals onto gantries will be executed in adherence to the guidelines set by the Railway Board. The Mumbai division, which boasts nearly 2000 signals, including 390 on the right side, has identified this subset of signals as a priority due to visibility challenges.
Station security and technological advancements
Beyond the trains, CR is investing in station security with the installation of panic buttons at two locations on each platform across its 117 major stations. Additionally, advanced technology, such as Video Analytics and Face Recognition capabilities, is being integrated into CCTV systems at prominent stations.
Innovative driver assistance systems
To enhance the safety of train operations, CR is implementing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in suburban trains. ADAS includes audio alert units, Signal Location Announcement System (SILAS), and a Virtual Reality Based training module for crew training. The ADAS, combined with Cabin Video Voice Recording Systems (CVVRS), ensures continuous monitoring of the crew’s status, addressing concerns like fatigue, distraction, mobile usage, and smoking.
Infrastructure upgrades, redevelopment
CR is actively involved in infrastructure development, with the ongoing redevelopment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and major upgrades at Nagpur and Ajni stations. The timeline for the CSMT redevelopment project is targeted for completion within the next 30 months.
79 unauthorised entry points
CRs Mumbai’s division has identified 79 unauthorized entry points out of this 12 already closed .Efforts are on to close the remaining points gradually to control the trespass. Furthermore, the Mumbai division has sanctioned the construction of a 46 km boundary wall at various locations, with 3.5 km completed and the rest in progress. Additionally, 204 locations have been earmarked for boundary wall/fencing construction, with 25 already completed.
Despite these measures, Yadav said that in the past year, 272 trains experienced delays due to human run-over incidents, with 227 delays recorded in the current financial year. Expressing concern over the loss of precious lives, Yadav urged the public to refrain from crossing railway tracks for their safety.
Speed enhancements of suburban trains
According to Yadav, Mumbai Division is set to boost local train speeds in three suburban sections. The Tilak Nagar to Panvel harbor line, currently at 80 kmph, aims to reach 105 kmph by March ’24. Similarly, the Thane-Vashi and Nerul-Kharkopar sections are undergoing speed enhancements projected to conclude by March ’24. Additionally, the Karjat-Khopoli section’s speed is targeted to increase from 60 kmph to 90 kmph by March ’24, contributing to overall improvements in local train efficiency.
Passenger amenities
CR is focused on improving passenger amenities, including the development of subscription-based “Woloo” toilets for women at six stations in Mumbai. These modern facilities are equipped with WiFi, central air conditioning, access control software, and sanitary napkin dispensers.
Environmental initiatives
CR is actively pursuing green energy solutions with the installation of 8.2 MW of rooftop solar energy and plans for an additional 10 MW in the near future. Wind power energy, amounting to 56.4 MW, is being utilized for traction. The commitment to environmental sustainability also includes operating 98 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rakes on Head on Generation (HOG), achieving an operational efficiency of 85%.
Social responsibility and security measures
The Central Railways, through its Railway Protection Force (RPF), has undertaken various measures such as rescuing 1121 children, saving lives, recovering stolen railway material, and cracking down on ticket touts, unauthorized hawkers, and male passengers in ladies’ compartments.
AC coaches of long distance trains will be equipped with smoke detectors
According to Yadav, smoke detection system in 837 AC coaches (464 during this year) already provided. In remaining 372 coaches it will be provided upto March 2024″ said Yadav .A total of 103 crores. Passengers carried by CR in this financial year as compared to 94 crores last year upto Nov’23.
Hundred percent electrification
According to Yadav, hundred percent Electrification of broad gauge routes except new line of Ashti- New Loni section of 40 Kms which is planned to be completed by March 24.Thereby reducing the traction change.
Maharashtra
Tension at Vashi Naka in Mumbai over the replacement of the Kali Mata idol with Mount Mary; case filed, priest arrested after protests by Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists

