Minister Patil discusses railway projects for Karnataka with Ashwini Vaishnaw
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil on Saturday submitted representations to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking approval for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, a high-speed rail corridor between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and a daily special train service on the Bengaluru-Vijayapura route.
After launching Zetwerk Electronics' Manufacturing Excellence facility in the Hi-Tech Hardware Park at Bagalur here, the Minister met Vaishnaw and handed over the representations, Patil's office said in a release.
The Railway Minister assured him that the proposals would be examined positively, it said.
Describing Bengaluru as the country's technology capital and Mumbai as its financial capital, Patil said it was essential to connect the two cities through an efficient and modern transport system.
He urged that the high-speed rail corridor announced between Mumbai and Pune be extended up to Bengaluru. "Vaishnaw responded positively to this request as well," he said.
The Minister pointed out that the distance between Bengaluru and Vijayapura is around 530 km and that the current train journey takes nearly 15 to 16 hours.
He said this travel time should be reduced to about 10 hours, he said, adding that to achieve this, he suggested limiting halts between Bengaluru and Hubballi and operating trains via the Hubballi and Gadag bypasses.
He also sought the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express service on this route.
Patil further requested the introduction of a daily special train service between Bengaluru and Vijayapura.
In his representation, he stated that all three proposed services would bring significant social, industrial and economic benefits to several districts of central and north Karnataka.
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Curfew relaxed in Meghalaya's Garo Hills for church services
Shillong (PTI): The curfew in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, imposed in the wake of recent violence that claimed two lives, was relaxed for 12 hours on Sunday for church services, officials said.
West Garo Hills District Magistrate Vibhor Agarwal, in an order, said the curfew will remain in force for 24 hours from 6 am on March 15, unless withdrawn earlier but a 12-hour relaxation from 6 am to 6 pm has been allowed to facilitate public movement to attend church services and other essential activities.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS, said incidents of violence in various parts of the district posed a serious threat to human life, public safety and property, making it necessary to continue preventive measures.
Authorities said that no person shall move outside their residence during the curfew hours and any violation would attract penal action under Section 223 of the BNS and other provisions.
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East Garo Hills District Magistrate R P Marak, in a notification, said the curfew will remain relaxed from 6 am to 6 pm on March 15 to allow residents to attend church services.
However, authorities said Williamnagar Main Bazaar will remain closed during the relaxation period.
Personnel engaged in essential services such as police, ambulance, electricity and water supply, fire and emergency services, and on-duty government officials and media personnel will continue to remain exempted from the curfew restrictions, officials said.
Curfew was imposed following protests over the issue of the eligibility of candidates in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) polls.
The protests saw incidents of arson, vandalism and clashes, resulting in the death of at least two persons and injuries to several others, while a number of shops, establishments and vehicles were damaged.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the postponement of the GHADC elections that were scheduled to be held on April 10.
