Union Minister V. Somanna visits Banaras Locomotive Works, praises achievements
Varanasi: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, visited the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) on January 24, 2025, to review its operations and achievements. He praised BLW’s contributions to locomotive production, technological advancements, and its role in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
On his arrival, General Manager Naresh Pal Singh welcomed the minister, who then toured various workshops, including the New Loco Frame Shop, Loco Assembly Shop, Traction Assembly Shop, Truck Machine Shop, and Loco Test Shop. Somanna also inspected an electric locomotive and sat in the driver’s cab to understand its technical features. To promote environmental awareness, he planted a sapling in the administrative building premises.
During a meeting at BLW’s Hall of Fame, a presentation was given by Principal Chief Electrical Engineer Sushil Kumar Srivastava, highlighting BLW’s achievements, technical expertise, and future plans. The General Manager presented a memento to the minister at the end of the session.
Somanna lauded BLW’s role in India’s locomotive industry, calling it a key contributor to the ‘Make in India - Make for the World’ initiative. He noted BLW’s success in exporting locomotives to 11 countries, including Mozambique, Sudan, and Malaysia. "BLW’s production system is a remarkable example of modern technology and high quality," he said, adding that the dedication of its workforce has brought global recognition to India.
Employee representatives, including the BLW Employees Council and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Association, submitted memorandums to the minister, who assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
General Manager Naresh Pal Singh described BLW as Indian Railways’ leading locomotive production unit, having manufactured over 10,500 locomotives. He called the minister’s visit an inspiration for the organization.
The event was attended by senior officials and department heads. Chief Mechanical Engineer (Production & Marketing) Suneel Kumar concluded the program with a vote of thanks.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
