Saturday, December 31, 2016
VK Sasikala's first speech after taking charge as AIADMK general secretary
https://youtu.be/cX7nZIAgV4Q
Friday, December 30, 2016
Superstar Rajinikanth released the songs of TARAMANI
Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu Reviews Safety Performance
Concerned with the recent spate of train accidents, the Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu held a number of meetings to review the safety performance of Indian Railways.
After the unfortunate railway accident of Train No. 19321 in November 2016, under the direction of the Railway Minister it was decided that Indian Railways would completely switch over to the production of LHB coaches which are designed with better safety features like anti-climbing and anti-telescoping. An action plan has also been chalked out for retro-fitting of the existing 45,000 ICF designed coaches with better safety features over the next 3 to 4 years. The Railway Minister reviewed the production plan and gave directions for expeditious implementation.
A task force of railway officers was constituted on 6th December, 2016 to recommend short-term, medium-term and long-term measures for improving the safety performance. This task force submitted, its report today and the Railway Board today itself reviewed the report.
During the meetings held today Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has requested experts from Japan and Korea to visit India and to recommend suitable technological solutions. A cooperation agreement was signed between the RTRI (Railway Technological Research Institute of Japan) and RDSO and with Korean Rail Research Institute on the behest of the Railway Minister for cooperation in the field of railway safety. It is expected that these teams would arrive soon.
Railway Minister also had detailed meetings with railway experts throughout the day on the subject and interacted with them. Some useful suggestions were received and he directed for immediate implementation. Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu also interacted with Dr. Anil Kakodkar, a noted Nuclear Scientist and a safety expert on the matter.
He also had detailed discussion with all the Members of the Railway Board who are involved in safe running of trains. He directed that safety was paramount and cannot be compromised.
Later he addressed all the General Managers of the zonal railways, through video conference, he stated that the General Managers need to live up to the expectations required from them and he candidly warned the officials to be ready for consequences for any lapse. He mentioned that delegation cannot work without responsibility. He also mentioned that responsibility would now to be fixed at higher levels for any lapses.
Minister of Railways also requested Shri Vinod Rai, retired CAG to help in revamping the safety organization structure and also systemic improvements which are needed to improve the safety performance.
He has directed that all railway installations should be inspected over the next one week to identify and rectify the shortcomings. He also directed that the report of this exercise with actionable points should be sent to the Railway Board within the prescribed time. It has also been directed that all Mail / Express trains would have at least one officer or senior subordinate travelling during night hours on locomotives for comprehensive inspection over next 10 days. This will be in addition to the existing schedule and inspection at various levels.
Minister of Railways also directed that there was an urgent need to go back to the basics and insisted that training programmes should be launched immediately to enhance the skill sets of the employees who are dealing with train operations. He directed the Board to relook at the codes and manuals for updating and safety protocols. The Railway Minister also directed to involve railway PSUs like RVNL, RITES, etc., to offer technological solutions and safety related inputs on the network. He has also directed for independent audit of the safety installations.
He has also directed the Railway Board to fast track the procurement of safety equipments and machines.
Silambarasan aka STR voices his support to Jallikattu
1.5 crore LPG connections issued to BPL households under PM Ujjwala Yojana
1.5 crore LPG connections issued to BPL households under PM Ujjwala Yojana
Target of 1.5 crore connections fixed for the current financial year for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has been achieved within a span of less than 8 months and the scheme is being implemented now across 35 States/UTs.
Vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households in the country has been taken forward through implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). An adult woman member of BPL family identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data is given a deposit free LPG connection with financial assistance of Rs. 1600/- per connection by Government of India. The announcement of releasing 5 crore LPG connections to BPL families over a period of three years was made with allocation of Rs 8000 crore in the Union Budget on 29.2.2016. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched PMUY on 01.05.2016 from Balia, Uttar Pradesh.
14 States/UTs having LPG coverage less than the national average, hilly states of J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and all North-East States are identified as priority states for implementing the scheme.
The top five States with maximum connections are UP (46 lakh), West Bengal (19 lakh), Bihar (19 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (17 lakh) and Rajasthan (14 lakh). These States constitutes nearly 75% of the total connections released. The households belonging to SC/ST constitute large chunk of beneficiaries with 35% of the connections being released to them.
It is also noteworthy that with the implementation of PMUY, the national LPG coverage has increased from 61% (as on 1.1.2016) to 70% (as on 01.12.2016).
Year End review 2016 - Department of Space
Year End review 2016 : Department of Space
An unprecedented seven missions launched, all successful
Successful maiden test flights of Reusable Launch Vehicle and SCRAMJET
The year 2016 was very eventful for the Indian space programme which scored very prominent and significant successes in launch vehicle, satellite, applications and space exploration domains. The year saw an unprecedented seven launch vehicle missions all of which were successful. Eight ISRO satellites, four student satellites and 22 foreign satellites were launched by these missions. The year 2016 also saw two successful advanced launch vehicle technology initiatives of ISRO – the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) and SCRAMJET technology demonstrator – which had their maiden test flights. Additionally, the highly successful Mars Orbiter Spacecraft of India completed two years in its orbit around Mars and India's ASTROSAT multi-wavelength observatory successfully completed one year in orbit.
Launch Vehicle and Satellite Missions of ISRO:
1.1. PSLV-C31/IRNSS-1E Mission: In this flight, the workhorse launch vehicle PSLV launched IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) constellation, on January 20, 2016.
1.2. PSLV-C32/IRNSS-1F Mission: In this flight, which was its 34th, PSLV launched IRNSS-1F, the sixth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) constellation, on March 10, 2016.
1.3. PSLV-C33/IRNSS-1G Mission: In this flight, PSLV launched the seventh and the last satellite IRNSS-1G of the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) constellation on April 28, 2016. With this, the space segment of the IRNSS is fully deployed. IRNSS signals are now available and trials with the receiver system are in progress. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated IRNSS to the nation as ‘NavIC’ (Navigation Indian Constellation). This is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. IRNSS provides two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Services (SPS) - provided to all users and Restricted Services (RS) - provided to authorised users only.
1.4. Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD): India’s first winged body aerospace vehicle, RLV-TD i.e. Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), was successfully flight tested on May 23, 2016. From the peak altitude of 65 km, RLV-TD began its descent followed by atmospheric re-entry at around Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). After successfully surviving a high temperature of re-entry, RLV-TD successfully glided down to the defined landing spot over Bay of Bengal. In this flight, critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system and re-entry mission management were successfully validated.
