Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) The trial run of Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 commenced on Wednesday, marking the first-ever metro line in Thane district. It was flagged off by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister & Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Chairman Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A technical inspection was also carried out in their presence. Metro Line-9 is part of Mumbai’s pioneering double-decker infrastructure project, where both metro and vehicular flyovers share a common viaduct. Phase 1 spans 4.4 km from Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon, with stations at Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.According to MMRDA, the Metro Line-9 will transform travel for Mira-Bhayandar residents by connecting directly to CSMIA Airport via Lines 7, 7A, and Andheri (West) via Line 2B, Ghatkopar via Lines 7 and 1, Link Road through Metro Line-2A at Dahisar (East), Thane via Line-10 at Miragaon ( in Future) and Vasai-Virar via the upcoming Line-13. “The implementation of this corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, especially near Dahisar Toll Naka, lower vehicular emissions and promote eco-friendly commuting, introduce energy-efficient systems like regenerative braking and employ green construction practices with reduced environmental impact,” said the MMRDA in a release.Chief Minister Fadnavis said: “Technical testing for this phase has begun. This stretch offers seamless connectivity along the Western Express Highway and will act as a major decongestion solution. It is the first time in the MMR that a double-decker structure combining a metro and a flyover has been constructed. Mira-Bhayandar will immensely benefit from this integration, and we are committed to completing 50 km of metro this year, followed by 62 km next year and 60 km in the year after. By 2027, metro travel will expand considerably, alleviating the load on our arterial roads.”In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said: “The proposed extension up to Virar will ensure connectivity across Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Under MMRDA’s leadership, we are working towards a 337 km-long metro network for Mumbai. Our goal is to commission 50–60 km of metro each year, thereby offering complete last-mile and end-to-end connectivity. This will bring down the number of vehicles on the roads and reduce pollution levels significantly.”Further, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said: “Metro Line-9 is a testimony to our commitment to fast-tracking infrastructure projects that benefit the common man. With reduced travel times and enhanced intermodal connectivity, this corridor will improve the ease of commuting and contribute positively to the regional economy.”MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee asserted that Metro Line-9 is a strategic connector that integrates Mira-Bhayandar with the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “With seamless interchanges to key metro lines including Line-2A, Line-7, Line-1, and the upcoming Lines 10 and 13, this corridor creates a continuous, end-to-end travel experience from Mira-Bhayandar to Andheri, Ghatkopar, Thane, and even Vasai-Virar. It exemplifies our vision of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’—where time, distance, and congestion no longer constrain opportunity, mobility, or growth,” he remarked.–IANSsj/dan

Ahmedabad, May 13 (IANS) Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner G.S. Malik made it mandatory for all rickshaw drivers to install functional meters from January 1, 2025. However, despite clear orders and a grace period, enforcement has revealed widespread non-compliance. So far, the city’s traffic police have penalised 28,112 rickshaw drivers operating without meters, collecting a staggering Rs 1.56 crore in fines.

The crackdown follows mounting public complaints about rickshaw drivers allegedly charging inflated fares, especially during peak hours or in high-demand areas. Commissioner Malik said, “There were repeated complaints that rickshaw pullers were charging more than the standard fare. We had given them until January 1 to install meters. Now, if a rickshaw is found operating without a meter, a fine is issued. After the second violation, we will treat it as a permit breach, and the rickshaw will be detained.” The Commissioner further appealed to all rickshaw owners and drivers to comply with the regulation to avoid penalties and legal action. “During annual RTO renewals, meters are provided, but many drivers choose to leave them at home. This cannot continue,” he emphasised.The decision, officials say, was driven by concerns raised by daily commuters who often felt exploited by arbitrary fare demands. With the new rule in place, passengers are now expected to pay only the metered fare, helping standardise pricing across the city. Auto rickshaws are a crucial part of Gujarat’s urban transport network, serving as an affordable and accessible mode of travel for millions of people daily.According to the Gujarat RTO data, there are over 3.5 lakh registered auto rickshaws across the state, with the highest concentration in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. These three-wheelers play a significant role in local mobility, especially for last-mile connectivity in congested city areas and rural outskirts.–IANSjanvi/dan

Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Tuesday said that the pre-paid smart metering is being prioritised in all government establishments, including government colonies, adding that there is a need to create special zones for green energy to achieve Net Zero emissions.

