9 coaches of Nankana Sahib-bound special train carrying Sikh pilgrims derail in Pakistan
Lahore (PTI): Nine coaches of the Nankana Sahib-bound special train carrying Sikh pilgrims to attend Guru Nanak's birth anniversary celebrations derailed in Pakistan's Punjab province on Saturday. No one was injured in the accident.
Guru Nanak's birth anniversary will be observed on November 8.
Pakistan Railways spokesperson said that the special train, carrying Sikh pilgrims, was on its way to Nankana Sahib from Karachi when nine of its bogies derailed around 7.55 pm between Shorkot and Pir Mahl railway stations in the province.
Rescue teams rushed to the site of the incident and launched relief operations, however, no casualty was reported.
"Most of the passengers have been accommodated in the first part of the train (which was on track) and left for Nankana at 9:55. Arrangements have also been made for the departure of the remaining passengers. No injuries or casualties have been reported in this regard yet. DS Lahore along with the team is reaching the spot," Pakistan Railways tweeted.
Most of the passengers were adjusted in another train and already left for Nankana, while arrangements were underway to send the remaining Sikh pilgrims as well.
It is not known whether the train was also carrying Sikh pilgrims from India.
Meanwhile, federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has constituted an inquiry committee to probe into the incident.
The committee, comprising COPS Safety, CEN Open Lines and CME Carriage would dig out facts about the derailment and submit its report within three days.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