1.5. PSLV-C34/Cartosat-2 Series Mission: On June 22, 2016, PSLV-C34 successfully launched 20 satellites in a single mission. It included India’s CARTOSAT-2 series of satellite (weighing 727 kg) as primary payload and two academic institutes’ satellites, namely, SWAYAM and SATHYABAMASAT and 17 satellites (total weighing 555 kg) of foreign customers from Canada, Germany, Indonesia and USA as co-passengers.
1.6. GSLV-F05/ INSAT-3DR Mission: On September 08, 2016, GSLV-F05, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), successfully launched the country's weather satellite INSAT-3DR. INSAT-3DR is a follow-on meteorological satellite to INSAT-3D. This launch is significant, considering that fact that this is the third consecutive success of the indigenous CUS, which signified the country’s successful assimilation of the complex cryogenic rocket propulsion.
The satellite carries two meteorological payloads, viz., 6 channel imager & 19 channel sounder. It also carries a Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SA&R) payload to provide continuity to INSAT SA&R services. The satellite has started providing services to the weather and meteorological community in tandem with INSAT 3D that is already in the orbit. By virtue of these 2 satellites in orbit, the country gets weather updates every 15 minutes which is yet another unique service from space.
1.7. Successful Flight Testing of ISRO's Scramjet Engine Technology Demonstrator: The first experimental mission of ISRO’s Scramjet Engine towards the realisation of an Air Breathing Propulsion System was successfully conducted on August 28, 2016 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. The Scramjet engine designed by ISRO uses Hydrogen as fuel and the Oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidiser. This marked the maiden short duration experimental test of ISRO’s Scramjet engine with a hypersonic flight at Mach 6. ISRO’s Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), which is an advanced sounding rocket, was the solid rocket booster used for the test of Scramjet engines at supersonic conditions. ATV carrying Scramjet engines weighed 3277 kg at lift-off.
India is the fourth country to demonstrate the flight testing of Scramjet Engine. The successful technology demonstration of air-breathing Scramjet engines in flight by ISRO during the year was a modest yet important milestone in its endeavour to design and develop advanced air breathing engines including engines for ISRO’s future space transportation system
- PSLV-C35/SCATSAT-1: By successfully launching SCATSAT-1 satellite carrying a scatterometer for wind vector measurement into the required polar Sun Synchronous Orbit in its PSLV-C35 mission on September 26, 2016, the PSLV facilitated continuity to Oceansat-2 Scatterometer, which completed its service in March 2014. The wind vector at sea surface information facilitated by SCATSAT-1 is used in weather prediction models and helps in accurate prediction of cyclone track. This launch of PSLV had yet another unique achievement of placing satellites in 2 different orbits and also the longest of the missions that lasted for more than 2 hrs 15 mins after lift-off. In this mission, engine multiple restart experiment of upper stage of PSLV was also demonstrated.
2.1. PSLV-C36/Resourcesat-2A: In its 38th flight, PSLV successfully launched RESOURCESAT-2A satellite on December 07, 2016 into an 822 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit. This was PSLV’s 37th consecutive success. The 1235 kg RESOURCESAT-2A is a follow on mission to Resourcesat-2 and intended to ensure data continuity to the users for land and water resources applications. The satellite is configured with three-tier imaging capability consisting of three solid-state cameras, viz., LISS-IV, LISS-III and an Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS).
2.2. GSAT-18: The 3405 kg communication satellite GSAT-18, launched on October 06, 2016 by European Ariane V, carries a total of 48 transponders in Ku-band, C-band and Ext C-band for providing continuity of services and has further augmented the transponder capacity.
- Disaster Management Support (DMS):
3.1. Uttarakhand Forest Fire: The Uttarakhand state witnessed episodic fire incidents during the last two weeks of April 2016. Recurrence of fire incidences is common in the hilly state in summer season. Satellite data based temperature anomalies were used for the detection of active fire locations. About 1600 active forest fire locations were recorded during 24th April to 4th May 2016. The burnt area was also assessed using Satellite data. The information on a near-real time basis was disseminated to Forest Survey of India, State Forest Departments, NDMA and SMS on fire alerts were sent to the identified forest officials of Uttarakhand. All Fire alerts were also published on BHUVAN geoportal. The most affected districts were Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora, Pauri and Tehri Garhwal.
3.2. Floods occurred in Assam and Manipur states during 2016. Three waves of floods were reported in Assam; first during fourth week of April, 2016, second on 21st June, 2016 and third on 4th July, 2016. Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Charaideo, Dhemaji and Karbi Anglong districts were affected. Heavy pre-monsoon rains lashed Manipur during the last week of April 2016 and Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts were reported to be affected. The information on flood inundation was disseminated to the Central and respective State Government departments, State Relief Commissioners and nodal Ministries.
4. Mars Orbiter Mission: India’s first inter-planetary mission completed two years in its orbit around Mars. The health parameters of Mars Orbiter spacecraft are normal and all the five payloads are sending useful data. The Mars Colour Camera has produced more than 530 images so far, one of which has appeared on the cover page of the November 2016 issue of the National Geographic Magazine. The spacecraft successfully negotiated ‘whiteout’ geometry during May 18 - 30, 2016 using onboard autonomy. The archived data is now made public for free download and scientific research through ISRO’s website. More than 1.75 Lakh hits and about 40 GB data was downloaded in just 2 weeks. ISRO has also launched MOM Announcement of Opportunity (AO) programmes for researchers in the country to use the MOM data for R&D. The success of Mars Orbiter Mission has showcased India’s technical capability in exploring planetary bodies and has motivated India’s student and research community in a big way.
- ASTROSAT Mission: ASTROSAT, India’s first multi-wavelength observatory has completed one year in orbit as of September 2016. An Announcement of Opportunity (AO) was made in June 2016 for Indian researchers to explore the universe using data from ASTROSAT. As a part of one year completion of ASTROSAT in orbit, a one-day workshop was organised at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune on Sept 29, 2016, to highlight the technical and scientific achievements of this satellite. The first scientific set of results and the future scope of the satellite were presented during the meeting.
Space technology based tools in Governance & Development: Space technology applications, derived through synergistic use of earth observation, communication & navigation satellites and complemented with ground-based observations, play a key role in harnessing the benefits of space technology for socio-economic development in the country and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Satellite-based Earth Observation is a cost effective means of obtaining essential and reliable data on our Earth. Such data on natural resources have become an integral part of planning and implementation of action plans for managing land & water resources, developing urban & rural infrastructure, monitoring weather & climate, protecting environment including disaster risk reduction. The capabilities of satellite communication are also exploited for delivering societal applications towards education & health, connectivity, skill development and livelihood sustenance. Space technology-based applications & tools are being increasingly used in governance and development for enabling planning, periodic monitoring, mid-course correction, evaluation of developmental activities and scientific decision making in various sectors right from agriculture, urban & rural planning to disaster risk reduction.
