Mangaluru-Mumbai Matsyagandha express upgraded with modern LHB coaches
Mangaluru: Matsyagandha Express, a vital rail link between coastal Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, has been upgraded with modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, enhancing passenger safety and comfort. The newly fitted coaches were formally inaugurated on Monday, February 17 at Indrali Railway Station by Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary.
The 12619/12620 Matsyagandha Superfast Express, which runs daily between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Kurla, Mumbai) and Mangaluru Central, is called as the lifeline of Mangaluru.
Introduced on May 1, 1998, as the Mangalore-Kurla Express, the Matsyagandha Express traverses some of the most challenging terrains in India along the scenic Konkan Railway route. On August 30, 2021, a special service of the Matsyagandha Express (Train No. 02619) became the first train to utilize the newly commissioned Roha-Veer double line on this route.
With the latest upgrade, the train now features brand-new LHB coaches, replacing the conventional ICF coaches. The LHB rake commenced operations from Mangaluru Central on February 17, 2025, and from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai, on February 18, 2025.
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ED raids Kolkata Police deputy commissioner, businessman in PMLA probe
Kolkata (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted raids at the premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and a local businessman as part of a money laundering probe against an alleged criminal and his linked syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.
Two premises of Biswas, including his residence in Ballygunge area and one location of the businessman named Joy Kamdar, Managing Director of a company named Sun Enterprise, have been raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Kamdar has been taken by the officials to the local ED office for questioning. Biswas, chief coordinator and nodal officer of the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was not present at his premises, they said.
The action is linked to a money laundering case against an alleged local criminal named Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion.
The federal probe agency had conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.
The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.
The probe stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations. The accused, including Podder, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in the state of West Bengal and generated funds illegally by way of syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9.
Podder is also wanted by the police in a case of violence in Kankulia road near Golpark of Kolkata and is currently on the run.
The ED has issued summons to Podder but he has failed to join the investigation so far, according to the agency.
West Bengal will have a two phase poll on April 23 and April 29.
