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.

Kathmandu, Sep 1: Over 1000 people have now been confirmed dead following last week’s devastating floods in Nepal even as bodies swept away continue to pile up along riverbanks in different districts, on Tuesday.

The number of bodies recovered so far have reached 1003, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in its latest update. The highest number of bodies — 321 — were recovered in southern Chitwan district, followed by 216 in Nawalparasi East.

According to the NDRRMA, as many as 3,916 people, including 583 foreign nationals, remain out of contact. Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel, as well as other government employees, are among those reported missing.

As many as 639 people working at various hydropower projects along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors have remained out of contact since last week’s disaster, according to the authority.

Government authorities said search, rescue and relief operations were continuing in the affected districts.

The authority said 279 people have been injured in the disaster. Details of the injured and casualties are being compiled as search and identification efforts continue.

A total of 21,314 security personnel have been mobilised for search, rescue and relief operations, according to the NDRRMA. The mobilised personnel include 9,199 from the Nepali Army, 7,912 from Nepal Police and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force.

The authority said unidentified dead bodies have been kept at 21 locations for identification and proper management.

According to the latest update, 11,884 people have been rescued so far. Search and rescue operations are continuing in the flood-affected areas, with security agencies using helicopters and other resources to reach stranded people.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Army said it was continuing search and rescue operations at various hydropower projects with the assistance of foreign experts. Joint rescue operations are underway at the Chilime Hydropower Project, Langtang Hydropower Project, Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3A, among others.

During the immediate rescue operations following the floods, 279 people were rescued alive from hydropower project areas, according to the Nepali Army.

They included two people from Rasuwagadhi, 33 from Upper Trishuli-1, 221 from Upper Trishuli-3A, two from Upper Trishuli-3B, nine from Mailung, four from Nuwakot Solar Power Project, three from Trishuli Hydropower Project and five from Devghat Hydropower Project.