Department of Space is working closely with various Central Ministries/Departments and State Governments towards maximizing the use of space technology in the various areas viz. Natural Resources Management, Energy & Infrastructure, Disaster & Early Warning, Communication & Navigation, e-Governance & Geo-spatial Governance and Societal Services. Many flagship programmes namely, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation; Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana; National Mission for Clean Ganga, Digital India & MGNREGA are also utilizing space-based tools.
ISRO is focusing on providing assured services through data continuity, improved connectivity & location-based services and enabling proactive user engagement through institutionalisation of space applications and capacity building. In a nutshell, ISRO is enabling the space applications in tune with the requirements of Ministries/Departments to enhance functional effectiveness, facilitate planning and decision making to improve governance and development.
- Follow-up Actions on National Meet for Application of Space Technology & Tools: Out of the 160 projects emerged as an outcome of the national meet, work was initiated in 144 projects. In about 60 projects, significant progress has been made in terms of development of methodology, web and mobile applications, training and execution of work. About 75 customised web applications and 50 mobile applications were deployed. MoUs were signed with Central Ministries/Departments as well as the State Governments. Based on the request of the Ministries/ Departments for capacity building, more than 9,000 officials were trained. Additionally, Outreach programmes were also conducted in Colleges and Schools. State Meets on ‘Promoting space technology -based tools’ were completed for many States.
- International Cooperation: As part of the ongoing civil space cooperation, cooperative Agreements/MoUs were signed with UAE space agency (February 2016); US Geological Survey (July 2016); Afghanistan (September 2016); Vietnam (September 2016); Russia (October 2016) Japan (November 2016) and NASA of USA (November 2016). India hosted the two international events, viz., i) UN/India workshop on “Use of earth observation data in disaster management and risk reduction: sharing the Asian experience” in Hyderabad in March 2016 and ii) 10th SPIE-Asia Pacific Remote Sensing Symposium (APRS) in New Delhi in April 2016. ISRO along with French space agency hosted a meeting of heads of space agencies on April, 03, 2016 in New Delhi to highlight the importance of space inputs for climate change studies. Space Agencies of India and Mexico organised a joint workshop in Mexico on use of space technology for disaster management in July 2016. Bilateral space cooperation meetings were organised with delegations of Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, UK and USA.
Demonetisation an effective Anti Scam Vaccine for Corruption and Black Money - Venkaiah Naidu
Demonetisation an effective Anti – Scam Vaccine for Corruption & Black Money: Venkaiah Naidu
Minister Highlights key Achievements of the Government in the past two and half years
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Urban Development, and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has said that Note withdrawal is an effective Anti – Scam Vaccine introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to prevent scams taking place through Corruption and Black Money generation. The mandate for the Government was for a CLEAN INDIA encompassing all aspects of mind, surroundings, economy, governance and public life. In the past two and a half years the government has taken various initiatives and steps in various sectors in its journey of transformation towards a NEW INDIA. Shri Naidu stated this while addressing the Press Conference on Achievements of the Government in the past two and half years and on issues related to demonetization here today at National Media Centre.
Speaking further on the issue of demonetization, Shri Naidu said that the Government would not rest till the last rupee of black money was accounted for and removed from the system. He mentioned that demonetisation was an initiative with many objectives. These included ushering in attitudinal changes on the part of all stakeholders including government employees, businessmen and traders, investors, political class and the common man. He stated that there was a need to change the way we look at and use money and hence the emphasis was on digital transactions. He also mentioned that the inconvenience caused by note withdrawal is gradually declining and from next month, situation will further improve rapidly.
Giving the progress report of the Government, Shri Naidu said that several initiatives ranging from Swachh Bharat in October, 2014 to Swachh Economy in November, 2016 had been taken. The Hon’ble Prime Minister himself convinced the people and all other stakeholders of the need to think and act differently to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The SWACHH initiative encompassed changing of minds and attitudes of all stakeholders, transforming institutions and processes of governance thereby creating an enabling environment for increased economic activity through necessary policy initiatives and improving ease of doing business, triggering a collective effort with Team India spirit, efficient resource management, targeting relief to the poor and the needy, ensuring social security networks for the vulnerable sections, focusing on social welfare, strengthening social sector programmes, unleashing individual enterprise through various initiatives, emphasis on farm and manufacturing sector and leveraging India’s strengths to secure due place in the international order etc.
Highlighting the major achievements of the Government, the Minister said that scandal free governance, effective inflation management, increased Foreign Domestic Investments, enhanced pace of infrastructure creation, stepped up economic growth rate despite adversities, financial inclusion, transparent resource allocation, increased accountability and transparency in governance, positive macro-economic parameters among other have been the major outcomes of the efforts and the Governance in past two and a half years.
While addressing the Media, Shri Naidu highlighted some of the key outcomes in various sectors post Demonetisation. While giving the details for Tourism Sector, he mentioned that there has been a notable growth in the comparative figures of Foreign Tourists Arrival (FTA) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) and online sale of e – tickets after demonetization. Comparing the data for the month November 2015 & 2016, he mentioned that FTA & FEE recorded 9.35 % & 14.45 % growth respectively over the same month previous year.
Speaking about agriculture sector, Shri Naidu said that despite apprehensions about demonetization adversely impacting rabi sowing, the overall sowing across the country surpassed 573.42 lakh hectare, which is higher than the average sowing area for the last five years. He further stated that rabi sowing has increased by close to 6.37% so far this year.
Giving the details for Railways, the Minister said that earnings from cashless ticketing has increased 30 percent and the number of people booking reserved tickets online using credit and debit cards or online transactions was at 58 percent in November but now it has reached over 75 percent.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naidu highlighted major achievements of the Government through various Flagship schemes. He mentioned that more than 26 crore accounts were opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jandhan Yojna as a step towards financial inclusion. The Make in India initiative ensured enhanced Partnership between Government and the Industry. The Ease of doing business ranking improved from 142 to 130 in World ranking. He stated that Foreign investment has increased by 46% since the launch of “Make in India.”