The minister was speaking at the Regional Conference for the Western Region States and it was attended by Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Goa power minister Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar, Gujarat power minister Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai, Maharashtra minister of state for power Meghana Sakore Borikar while Madhya Pradesh power minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar joined through video conference.The minister said that pre-paid smart meters should be prioritised for installation in government establishments, including government colonies and should be completed by August 2025. The smart meter has huge potential to transform the way consumers interact with utilities using data analytics based on AI/ML tools. He also highlighted that distribution utilities should further strive to improve efficiency through the implementation of infrastructure and smart metering works under RDSS. In this direction, the Ministry has also facilitated ease for fund flows for smart metering works.Minister Manohar Lal underlined the importance of a future-ready, modern, and financially viable power sector to fuel the country’s growth. He outlined the importance of cooperation and coordination between the Central and state governments in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He further remarked that such regional conferences would help in identifying specific challenges and possible solutions. He laid emphasis on ensuring resource adequacy and necessary power purchase tie-ups.Further, the States should also work on developing necessary storage capacities through Pumped Storage Projects and Battery Energy Storage Systems. He emphasised the need to enhance the Nuclear Generation Capacity in the country with the target of 100 GW by 2047. He mentioned the need to create special zones for green energy to achieve Net Zero emissions.He mentioned that the distribution sector is the most critical link in the power sector value chain. However, it faces challenges due to poor tariff structures, sub-optimal billing and collection, and delayed payments of government department dues and subsidies. It is essential to reduce the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses and the gap between Average Cost of Supply and Average Revenue Realised, to ensure that the distribution sector becomes viable. To achieve that, it is essential that the tariffs are cost-reflective and Government dues and subsidies are paid on time to the distribution companies (DISCOMs).In his address, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the key steps taken by Maharashtra towards improving the quality and reliability of power supply across the State. He also mentioned the proposed plan of the state for reducing the AT&C losses and thus reducing the cost of supply. He also requested support of the Central government on various issues concerning the state, especially in restructuring the existing debts of the DISCOM, which would help in making them viable.The Union Power Secretary, Pankaj Agarwal, highlighted that it is crucial to ensure necessary capacity tie-ups as per the resource adequacy plan for up to FY2035 so as to meet future power demand. It is also imperative to make necessary arrangements for the development of inter-state and intra-state transmission capacities through various financing models available, including Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM), budgetary support or monetisation of existing assets. Further, in the wake of the recent geopolitical situation, securing the power sector infrastructure, including the transmission grid and distribution systems, is very critical, and the states should implement necessary cybersecurity protocols for the same. In addition, states to also prepare and implement a power islanding scheme, he said.–IANSsj/dan

Agartala, May 13 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday asserted that development and transparency were at the heart of his administration, even as he accused the Opposition of misleading the public with “false narratives” and politically motivated criticism.

Speaking at a ceremonial appointment event at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, where 975 new police constables formally received their appointment letters, Saha said his government was committed to delivering good governance, free of nepotism or political interference.”This mass recruitment of 643 male and 332 female police constables is a milestone in strengthening our law enforcement. Every appointment is being made through a clean, transparent process based on merit, and not on political slogans,” said the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio.Saha announced that the government is set to launch another round of recruitments, including 916 constables, 218 Sub-Inspectors, and 6,067 Special Executives, stressing that all selections will be conducted fairly and impartially.“Gone are the days when jobs were handed out based on protests or political identity,” Saha declared.“We have dismantled that system. Today, your merit and hard work speak louder than anything else,” he said.At the event, families of newly recruited constables expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government for maintaining fairness in the hiring process.Anjuli Shil, mother of a newly appointed constable, said, “My son has worked very hard for this opportunity. We thank the Chief Minister for ensuring that recruitment was fair and transparent. This gives us hope.”Sima Datta echoed the sentiment: “I had heard of appointments going to the well-connected in the past. But this government has proven that anyone with merit can get a job. I’m truly grateful.”Biprojit Paul, one of the newly appointed constables, said, “Getting this job means everything to me. I am proud to serve the people of Tripura and thankful that I was chosen through a fair process.”Sabana Begam, also among the fresh recruits, added, “It feels amazing. My whole family is happy today. I thank the government for giving us this opportunity.”CM Saha highlighted several improvements in law and order under his leadership: Tripura now ranks third-lowest in crime rate nationally, traffic accidents fell 13 per cent in 2024, and by 40 per cent in the first four months of 2025, drug seizures increased by 106 per cent and destruction of narcotics by 132 per cent in 2024, coordinated efforts by Tripura Police, TSR, and BSF led to an 18 per cent rise in FIRs and a 36 per cent increase in arrests for illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Overall, he said, Tripura has seen a 30 per cent drop in crime over the past decade.The Chief Minister also took a hard line against those spreading fake news or provocative content online. “We are closely monitoring digital spaces. Anyone trying to incite unrest or circulate falsehoods will face strict action,” Saha warned.Highlighting the government’s employment initiatives, Saha said that 4,499 appointment letters were issued across departments between February 2 and May 13, 2025. Since March, 17,554 government jobs—including die-in-harness cases—have been filled through what he described as a “transparent and rule-based system.”CM Saha also expressed strong backing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand post-Operation Sindoor. “The PM’s message reflects the ideologies of Syama Prasad Mukherjee —nationalist, strong-willed, and clear in his priorities,” Saha said.On relations with Pakistan, he repeated PM’s stand that India wants peace, but “trade and terrorism cannot go hand in hand.” The future of bilateral ties, he said, depends on Pakistan’s conduct.–IANSbrt/dan

