Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna advocates appointment of three Deputy Chief Ministers
Tumakuru: Karnataka Minister for Cooperation, KN Rajanna, has reiterated his call for the appointment of three Deputy Chief Ministers in the state, emphasizing that such a move would bolster the Congress party's prospects for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru on Thursday, Rajanna drew attention to the recent BJP victory in the Assembly elections across three states, where each state was subsequently granted three Deputy Chief Ministers. He argued that adopting a similar strategy in Karnataka would enhance the Congress party's strength and outreach.
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Ministers Dr. G Parameshwara and Satish Jarkiholi have already expressed their support for the appointment of three Deputy Chief Ministers in Karnataka. Rajanna concurred with their viewpoint, especially as the Lok Sabha elections draw near. He highlighted that such appointments would broaden the Congress's influence across different castes and communities in Karnataka, securing support and votes from diverse sections of the population.
Rajanna stressed the importance of equality not only in matters of wealth but also in providing opportunities. He advocated for the selection of Deputy Chief Ministers from castes and communities that traditionally support the Congress. While acknowledging that party leaders had assured them of conveying their demand to the High Command, Rajanna decided to publicly restate the demand, considering its significance for the party's future prospects.
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New trains to ease crowding on Namma Metro Purple-Green lines in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Commuters on the crowded Namma Metro Purple and Green lines may soon get relief, as the Railway Board has issued provisional sanction for induction of new train sets, Deccan Herald reported.
The Railway Board communicated the provisional sanction to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in a letter on April 1, raising hopes that additional trains could be deployed during peak hours by May-June.
According to the Railway Board, the approval comes with conditions, including a maximum speed of 80 kmph in fully inflated mode and 25 kmph in deflated mode of the secondary air spring.
The BMRCL will also need a separate sanction from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) by submitting the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) report confirming the trains’ integration, operation, and compatibility with the Direct To Go (DTG) signalling and train control system for the Purple and Green lines.
The BMRCL has received three DTG trains, including a prototype delivered in January 2025, for the Purple and Green lines. The trains must pass 37 statutory clearances before entering passenger service.
The BMRCL had approached the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), under the Ministry of Railways, to conduct statutory trials related to oscillation, braking, speed and system integration tests for the trains. The CMRS will issue the final sanction after receiving the ISA certificate.
Officials said the ISA certification process is already underway, with new signalling software currently being tested. Final approvals are expected by May-June, after which the trains can be introduced into service.
The new trains have been supplied by China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, which will deliver a total of 21 trains for the Purple and Green lines in partnership with the West Bengal-based Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL). Currently, the network operates with 57 trains supplied by BEML.