About 3.09 crore farmers were covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in 2015-16 and 3.66 crores this year. Highlighting the achievements of the Skill India Initiative, the Minister stated that over 19 lakh youth were trained in useful skills under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. Under the Stand Up India scheme, Rs. 500 crore has been allocated in 2016-17 budget. Over 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs have benefitted from the scheme so far. Shri Naidu mentioned that 1.22 crore LPG connections had been provided to BPL households under the Ujjwala Yojana. Speaing about the soil health card scheme for the farmers of the country, he mentioned that over 2.5 crore health cards were distributed so far.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Rajini to launch Taramani audio
Superstar Rajinikanth will launch the music album of Taramani, director Ram's upcoming film which has musical score by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Taramani is written and directed by Ram and produced by J Satish Kumar and Ram's production company Catamaran Productions.
The film features Vasanth Ravi and Andrea Jeremiah. Anjali is appearing in a special role.
Prior to the release of Thanga Meenkal, Ram announced his next film named Taramani would feature actress Andrea and consequently, the first look of the movie was released in August 2013.
Ram picked Andrea Jeremiah to play the lead role, labelling her as a "underutilized actress" and revealing that the film would be a "lifetime role" for her.
Meanwhile, even as he is giving finishing touches to Taramani, a movie on software engineers, Ram has started his next venture, titled Peranbu.
Starring Mammootty and Anjali in key roles, the film will speak about love, affection, care and compassion.
Child artiste Sadhana, who wowed one and all in Thanga Meenkal, is also part of 'Peranbu'. In the film, Mammootty plays a middle-aged family man who rediscovers himself. "It is a feel-good movie," sources said.
Sasikala to go on state wide tour to meet people?
Sasikala's rise to fame in Tamil Nadu politics owes less to her leadership qualities and more to the enigmatic and yet firm relationship she shared with former CM and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa.
And now that she has been elected as the new head of the party, sources said she will undertake a state wide tour of Tamil Nadu to meet people and party workers and to get their support.
An extraordinary general council meeting of the AIADMK on Thursday deviated from its tradition of electing the party general secretary and instead resolved to appoint Sasikala to the post that fell vacant with the death of Jayalalithaa on December 5.
Chief minister O Panneerselvam said Sasikala had accepted the council's resolution.
"We had met honourable Chinnamma at the place of residence of our late Amma, and handed over the general council resolution appointing her unanimously as the general secretary of the AIADMK with a request that she accept the resolution and take up the post. Chinnamma has wholeheartedly accepted," Panneerselvam told reporters at Poes Garden after meeting Sasikala.
On January 2, the 54-year-old will formally take over as AIADMK general secretary, a post held by Jayalalithaa till she died on December 5.
On cue, the Jayalalithaa banner outside the party office was replaced by one showing the former Chief Minister presenting flowers to Sasikala Natarajan. Slogans of "Long live Chinamma" were shouted.
Madhavan is a hunter in his next
Madhavan will be seen as a hunter in his film with director Sarkunam, which will be a fast-paced thriller.
“The film is set in a dense forest, and Madhavan will play the role of a hunter. The plot will be something new for the audience,” sources said.
Sources said this will be a new role for Madhavan who has not acted in rural subjects. Maddy will have a slight change in makeover including a change of hairstyle for this film.
The supporting cast members are being finalized and it is rumored that Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff is in talks with the makers to play a pivotal character.
Ghibran introduced by Sarkunam with his Vaagai Sooda Va will be teaming up again with him for the musical score of this film. Irudhi Sutturu editor Sathish Surya will take care of editing this film.
Currently, the director is giving final touches to the script and will soon be finalising a suitable female lead for the film. Director Sarkunam has been maintaining a low profile post the release of Chandi Veeran in 2015.
Demonetisation: Last minute rush at banks
Today being December 30, the last day to exchange old notes demonetised by prime minister Narendra Modi, there prevails a last minute rush at banks.
Though some ATMs were closed, many machines were opened and there wasn't much crowd, say reports.
It was on the evening of 8 November that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
His idea was to rid the country of black money, counterfeit currencies and to stop funding of terrorism
Meanwhile, DMK treasurer and leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly M K Stalin has demanded that the Centre release a white paper on demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
"The white paper must explain how much black money has been found in the country and what happened to the economy after demonetisation. The central government must also take steps to release new currencies," Stalin said in a statement.
Arvind Swamy to romance Ritika Singh
Arvind Swamy, who has made it big in the second innings post Thani Oruvan, has signed a new movie with director Selva of Amaravathi and Naan Avan Illai fame.
In the yet untitled flick, he will be playing the role of a honest police officer. Ritika Singh of Irudhi Suttru fame will be seen as Aravind Swamy’s pair in the film.
The movie will be produced by Magicbox Films, who earlier bankrolled Vijay Sethupathi’s Pannaiyarum Padminiyum.
At present, Aravind Swamy, the hero of Uyire and Bombay, is eagerly expecting the release of Bogan, while he will do the Tamil remake of Malayalam hit Bhaskar The Rascal.
Also, he is currently busy shooting for Sathuranga Vettai 2 with Trisha.
Sathuranga Vettai 2 which has Arvind Swami and Trisha playing the lead roles went on floors recently.
The movie which is directed by Nirmal Kumar is a sequel to the hit film Sathuranga Vettai which had Natraj in the lead.
Chennai cops issue strict guidelines for new year parties
A list of dos and don'ts has been released by the Chennai police to prevent any untoward incidents on New Year's eve.
A direction to this effect was given to hotel owners during a meeting chaired by Additional Commissioner of Police K Shankar, Deputy Commissioners (South zone) S Anbu, (East zone) S Manoharan, a police release said.
Hotel authorities have been directed to take up all preventive measures ahead of the celebrations so that no untoward incidents take place, it said.
"Hotels should take prior permission from police personnel to host events. All entertainment-related activities have to be conducted between 6 pm and 1 am, with entry restrictions enforced from 12.30 am. Venues should be equipped with CCTV cameras and details of vehicles entering the premises should be recorded."
Swimming pools should be closed and guarded between 6 pm and 6 am. In addition to this, stages should be set up only after getting clearance from departments, while these should not be erected near or below pools.
Police have also informed that managements of hotel would be made responsible for the cars that are parked on the streets if they obstruct traffic.
"We also advise the revellers to refrain from spraying coloured powders or coloured water on people on the streets. Over speeding and drunk driving will be penalised. The public shall refrain from getting into the sea or getting on to any boats to venture into the sea."
Selvaraghavan, Santhanam to shoot in US
Director Selvaraghavan, who has for the first time joined hands with Santhanam for a film titled Mannavan Vanthanadi, will shoot some important scenes in the United States.
