PM highlights Manipuri man's effort to resolve electricity problem through solar energy
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted a Manipuri man's effort to bring electricity to his remote village, describing how he found the solution in solar power that brought light to hundreds of houses in the area.
Talking about Shriram Moirangthem in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi said the 40-year-old man has once again proved true the old saying 'where there is a will, there is a way' when he resolved the major electricity problem in his area in Manipur.
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To overcome the challenge of ensuring a regular supply of electricity, Moirangthem focused on local solutions. "In our Manipur, it is anyway easy to generate solar energy. So, Moirangthem started a campaign to install solar panels and on account of this campaign, today solar power has reached hundreds of houses in his area," the prime minister said.
Modi said the special thing is that Moirangthem has used solar power to improve health care and livelihood.
"Today, owing to his efforts, many health centres in Manipur are also getting solar power. The women of Manipur have also benefited a lot from this endeavour. Local fishermen and artists have also been helped through this," he said.
The prime minister also talked about his government's flagship programme to provide solar power to households. He said that under the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', the government is providing approximately Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 to each beneficiary family for installing solar panels.
"While Moirangthem's efforts are personal, they are giving new impetus to every campaign related to solar power. I extend my best wishes to him through 'Mann Ki Baat'," he said.
#WATCH | Manipur: On being recognised by PM Modi in the 129th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' for his solar power solutions, Entrepreneur Moirangthem Seth says, "I feel very happy and proud of today's 'Mann Ki Baat' because our work has been recognised by the Prime Minister of India.… pic.twitter.com/c0F7yxZq7X
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2025
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Southern Railway to double train capacity in Chennai, Coimbatore by 2030: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Chennai (PTI): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday the Southern Railway will double train capacity in Chennai and Coimbatore by 2030 to meet the growing demand.
He announced comprehensive upgrades for coaching terminals in the Southern Railway hubs, including Chennai and Coimbatore, to facilitate this.
“We're expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade our railway network and improve nationwide connectivity,” the minister is quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Southern Railway.
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The strategy addresses rapid travel growth through additional platforms, stabling lines, new terminals, maintenance facilities and multi-tracking, stated the press release.
Chennai and Coimbatore were identified among 48 major cities for this time-bound capacity doubling, it added.
According to the release, Chennai Egmore station redevelopment features airport-like passenger separation, two AC terminal buildings, 44 lifts, 31 escalators and a 14,000 sq.m. concourse.
Tambaram gets nine lifts and better integration for suburban services. A new Perambur terminal (Rs 342 crore, seven platforms) will decongest Central and Egmore. Multi-tracking projects like Chennai Beach-Egmore fourth line (commissioned) and Attipattu-Gummidipundi third-fourth lines (sanctioned) enhance suburban connectivity.
In Coimbatore, Podanur Junction will emerge as a second terminal with Rs 100 crore investment for stabling and pit lines, said the press release.
Coimbatore North redevelopment (Rs 11.5 crore) includes new entries and amenities while Coimbatore Junction PPP project (Rs 692.65 crore) is in DPR stage.
