Mumbai: Responding to widespread passenger complaints over poor mobile network connectivity in the underground Metro Line-3 corridor, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has announced the rollout of free Wi-Fi across all stations on the Aqua Line. The initiative aims to make digital ticket booking easier through the MetroConnect3 mobile app and improve overall commuter convenience.

According to MMRC, the free Wi-Fi facility is now available at the concourse (ticketing) level of all stations. MMRC aims at easing ticket booking and travel seamless for passengers by simply logging into the MetroConnect3 app before entering the station.

Download and sign in to the MetroConnect3 app before arriving at the station.

Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings and select MetroConnect3.

Open the app, go to Profile, and tap Connect to Wi-Fi to access free internet (available for ticket booking only).

The MMRC said over 1.6 lakh passengers used the Aqua Line on Monday, but many struggled to book tickets due to poor network reception inside the underground tunnels. The new Wi-Fi facility, the agency added, is free, secure, and reliable for all commuters.

Meanwhile, ACES India recently partnered with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to install advanced 4G and 5G In-Building Solutions (IBS) across the 33.5-km-long Aqua Line. This system will ensure high-speed mobile coverage in all 27 underground stations and interconnected tunnels, benefiting millions of daily passengers once fully operational.

Thane: A video of Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik’s convoy travelling on the wrong side of the road to avoid a massive traffic jam on the Ghodbunder Road in Thane has surfaced on social media with commuters seeking to know if traffic rules were meant to be followed only by common citizens.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Naik was heading to Palghar for a meeting of the District Planning Committee.

Naik is also the district guardian minister of Palghar.

While the BJP minister’s convoy with police escort was on the way to Palghar, it took a U-turn to avoid a traffic jam and started going on the wrong side of the road.

Eyewitnesses and commuters were quick to capture videos and photos of the minister’s convoy driving on the wrong side. The video that has surfaced on social media shows the minister sitting inside his car.

Angry citizens took to social media to express outrage, saying such instances expose the “two Indias on the same road – one for the powerful and one for the powerless”.

“Traffic rules apply only to the ‘aam aadmi’ (common people), not the VVIPs,” one commuter said.

New Delhi, Oct 15: In a move to ensure inclusive and barrier-free participation in the upcoming high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at making the voting process accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

According to the ECI, the polling in Bihar will feature a total of 90,712 polling stations, each equipped with facilities tailored to support PwD electors and senior citizens.

“Additionally, in another initiative, 292 Polling Stations will be exclusively managed by Persons with Disabilities,” the poll panel said in its press note.

According to the Commission, all polling stations will be set up on the ground floor or at road-level entry points to eliminate mobility challenges.

Ramps with appropriate gradients will be installed to make movement easier for wheelchair users.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that PwDs and senior citizens receive priority access while entering polling booths, reducing waiting time and ensuring dignity in the voting process.

“To facilitate the Persons with Visual Impairment, the Commission has directed to issue Accessible Voter Information Slips with Braille Features, along with the regular Voter Information Slips (VIS),” it said.

Under Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, visually impaired electors may be accompanied by a companion to help them cast their vote, but the Commission has gone a step further by mandating the availability of Braille-enabled Dummy Ballot Sheets at every polling station.

“Any visually impaired voter can use this sheet to cast his/her vote by themselves using the Braille facility on Ballot Units of EVMs without any help from a companion,” it added.

In addition, a dedicated transport facility will be arranged for PwDs on polling day. Voters can request wheelchair and transport assistance through the Divyang (Saksham) Module available on the ECINET platform.

This digital initiative aims to streamline support services and ensure timely assistance to registered PwD voters.

The Election Commission stated that these reforms underline its commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen, irrespective of physical ability, can exercise their democratic right with ease, confidence, and respect.