The first look of the movie has been released and it has been received well. Mannavan Vanthanadi is a romantic comedy. It marks the maiden project of the actor-director duo.
The film went on the floors earlier this month and shooting is going on in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City at a good pace, with 35 percent of the shoot already completed.
The film will have a 15-day schedule in Chennai, post Pongal festivals after which the film crew will head to the US. The film crew will shoot two songs and other scenes on locations in and around Brooklyn and New York in February.
The technical team comprises of Yuvan Shankar Raja for music, GK Prasanna for editing, Loganathan for cinematography and Shiva as the art director. Production on the film began in December 2016.
The production was announced on 15 July 2016, by an official tweet made by Santhanam and this film is said to be a romantic story on the lines of Yaaradi Nee Mohini and 7G Rainbow Colony.
AIADMK turns down high court's doubts on Jaya's death
Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates 2017 to 2018
Opening and closing of Sri Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple
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Parthiepan postpones Kodita Idangalai Nirappuga
R Parthiepan’s Kodita Idangalai Nirappuga starring Shanthanu has been postponed from December 30 to Pongal and the makers have officially confirmed the new release plan through paper advertisements.
"We will arrive between Dangal and Pongal," said Parthiepan in his typical style. Already, a string of movies including Vijay's Bairavaa is slated to hit the screens for the harvest festival, it is to be noted.
Meanwhile, trade sources clearly say that only two or three films will be releasing for Pongal 2017 and all others are merely using the release tag as a part of their promotional strategies.
Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga is a satirical film written and directed by Parthiepan, which stars Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Parvathy Nair in the lead roles.
Parthiepan launched the film in Tamil titled Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga in July 2016 and began shooting for the film immediately alongside Thambi Ramaiah.
He stated that the film would be produced through crowd funding, while the title was finalised after consulting an auto driver for his advice.
Panneerselvam places various demands before central govt
During his speech at the 27th meeting of southern zonal council in Kerala, which was read out by the State forest minister Dindigul C Srinivasan, TN chief minister O Panneerselvam placed a set of demands before the central government.
"Tamil Nadu has already requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to include the Nilgiris district in the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) list and under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP)", he said adding that the government also request the early sanction of security related expenditure amounting to Rs. 2.41 crores.
Panneerselvam also asked the Centre for reconsideration of the earlier stand of the Government of India on sanctioning Rs. 10.12 crores under IAP for creation of infrastructure and service facilities. "The proposal to establish a Unified Command for the Left Wing Extremism affected area is under consideration", he added.
On the issue relating to the Peninsular Region Industrial Development Corridor, Panneerselvam also said that Tamil Nadu strongly supports greater inter-regional connectivity and development of industrial corridors.
He said: "On the issue of security of our fishermen, I exhort the Government of India to act promptly and effectively to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu in the Palk Bay.
The incidents of harassment, attack and apprehension of our
fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy continue unabated. Our revered leader Puratchi Thalaivi Amma had repeatedly and strongly taken up this issue.
I request the Government of India to secure the immediate release of the 51 fishermen and 114 boats along with fishing gear currently in Sri Lankan custody. I reiterate the strong request of our Revered departed Leader Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, that the Government of India should take steps to abrogate the 1974 agreement and retrieve Katchatheevu and restore the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu."
The CM said regarding linking biometric cards with Aadhar numbers, the digitized data of marine fishers is yet to be received from Bharath Electronics Ltd, Bengaluru. After getting the digitized data, the department will take steps to seed the requisite details and submit the seeded list to BEL.
"On the issue relating to the Peninsular Region Industrial
Development Corridor, Tamil Nadu strongly supports greater inter-regional connectivity and development of industrial corridors.
The Tamil Nadu Vision 2023 document covers the Chennai-Ranipet and Ranipet-Hosur Industrial Corridors which have been subsumed in the Tamil Nadu Region of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) sponsored by the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy with
JICA assistance."
Suriya, Lawrence clash on Republic Day
Come January 26, Suriya's much awaited S3 and Raghava Lawrence's Sivalinga will clash in the box-office, as both films will hit the screens on the same day.
“We have completed the talkie portions, only two songs are left to be shot. We are confident about January 26 release”, sources close to Sivalinga team said.
Makers of Suriya’s S3 have already confirmed January 26 release and they are waiting for the final result from the Censor revising committee.
Sivalinga directed by P Vasu is the remake of his Kannada film which also has the same title. It has Ritika singh as the female lead.
Thaman has scored the music for the flick which is produced by Trident Arts.
S3 is written and directed by Hari. A sequel to Singam II (2013) and the third film in the Singam franchise, it stars Suriya, Shruti Haasan and Anushka Shetty.
Principal photography commenced in January 2016 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The film is scheduled for a worldwide release along with the Telugu dubbed version, Yamudu 3.
All eyes on AIADMK GC, who will be party's next GS?
Barely a day before the ruling AIADMK’s general council meeting, some persons were injured in a clash among two groups at party headquarters in Chennai on Wednesday.
AIADMK cadres on Wednesday attacked and injured the husband of expelled MP Sasikala Pushpa, who was accused of trying to create a law-and-order problem ahead of Thursday's general council meeting to elect a new general secretary. Pushpa has filed a complaint with the Chennai in this matter.
Meanwhile, electing the new general secretary appears to be the sole agenda of today’s AIADMK general council meeting, which late leader J Jayalalithaa’s aide and potential successor V K Sasikala is unlikely to attend.
On Wednesday evening, with only hours left for the crucial meeting, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam along with a couple of his cabinet colleagues visited the marriage hall at Vanagaram to inspect the arrangements.
Meanwhile, amidst demands for appointing Sasikala as the AIADMK general secretary ahead of crucial General Council meet, a senior party leader said there are no indications of any contest to the top post.
Asked if any candidate has filed nomination for the coveted post held by Jayalalithaa, AIADMK spokesperson C Ponnaiyan told reporters that “so far there is no indication of a contest”.
The General Council is “empowered” to take any decision on the matter relating to the election of the General Secretary, the only agenda of Thursday’s meeting, he added.
Statement of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on IOA
Government has decided not to deal with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as the National Olympic Committee until Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Abhay Singh Chautala, both of whom have been charge-sheeted,resign or are removed from the posts of Life President in IOA.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Union Minister of State(Independent Charge)for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel in New Delhi today which was attended by Senior Officers of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports including Union Sports Secretary, Shri Injeti Srinivas.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is of the firm view that the action of IOA is against the principles of ethics and good governance as laid down by International Olympic Committee (IOC). The action is also in contravention of principles laid down in various judgments by the Supreme Court of India and High Courts wherein they have maintained that NOC/NSFs perform state like functions, including selection of national teams and therefore they come within the writ jurisdiction of High Court and are governed by public law. The Ministry is of the view that IOA being the mother sports body is required to maintain the highest standards of probity and good governance and stand as a role model for others to emulate. But they have failed to do so.