Bhubaneswar, May 13 (IANS) The Odisha government has authorised elected representatives in the state to recommend the transfer of up to 15 primary and secondary school teachers within their respective constituencies, informed by a notification issued by the School and Mass Education(S&ME) Department on Tuesday.

“Government after careful consideration have been pleased to give discretion to Hon’ble MPs/MLAs to recommend upto fifteen (15) most deserving cases of transfer of teachers (that shall include both Elementary & Secondary) pertaining to their constituency area, to the concerned Collector of the District, for disposal of the same by the District Level Transfer Committee (DLTC) during this transfer session,” reads the notification.However, the state government has laid down certain conditions for the Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament.As per the S&ME department notification, the recommendation should not violate the principle of rationalisation. It also clarified that priority should be given to the teachers with an urgent need.The government has barred the transfer of teachers from rural areas to urban areas. The government also noted that the elected representatives can only propose the transfer of teachers within the same district.“This discretion is applicable for intra-district transfer only. The proposals of the Hon’ble MPs/MLAs are to be submitted to the concerned District Collector and will be disposed of by the DLTC. Where the Parliamentary Constituency (PC) covers more than one district, the proposals will be submitted to the Nodal Collector (Returning Officer of that PC) under intimation to the other Collectors within the jurisdiction of that PC for disposal by respective DLTC(s),” added the notification.Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha MPs have been suggested to send their list of recommendations to the Director of Secondary Education under intimation to the Director of Elementary Education, which will forward the list to the respective Collectors under intimation to the DEE for disposal of the same by the DLTC(s).The Odisha government also directed that all the proposals should be submitted and disposed of during this transfer session (15th May to 15th June) only.The government notified that this provision is a one-time measure, which is applicable only for the current educational year.A similar notification was issued by the previous BJD-led government in 2021, allowing the elected representatives to recommend the transfer of up to 10 primary and secondary school teachers within their respective constituencies during the 2021-2022 academic session.–IANSgyan/dan

Jaipur, May 13 (IANS) Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde emphasised that all development works and welfare schemes of the Central and state governments must be completed within their stipulated timelines, ensuring that benefits reach every eligible person without delay.

Governor Bagde chaired a departmental review meeting with district-level officers at the Collectorate Auditorium in the Mini Secretariat of Alwar on Tuesday.He urged officials to work sensitively and responsibly to ensure effective implementation of public welfare schemes, so that the benefits seamlessly reach those entitled to them. Reviewing progress across various departments, Governor Bagde directed the Education Department to train teachers in the provisions of the New Education Policy (NEP). He stressed the importance of enhancing students’ intellectual abilities alongside academic learning.He also advised enrolling children aged three and above in educational institutions as per the NEP and asked about efforts to reintegrate school dropouts into the education system. Highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, he said, “Our ancient texts and history are treasure troves of knowledge, and today’s youth can learn immensely from them.”While assessing the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Governor instructed officials to draft an action plan for villages and settlements not currently covered under the scheme. He called for increased focus on water conservation, pasture development, and plantation efforts through MNREGA to retain village water resources at the local level. Regarding the PM Awas Yojana, Governor Bagde emphasised the need to provide housing with toilets to tribal, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities based on eligibility. He also urged officials to connect remote and smaller settlements with roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana and to promote the use of renewable energy through the PM Kusum Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Yojana by encouraging the installation of solar panels.“The goal should be not just awareness, but empowerment,” he said. “Farmers and cattle rearers must be linked to development by increasing their incomes through these schemes.” Governor Bagde directed the Agriculture Department to promote the Soil Health Card Scheme and encourage farmers to send soil samples for testing. He also called for a review of key schemes, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, National Health Mission, and programs under the Women and Child Development, Mining, Industries, and Dairy Departments. He further emphasised the need to support women’s self-help groups (SHGs), especially in the areas of product development, branding, and marketing, to ensure their active participation in economic progress. –IANSarc/dan