Minister Shobha Karandlaje symbolically inaugurates Konkan railway electrification project in Udupi
Udupi, Jun 20: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje on Monday symbolically inaugurated the electrification of the entire 740-km Konkan railway stretch at the Indrali railway station in Udupi at the same time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the electrification project to the nation in Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said the electrification of the entire Konkan railway line is a dream come true for the people of the region.
"Konkan railway is the lifeline of India's coastal region and is the pride of the nation. It is a link between the north and the south. No one can mention about Konkan railway without remembering late leader George Fernandes who realised the dream for the coastal people," she said.
The minister said the total electrification of the line will help in saving Rs 380 crore annually to the Centre and also assist in saving Rs 180 crore towards fuel costs besides another Rs 120 crore towards maintenance as it is a pollution-free mode of transport with low fuel costs, she said.
Karandlaje said the Prime Minister's target is to develop the entire railway network on the same gauge. The country's railway network covers about 67,956 km, of which gauge conversion has been completed across 45,881 km with the remaining distance set to be completed by 2024.
The budgetary allocation for the project will be Rs 13,500 crore, she said, adding that development of road transport and railway network is important for promoting business and trade.
Konkan railway's Karwar regional manager B B Nikkam delivered the presidential address. Udupi city municipal council president Sumithra Nayak and Konkan railway PRO Sudha Krishnamurthy were also present.
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Ranji Trophy final: Paras Dogra headbutts Karnataka substitute during heated Day 2 in Hubballi
Huballi: Tempers flared on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy final as Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra was involved in an ugly on-field incident with Karnataka substitute fielder KV Aneesh at the Hubballi Cricket Ground.
The confrontation took place in the 101st over of Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings. Dogra, who was batting with Kanhaiya Wadhawan during a key partnership, edged a delivery from Prasidh Krishna for a boundary. Soon after, he exchanged words with Aneesh, who was fielding at forward short leg.
What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned physical. In a sudden outburst, Dogra moved towards Aneesh and headbutted him while still wearing his helmet. The act left players and officials stunned, forcing the umpires to intervene immediately.
Senior Karnataka batter Mayank Agarwal stepped in and confronted Dogra, while the umpires worked to calm the situation. At the end of the over, Dogra apologised, but Aneesh appeared visibly upset and did not accept the apology on the field.
The tension did not stop there. Agarwal and KL Rahul were also seen engaging in sharp exchanges with the Jammu and Kashmir skipper. Moments later, another heated moment unfolded when Karnataka pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak and Wadhawan came face to face after accidental contact during a run. Teammates and officials again had to step in to prevent matters from escalating further.
Despite the dramatic scenes, Jammu and Kashmir continued to stay in control of the match. The team crossed the 350-run mark in the first innings, building on the strong start made on Day 1.
Earlier, Shubham Pundir had anchored the innings with a well-made 121. Yawer Hassan contributed 88 runs, while Abdul Samad added 61, putting Karnataka under sustained pressure in the final.