The Ministry has consistently been opposing creation of posts in IOA and other sports bodies which allow back-door entry to individuals who are otherwise ineligible, including those charge sheeted/ convicted, to hold positions as office-bearers as per the provisions of Sports Code.
It may be recalled that when IOC suspended IOA in December, 2012, one of the reasons was IOA’s failure to enforce the basic principles of ethics and good governance. Subsequent to this, IOA had to amend its constitution whereby it, inter-alia, inserted a clause to prohibit the persons who have been convicted and/or charge sheeted, from contesting elections. Therefore, the persons who cannot contest election for any post in IOA cannot also hold the post of Life President even without any voting or executive powers or even on honorary basis.The substantive point emerging from the present action of IOA is that it not only violated the condition imposed by IOC for lifting of the suspension, but also violated its own constitution.
It is also reiterated that as per the ruling of Hon’ble Supreme Court, sports is a public good and sports governance is a public function and therefore sports bodies are subject to public law. Given the above mentioned principle enunciated by the Hon’ble Apex Court, IOA does not have the liberty to act as a private body and take decisions contrary to public law.
Government after careful consideration has decided to issue a show cause notice to IOA as to why it should continue to be recognized as the National Olympic Committee (NOC) when it has failed to conform to the basic principles of ethics and good governance. This is considered imperative because the present action of IOA, as the NOC, has adversely impacted the standing and prestige of the country and has set a wrong precedent that is not in the interest of Indian sports.
Mani Ratnam done with Kaatru Veliyidai
Shooting for Mani Ratnam's upcoming romantic film Kaatru Veliyidai, which began in early July. is now complete and the movie has entered the post-production stage.
According to sources, it has also been revealed that Kaatru Veliyidai has been scheduled to hit theatres in March 2017.
“And that's a wrap to the much awaited #KaatruVeliyidai! #ManiRatnam #ManiMagic #ReleasingMarch2017@arrahman @Karthi_Offl @aditiraohydari”, posted the official Twitter handle of Thenandal Films.
Touted to be a romantic entertainer, the film has Karthi, Aditi Rao Hydari, RJ Balaji, Shraddha Srinath and Delhi Ganesh playing the lead roles.
The film has music composed by A. R. Rahman and cinematography by Ravi Varman. The film will be dubbed in Telugu language titled Duet and will be released in March 2017.
After shelving a multi-starrer project featuring Karthi and Dulquer Salmaan in the lead roles during December 2015, it was reported in the media that Mani Ratnam would instead work on a new film retaining Karthi as the lead actor and A. R. Rahman and Ravi Varman as the music composer and cinematographer, respectively. And that's how Kaatru Veliyidai happened.
11,270 buses to be operated for Pongal
During this year October-2016 Deepavali festival, to avoid traffic congestion and ease the travel of public, the buses operated from Chennai at different destination is well appreciated by the public.
Accordingly, for January 2017 Pongal Festival, to facilitate ease of travel to general public, all the stake holders were consulted and the following arrangements for boarding
places are made for the days 11.01.2017, 12.01.2017 & 13.01.2017.
The public and vehicle operators are requested to plan their journey as per the diversions mentioned below to make their travel hassle free.
- ANDHRA BOUND BUSES
Operation of all Tamilnadu and A.P.S.R.T.C. buses to Andhra
Pradesh Via Redhills will depart from Anna Nagar (West) Bus
stand of MTC, Chennai.
- OPEARTION OF BUSES VIA ECR
Operation of buses to Puducherry,Cuddalore and Chidambaram via ECR will depart from Adyar Gandhi Nagar Bus
Stand of MTC Chennai.
- OPERATION OF BUSES VIA VIKKRAVANDY, PANRUTTI
Operation of all buses bound for Kumbakonam and beyond, Thanjavur via Tindivanam, Vikkravandy (including SETC) will depart from Arignar Anna Bus Stand, Tambaram-Sanatorium (MEPZ).
- OPERATION OF BUSES VIA VELLORE
Operation of buses to Arcot,Arani, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupathur & Hosur via Poonamallee will depart from Poonamalle Bus Stand, Poonamallee.
The reserved passengers of above four sectors on 11,12 & 13 Jan’2017 with Boarding point as Koyambedu of the above routes
are requested to board the buses at the above mentioned
temporary bus stands from 11.01.2017 to 13.01.2017 and also
other than reserved passengers of the above routes are requested to board in the buses at the above said places.
- Operation of buses from CMBT
Operation of buses to various places other than mentioned above will be operated from CMBT, Koyambedu as usual i.e
(Myladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Trichy, Madurai,
Tirunelveli, Shencottah, Tuticorin, Thiruchendur, Nagercoil,
Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Panrutti, Neyveli, Villupuram,
Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, Salem, Coimbatore, Ernakulam & Bangalore).
II. ROUTE DIVERSIONS
- Reservation buses from CMBT, Koyambedu is to ply via
Maduravoyal, Poonamallee, Nazarathpet, outer ring road,
Vandalur instead of Tambaram, Perungalathur. The reserved passengers with boarding point at Tambaram and Perungalathur are requested to board concerned buses at
Urapakkam Temporary bus stop instead of Tambaram and Perungalathur at the boarding time mentioned.
III. CAR AND OTHER VEHICLES
To avoid traffic congestion, during the period from 11.01.2017 to 13.01.2017, car and other light vehicle travellers are requested to avoid the route via Tambaram, Perungalathur by taking diversion via Tirukazhukundam, Chengalpattu / Sriperumbudur, Chengalpattu.
IV. FEEDER SERVICES.
Feeder Services will be operated by MTC to all these Bus Stands. From Chennai to all district Head Quarters and to all important places, apart from 2,275 scheduled buses, 794 special buses on 11.01.2017 and 1,779 special buses on 12.01.2017, 1,872 special buses on 13.01.2017. From 11.01.2017 to 13.01.2017 4,445 special buses will be operated. Put together the scheduled buses and special buses for the above three days will be 11,270.
From the other important places 991 special buses on 11.01.2017, 2,291 special buses on 12.01.2017, 3,141 special buses on 13.01.2017 will be operated. Totally 6,423 special buses planned to operate from other places.
