Nashik: The 66.15-km Nashik ring road, envisioned as a parikrama marg ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela, is expected to cost around Rs 8,000 crore. The State Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, which recently approved the project, assigned its execution to the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), instead of the previously expected Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The committee has approved land acquisition costs of Rs 3,659.47 crore. Negotiations with the Centre are ongoing regarding the civil works component, estimated at Rs 4,262.64 crore, for which the state has already granted approval.

Funds for land acquisition will be provided through the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, according to a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday. Once discussions with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) conclude, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the state and the Centre.

The ring road is designed to ease congestion in Nashik and improve the movement of people and goods, supporting industrial growth, logistics, and tourism. Nearly 2 crore devotees and tourists are expected to visit Nashik during the 2027 Kumbh Mela, highlighting the urgency of completing the project.

To recover project costs, the option of levying tolls has been kept open, with revenue-sharing arrangements between the state and the Centre.

Guwahati, Nov 22: Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah brought a long-awaited breakthrough for India by dismissing Aiden Markram on the stroke of tea, as South Africa reached 82/1 in 26.5 overs against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Bumrah had created an opportunity earlier in the first session, but KL Rahul failed to hold on to a sharp chance at slip, giving Markram a life on four. But the right-handed opener eventually fell in the final over before the 20-minute tea break by chopping on to his stumps off Bumrah.

Until that dismissal, Markram and Ryan Rickelton looked largely assured. It would be interesting to see if India, who toiled hard for the majority of the first session, will be able to capitalise on the breakthrough from Bumrah and gain an edge over the Proteas in the second session.

In the morning, after electing to bat first on a fresh red soil pitch, Markram and Rickelton ensured South Africa had a steady start against new ball bowlers Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The duo got decent carry and swing, though two sets of byes went against wicketkeeper and skipper Rishabh Pant’s name.

Though the atmosphere was subdued at India’s newest Test venue due to sparse attendance, which was in complete contrast to the well‑attended Eden Gardens Test last week, Bumrah and Siraj continued to keep the openers in check. Markram finally opened his account with a solid punch off Bumrah for four, before surviving a dropped catch by Rahul at slip.

With Siraj bowling touch too full and wide, Markram and Rickelton found a few boundaries off him, as South Africa reached 34/0 at the first drinks break. Nitish Kumar Reddy struggled for consistency – drifting onto the pads too often and conceding boundaries to Markram, while Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar found some turn and bounce, though Rickelton got streaky boundaries off them.

Captain Pant’s decision to bring Bumrah late in the session to deliver the breakthrough paid off when he dismissed Markram and Rahul, who had earlier spilled a chance of him, had a smile full of relief on his face as India finally had a wicket before tea.

Brief Scores: South Africa 82/1 in 26.5 overs (Aiden Markram 38, Ryan Rickelton 35 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 1-7) against India.

Ambernath: A shocking accident occurred on Friday evening on the Ambarnath flyover, leaving four people dead and four others seriously injured. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the intensity of the crash.

According to reports, Shiv Sena’s female candidate Kiran Chaubey was traveling to the Buvapada area for an election campaign with her driver Laxman Shinde. During the journey, the driver reportedly suffered a sudden heart attack, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The car crossed the divider and collided with four to five vehicles coming from the opposite direction, as per Chaubey’s statement to the police.

The deceased have been identified as Laxman Shinde, driver, Chandrakant Anarse, Municipal Council employee, Sumit Chelani, local youth, Shailesh Jadhav

The accident was particularly severe for Chandrakant Anarse, who was riding a motorcycle and fell off the bridge, later succumbing to injuries at the hospital.

The injured include Kiran Chaubey, Shiv Sena candidate, Amit Chauhan Abhishek Chauhan.

Local residents broke the car’s window to rescue Chaubey, who has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment. Chaubey stated that the driver became motionless suddenly, and before she could comprehend the situation, the vehicle went out of control at high speed.

The Ambernath Police have registered a case and launched further investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the exact sequence of events.