Mumbai/Thane, Sep 1: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday hailed India as it registered a real GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year (Q1 FY27, April–June 2026) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflecting the country’s progress.

Chief Minister Fadnavis in his post on social media platform X said, “Yehi hai right choice, Bharat! Let’s keep going the same way, same direction. 7.8 per cent growth in such times prove our potential and possibilities as a Nation with PM @narendramodi’s leadership! Congratulations Bharat!”

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that India’s economy continues to demonstrate strong growth with a 7.8 per cent GDP expansion at a time when several nations globally are grappling with conflict and economic fallout.

“This reflects economic progress and stability, this marks another key step toward achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’,” The Deputy Chief Minister added.

Speaking to reporters on the country’s economic outlook, Deputy CM Shinde expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily toward becoming an economic superpower and achieving its target of a $5 trillion economy.

He assured that the Maharashtra government will contribute significantly to this journey.

Highlighting the adverse global backdrop, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that ongoing wars and geopolitical conflicts have impacted multiple world economies.

“In contrast, India’s 7.8 per cent growth rate presents a highly promising picture and signals the nation’s rising economic strength.”

Deputy CM Shinde emphasised that every citizen should take pride in the nation’s strengthening economy.

However, he criticised the opposition parties for taking a negative stance on national progress due to political bias against PM Modi.

He remarked that appeals made by the Prime Minister are always aimed at national interest, upliftment, and growth, but are often viewed through a narrow political lens by his critics.

“Instead of questioning progress, everyone should contribute toward accelerating development,” Deputy Chief Minister Shinde added.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, the Deputy CM said that Maharashtra will fully cooperate with the Central government to reach the $5 trillion target and realise the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap.

He asserted that India’s economic strides are a matter of pride for all 140 crore citizens, adding that the public will appropriately respond to those opposing the country’s growth.

New Delhi, Sep 1: Indian Railways has approved a proposal for the provision of modern Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 21 stations of Samastipur Division (Bihar) of East Central Railway with an investment of Rs 233 crore, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The approved work involves the replacement of existing panel interlocking with electronic interlocking at these stations in Bihar. The electronic system will strengthen railway signalling infrastructure across the division and facilitate the implementation of Kavach, the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, to enhance safety.

Electronic interlocking is a modern signalling technology that replaces ageing relay-based systems with computer-based interlocking, ensuring higher reliability, faster fault diagnosis, easier maintenance and enhanced operational flexibility.

The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ continued efforts towards modernisation of signalling systems, strengthening railway safety and enhancing operational efficiency across its network, the statement said.

Indian Railways has also sanctioned the Bhavnagar Para (BVP) Yard Remodelling project in Gujarat at a cost of around Rs 125 crore. The project will strengthen rail infrastructure in Bhavnagar by creating additional operational capacity at Bhavnagar Para and improving facilities for passengers.

The project will help decongest Bhavnagar Terminus by shifting stabling and other operational activities to Bhavnagar Para. This will enable smoother train operations, reduce rake detention and help improve punctuality. The additional infrastructure at Bhavnagar Para will facilitate better management of train movements and provide greater operational flexibility.

The remodelling work includes four loop lines, one engine reversal line, ART and ARME siding, relocation of the Station and EI building, one high-level passenger platform, widening of the existing platform, extension of the existing Foot Over Bridge (FOB) and construction of one new FOB. The project will also include two Road Under Bridges (RUBs), including one new RUB and extension of an existing RUB, along with service buildings and associated electrical and signalling works.

Passenger convenience will be enhanced through a new high-level island platform, widening of Platform No. 2 and improved FOB connectivity at Bhavnagar Para station. These facilities will provide easier movement and access for passengers, the statement added.

Mumbai: A cleanliness drive was launched in the presence of Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir at Worli Koliwada in Mumbai. The main objective of the drive is “Clean Worli, Beautiful Worli”. The drive started from the Worli seafront. During the event, Sachin Ahir told reporters that the local residents have expressed their concerns to MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. He explained that they are facing various problems due to the dirt in the area. Dirt also poses a risk of health problems. Taking the concerns of the local residents seriously, Dr. Shrikant Shinde decided to start a cleanliness drive in the entire area. The drive started from the Worli seafront. Soon the entire area will be cleaned. Sachin Ahir said that the local people had appealed to Shrikant Shinde to solve their problems. He said that Worli is an important part of Maharashtra. Whether the local MLAs discharge their duties properly or not, it is the responsibility of the government to address the concerns and problems of the residents. Under this commitment, the entire area will soon be cleaned. Sachin Ahir further explained that a comprehensive mechanism is being created to resolve all the problems of Worli, even to resolve small issues and provide basic amenities. This campaign will not be limited to just one day but will continue throughout the year.

Sachin Ahir’s response to the opposition on SIR

Regarding the opposition’s allegation that more than 2 crore names were removed from the voter list during the SIR process, Sachin Bhau Ahir said that it is a political allegation. He questioned what the opposition BLOs were doing while the SIR process was going on. He told the opposition that there is still time. Instead of making allegations, they should work on re-registering the names of those in whose name the opposition is doing politics. He said that the process is still ongoing and efforts should be made to register all eligible individuals.