Now, Rana comes down heavily on Suraaj for 'sexist' comments
Now, Rana comes down heavily on Suraaj for 'sexist' comments
After Nayanthara, Tamannah and Vishal, actor Rana Daggubati has now come down heavily on director Suraaj for his comments on actresses in a recent interview.
"Just got to know about director Suraaj's comments. Such a DISGRACE to have people like this work amongst us!!" the Baahubali and Arrambam actor posted on his social media page.
After Nayanthara and Tamannah lashed out at him for his comments on heroines in a recent interview, director Suraj has apologised for his remarks.
“I am really sorry and would like to apologise to Ms Tamannah and all the heroines in the industry," said Suraj in a statement last night.
He added: "My intention was not to show anyone in bad light or hurt their sentiments. I am sorry once again and take back my comment."
In the said interview, Suraj stated that heroines are getting paid in crores and so they are not supposed to appear fully clad on screen.
The director also said that heroines should make low class audiences happy by wearing itsy- bitsy glamorous costumes.
He added: "If the costume designer comes to me with the heroine’s clothes covering up to the knee, I would strictly order them to shorten the length. I don't mind even if my heroine is not happy or comfortable, but I insist and get it done. This is because audiences pay money to see the heroines in such clothes".
"Let heroines show their acting abilities in television serials. When it comes to commercial films, they are paid only to provide the required sizzle to the money paying audiences".
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
2 more associates of Sekar Reddy arrested
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation wing in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening arrested two persons involved in exchange of old notes to new currency notes of about Rs 6 crores to J Sekar Reddy, who was arrested by CBI recently for possessing Rs 34 crores of new denominations.
The ED said it has arrested the two persons for alleged illegal exchange of old notes "in connivance with" sand-mining baron Sekar Reddy as part of its money laundering probe post demonetisation.
The agency has identified the two as Mahavir Hirani and Ashok Jain and said they were arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Investigations revealed that, using few persons like Mahavir and Ashok in Chennai, about Rs 6 to Rs 7 crores were obtained by Sekar Reddy, through Parasmal Lodha, who was earlier arrested by ED.
Search of the premises of Ashok by Income Tax officials resulted in seizure of Rs 10 crores of old currencies and about 6.5 kgs of Gold.
Further verification revealed that Mahavir and Ashok Jain were involved in exchange of old currencies to new currencies on commission basis, after demonitisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currencies.
The I-T department has made the biggest detection of alleged unaccounted income of over Rs 142 crore in this case with the seizure of Rs 34 crore in new notes. Soon, Reddy and two of his associates were arrested.
Another global honour for Rahman
Awards and accolades faithfully follow A R Rahman. The Oscar-Grammy winner has now been elected for the World Tamilian Award.
"The Third year of World Tamilar Festival and GOTO, proudly presents the event on 6th of January in Hotel Le Royal Meridien from 10.00 am to 8.30 pm," said a press release.
The event is planned in four sessions & will witness dignitaries from 28 countries, from the field of Art, Literature and Politics.
The event will see laureates who will be felicitated with the prestigious Sadanai Tamilan Award. To add further, the dignitaries from abroad including Sundar Pichai, Shiva Ayyadurai, Navaneetham Pillai, were suggested for the prestigious award of 'Ulaga Tamilan' Award.
But the panel had zeroed it down to A.R.Rahman as he is situated in Head capital of the language, Tamil Nadu and for recalling the ancient language Tamil during the Oscar ceremony.
"The GOTO is proud to present this prestigious award to the musical legend. the prestigious award will be presented by World Leaders to the legend on 6th of January eve during the 'Ulaga Tamizhar Thirunaal' day," it added.
AIADMK declares Sasikala as general secretary
The general council of the ruling AIADMK today resolved to work under V K Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
It entrusted the post of the general secretary of the party with her until an election is held for the same as per the bylaws of the party.
The party passed a total of 14 resolutions in the presence of chief minister O Paneerselvam and other top leaders that allows Sasikala Natarajan aka Chinnamma to lead the party post Amma's death and also be the new general secretary of the party for the time being.
Sasikala will be formally elected as the General Secretary as per party by laws only after she comepletes 5 years as a party member.
A resolution to this effect was proposed by 23 leaders, including chief minister O Panneerselvam and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha M. Thambidurai and seconded by the over 2000 general council member.
Other resolutions including requests for Nobel Prize, Raman Magasasay award and Bharat Ratna for Jayalaltihaa, statue for her in Parliament and declaration of her birthday as National Farmers Day.
Central team meets CM, visits cyclone-hit areas
The high level Central team led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Praveen Vashista today commended the quick restoration work undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Government.
Also, it assured Chief Minister O Panneerselvam that the team would take up an in-depth assessment of the damages caused by the severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah' and submit its report at the earliest.
The assurance was given to the State government when the nine-member Central team, which arrived in Chennai last night,
met the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat before
visiting the cyclone ravaged districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur
and Kancheepuram to make an on the spot assessment of the
damages caused by the natural calamity.
During the meeting, Panneerselvam said he had recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking about Rs 23,000 crore towards relief and rehabilitation post Vardah.
He also requested the Central team to make an in-depth assessment of the damage caused by the cyclone and to submit its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs immediately.
"The team leader Praveen Vashista assured the Chief Minister that the team will make an in-depth assessment of the damages and submit its report at the earliest," a state government release said.
Anandaraj quits AIADMK
Popular actor Anandaraj today announced quitting the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Speaking to reporters, he said that he was very upset after the death of former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa.
"No one can fill the vaccum created by her loss. So I decided to quit the party," he said.
Anandaraj is an actor, who has enacted villain roles in several Tamil films. He has appeared in over hundred films in different languages including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.
Anandaraj made his Bollywood debut as main antagonist with Action Jackson starring Ajay Devgan and Sonakshi Sinha.
Anandaraj was born and brought up in Pondicherry and his father was a businessman. After schooling he wanted his son to be a police officer, but Anandaraj wanted to try something different as he was fascinated with films.
Fortunately his family supported his dreams. He joined in M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute, Chennai for a course. Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar was his classmate.
