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
Rakhi Sawant Social Media Post Triggers Public Debate

Mumbai: Actress and television personality Rakhi Sawant has sparked widespread discussion after sharing a social media post related to the ongoing student protests in the country.
The post featured a symbolic red sanitary pad, which many users interpreted as a gesture of support for the protesting students. The image quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions across social media platforms.
While several users appreciated the symbolic message and described it as an expression of solidarity, others criticised the post, calling the imagery controversial and inappropriate. The incident has reignited debate over the role of celebrities in expressing views on social and political issues.
The controversy has generated significant public attention, with supporters defending freedom of expression and critics questioning the use of symbolic imagery in sensitive matters.
As of now, Rakhi Sawant has not issued an official statement responding to the controversy surrounding her post. There has also been no official confirmation of any legal action specifically related to her social media activity.
The issue continues to attract attention online, with discussions focusing on freedom of expression, public responsibility, and the influence of celebrities on national conversations.
Maharashtra
Peaceful tricolor rally from Amjadiya Road to Shanti Nagar led by Bhiwandi Samajwadi Party MLA Raees Sheikh concludes

Mumbai: Citizens of Bhiwandi on Friday spontaneously organised a ‘Tiranga Pail Yatra’ (Tricolor March) to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the ‘NEET’ paper leak scandal and to express solidarity with the nationwide student protests. Led by Samajwadi Party MLA (Bhiwandi East) Rais Sheikh, the foot march was attended by a large number of local citizens as well as opposition party workers and leaders. The march covered the route from Amjadiya Road in Bhiwandi to Shanti Nagar and was concluded in the evening. No flags of any political party were hoisted during the rally, but citizens held the tricolor in their hands and expressed the spirit of unity. The peaceful procession demonstrated the spirit of unity ‘One Nation, One Passion’. Many participants raised slogans demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, including “Inqilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution) while others held placards protesting against the Modi government. The march ended with the presentation of a memorandum to the Bhiwandi Sub-Divisional Officer.
Speaking to the media during the event, MLA Raees Sheikh said that the ‘Tiranga March’ was not affiliated with any specific political party but was a spontaneous initiative by the citizens of Bhiwandi. He noted the growing nationwide anger against the central government over the ‘NEET’ paper leak and the brutal lathicharge on protesting students. The aim of the march was to support the student movement and demand an end to corruption in the examination system. The participants demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign, holding him responsible for the ‘NEET’ paper leak incident. The memorandum issued by the ‘Tiranga Rally’ has put forward four demands: a judicial inquiry into the brutal lathicharge on student protesters at Delhi’s ‘Jantar Mantar’; a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of students who committed suicide following the NEET paper leak; and withdrawal of police cases registered against student protesters in Delhi as well as all states and union territories.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Shivaji Park student protest: Public anger after video of misbehaving with woman goes viral on social media, demands for four-pronged action

Mumbai: After the shameful act of a police officer during a protest in Shivaji Park Dadar in Mumbai came to light, the Mumbai Police has defended the constable Deepak and said that the video that has gone viral on social media is irresponsible. The officer did not intend to misbehave or flirt with the woman. When the officer went to arrest a man during the protest, the woman protester came in the middle and this is the video. After the investigation in this case, the senior officers of the police department have given a clean chit to the above-mentioned police officer after carefully examining the video footage. This is causing resentment among the citizens. The police have said in their denial statement that there is no mistake on the part of the constable who controlled the protesters. He did not touch the woman intentionally. It is certain that he was controlling the protesters.
In this case, advocate Nitin Satpute has expressed surprise at the clean chit given to the police constable and has appealed to the victim to register a case against the official himself. If a case is not registered in this case, he will approach the court to register a case. He said that the videos of violence against students in Mumbai and other places that are going viral are worrying. In this, many videos have also come to light that are based on extreme brutality. In one video, a constable is threatening to implicate two students in a false drug case, while in the other video, this shameful act of a police constable has come to light. After this video, many political leaders have also tweeted it and demanded action. While the police have given a clean chit to the constable in this case, this has also affected the image of the police department. This video has tarnished the Mumbai Police. The public is angry with the police’s behavior and is also surprised by the police’s latest stance that the constable is innocent and has done nothing wrong.
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