Mumbai: The idol of Kali Mata in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was changed into the shape of Mount Mary, after which tension spread in the area, but the police have claimed to have arrested a priest in this matter, who had done the above act, which had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The police brought the situation under control and also solved the case. After this incident, an attempt was made to spoil the atmosphere, but later the priest was found to be involved in it, after which peace has now prevailed here. A shocking incident has come to light in Mumbai, in which the idol of Kali Mata installed in the crematorium of Chembur Vashi village was redesigned to resemble Mount Mary. This incident has caused a wave of shock and anger among the residents of the area.
On receiving the information, the RCF police reached the spot, assessed the situation and arrested the priest involved. The police have also registered an FIR in connection with the incident.
During initial interrogation, the accused priest told the police that he had received a “dream instruction” to redesign the idol of Kali Mata to resemble Mount Mary. Following this alleged “dream instruction”, he tried to change the shape of the idol.
Given the seriousness of the matter, police officers are conducting further investigations. The motives behind the change, and whether there was any other reason or conflict behind the change, are also under investigation.
Local people and some Bajrang Dal workers expressed satisfaction with the police action and said that any kind of change without permission at religious places is unacceptable. DCP Sameer Shaikh said that the accused who changed the shape of the idol has been arrested and the investigation is ongoing. The police are also investigating why the accused committed such a questionable and controversial act, who is behind it, and on whose instructions he changed the shape of the idol. Investigations are ongoing on all these points. However, due to the situation, the police have deployed additional arrangements here and the situation is also being monitored. At present, there is peace but tension remains.
Maharashtra
Veteran Bollywood Actor Dharmendra Passes Away at 89

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, passed away today at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89. His departure marks the end of an era in Hindi film history, leaving behind millions of grieving fans and admirers.
Dharmendra had been unwell for the past several days. He faced respiratory complications and other age-related health issues, for which he was hospitalized briefly before being shifted back home. Earlier today, a sense of concern arose as activity increased outside his residence, and soon after, the heartbreaking news of his demise was confirmed.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra made his debut in the early 1960s and went on to become one of the most admired and celebrated actors of Indian cinema. From romance to comedy, drama to action, he mastered every genre and delivered countless memorable performances. His screen presence, charm, and natural acting style earned him a permanent place in the hearts of audiences.
The film industry is in deep mourning. Actors, filmmakers, and fans across the country are paying tribute, remembering him as a powerhouse performer and a humble human being. Many are calling his passing “the end of an era,” acknowledging that his contribution to cinema is both historic and irreplaceable.
Beyond films, Dharmendra was a devoted family man—deeply connected with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. His simplicity, warmth, and affectionate nature made him beloved not just onscreen but also in his personal life.
His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Yet, his legacy will continue to shine through his timeless films, unforgettable characters, and the memories he gifted to generations of viewers.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that his soul rests in peace.
Maharashtra
Winter rains expected in the state, alert issued in three districts

Mumbai: The weather in the state is constantly changing. Now after the severe cold, the Indian Meteorological Department has given a major warning of direct rain. The state is currently facing favorable weather for rain.
The state has been experiencing cold and temperature in the last few days. The mercury is continuously falling. Pune is experiencing severe cold, Punekar is facing pink cold due to the drop in temperature. Not only Pune, many parts of the state are experiencing severe cold and cold winds are blowing from the north. North India is experiencing severe cold and the mercury is likely to fall further in the next few days. However, the cold has decreased slightly since yesterday. The mercury is falling in the districts of Mumbai, Nagpur, Akola, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Beed, Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Ahlia Nagar, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Jalgaon, Bhandara, Ayutthaya. The mercury in Dhule fell to 7.5 Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department has now issued a big warning.
Although the cold is being felt at the moment, the cold has decreased in some areas compared to the last two or three days. Not only this, the weather is also cloudy. Currently, the environment is favorable for rain in the state. The Indian Meteorological Department has also issued a rain warning in some districts. Rain warnings have been issued in Kolhapur, Sangli and Sindhudurg districts.
The mercury is below 10 degrees in some places. On Friday, the lowest temperature in the state was recorded in Dhule. The temperature was recorded in Dhule at 7.5 degrees. The temperature was recorded in Parbhani at 8.9. The temperature was recorded in Nafad at 8 degrees Celsius. The mercury dropped to 11 degrees in Pune, Ahlia Nagar and Mahabaleshwar. Today, the weather is favorable for rain in some cities of the state. There will be light to moderate rain in Kolhapur, Sangli and Sindhudurg.
The mercury has dropped below 10 degrees in Pune. Due to which there is a heavy fog in the air. To avoid the cold, Ganpati Bappa is traditionally dressed in a woolen sweater and ear caps at Saras Bagh in Pune. This sweater is given to Ganpati Bappa with the pleasant feeling that Ganpati Bappa is also feeling the cold. Every winter, whenever the cold increases, Ganpati Bappa is given a sweater.
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