Year End Review 2016 - The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways - Building Safe Highways
Year End Review - 2016
The year 2016 has been a significant one for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, when road safety emerged as the central theme of almost its entire range of activities. While the Ministry pushed ahead to expand the National Highways network in the country, it was not enough to just build highways! It was equally important to ensure that the highways were safe for the commuters. As a signatory to Brasilia Declaration, India is committed to reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities by 50 % by 2020. Although efforts in this direction had started earlier, the year 2016 saw the Ministry taking major steps towards fulfilling this commitment. These steps include overhauling the institutional and statutory framework, employing engineering solutions to build safer roads, laying down standards for safer vehicles, building an environment for better enforcement of traffic regulations and improving emergency care. The major steps taken by the Ministry towards ensuring safety on roads are as follows:
A National Road Safety Policy had been approved earlier, outlining various policy measures like promoting awareness, establishing road safety information data base, encouraging safer road infrastructure, enforcement of safety laws etc. The Ministry has evolved a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the problem based on the 4 E’s viz Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles) Enforcement and Emergency Care. A National Road Safety Council had also been constituted as the apex body to take policy decisions in the matter of road safety.
Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 - The Ministry constituted a Group of Ministers from across states to deliberate upon and propose strategies for reducing road fatalities and to suggest actionable measures for implementation. On the basis of recommendations of the GoM , MoRTH introduced the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Parliament (Lok Sabha) on 9th August, 2016. The Bill addresses road safety issues by providing for stiffer penalties, permitting electronic enforcement, improving fitness certification and licensing regime, statutory provisions for protection of good Samaritans and recognition of IT enabled enforcement systems. The Bill also paves way for reforms in public transport which in turn will help in improving road safety. The Bill contains provisions for treatment of accident victims during golden hour which will help in saving precious lives. The Bill has been referred to the Department- related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture for examination and report.
Top priority has been accorded to correction of black spots on National Highways and adopting regulatory measures for improving automobile safety. Ministry has requested the States to send proposals for correction of black spots and 10% of the Central Road Fund (CRF) have been permitted to be used for undertaking road safety measures. Road safety has been made an integral part of road designing, safety audits are being taken up for selected stretches of National Highways. As Short-term measures rumble strips, reflective stickers at junctions, fixing signboard/ cautionary board, providing signage and speed restrictions are being used. As long-term measures construction of vehicular under-pass, By-pass, flyover and 4-laning are being taken up.
An amount of Rs.1100 crore has been made available for the road safety purposes during the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. Of this, Rs.600 crores were earmarked for the years 2016-17. This amount is to be spent on rectification of black spots, installation of crash barriers in hilly areas, carrying out road safety audits and other road safety works included in Annual plan 2016-17. The power of technical sanction for rectification of black spots has been delegated to Regional officers, MoRTH. Proposals amounting to Rs 12 crore have been sanctioned and proposals amounting to Rs 124 crore are under sanction. Stretches have been identified for installation of crash barriers and proposals and estimates have been invited. Regarding other works of road safety, proposals of about Rs 39 crore have been finalized and are under sanction while other proposals are in different stages of investigations/preparation.
The Ministry has stressed upon States / UTs to set up State Road Safety Councils, formulate an action plan for improving road safety, implement it in a concerted manner, fix a definite, time bound target for fatality reduction and identify and allocate adequate manpower, financial and other resources for implementing the strategy to achieve the targets set. The status of implementation by the states is as follows:
i.Twenty two States have notified a road safety policy. The states of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Tripura are in the process of notifying.
ii.State Road Safety Council (SRSC) has been constituted in all States and meetings are also being held by these councils.
iii.24 states have submitted Draft Action Plans for reducing accidents and fatalities based on the six pillars of road safety recommended by the United Nations.
iv.All states except Bihar, Punjab and Mizoram have designated lead agencies for dealing with road safety issues.
v.11 States have created Dedicated Road Safety Funds. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, J&K, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telagana, Tripura, Uttrakhand and West Bengal are in process of establishment of Road Safety Fund by making available a portion of the fines collected from traffic offences.
vi.Most states have started Road Safety Audits of all roads as per the guidelines of Ministry.
vii.Traffic calming measures are also being adopted.
viii.Most of the States have identified black spots. Rectification of Black Spots is in progress in the states. The Ministry has also written to the States to send proposals for correction of black spots. Most states have formulated the protocol and calendar for identification and rectification of Black Spots or have adopted the guidelines issued by the Road Safety Engineering Cell of the Ministry. The progress would be monitored by the Ministry on regular basis.
ix.Most of the states have issued necessary directions to the concerned agencies to undertake construction of road beyond Rs.10 crores only after Design Audit is completed and its recommendations implemented.
x.Most States have started suspending Driving Licence for not less than 3 months under Section 19 of Motor Vehicle Act and Rule 21 of Central Motor Vehicles Rules for over speeding, red light jumping, use of mobile phones while driving and over loading. They are framing mechanism to regularize the process.
xi.Most of the states have started action for setting up computerized driving tracks to eliminate human intervention for issue of permanent driving licences.
Highway Advisory System (HAS)
HAS was launched as a pilot project on Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is a free-to-air information distribution system that uses radio to make the travelling experience on National Highways safer, faster and hassle-free. HAS control centre collects data, processes and analyzes it, generates alerts and sends it to be broadcast by All India Radio. The phase 1pilot on NH8 from Delhi to Jaipur (240 Km) to provide live traffic updates in 18 slots daily through All India Radio was successfully completed. The study on the impact of the pilot project has thrown up very positive results and there is tremendous demand for this service among road users. In Phase 2, the pilot is being expanded to 12 highway stretches in multiple languages across the country covering a total of around 2400 Kms of National Highways.
The Ministry has launched a media campaign to promote road safety. NGOs have been sensitised to work on Road Safety.
Vehicular Safety Standards are being set for all classes of vehicles. Trucks are prohibited from carrying protruding rods; Anti-locking Brake System (ABS) made mandatory on Heavy Vehicles; Cars to have provision for fitment of at-least one child seat. Car Crash Standards to be made mandatory w.e.f. 1st April, 2018; ABS/CBS for Two Wheelers mandated w.e.f. 1st April, 2018; AHO (Automatic Headlight On) made mandatory for Two Wheelers to make them more conspicuous; Bus Body Code for safer and comfortable buses; Truck Body Code for safe cabins to drivers and other road users; Mandatory Fitment of Speed Governors on Transport Vehicles to avoid over speeding.
Buses with IT enabled safety measures under NIRBHAYA SCHEME
As per notification issued by the Ministry all public service vehicles, (except two and three wheelers, e-rickshaws) have to be equipped with or fitted with vehicle location tracking device and one or more emergency buttons: The vehicle location tracking device and emergency button referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be fitted by the manufacturer or their dealer or the respective operator.
Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS) launched - IBMS is being developed to create an inventory of all bridges in the country and rate their structural condition so that timely repair and rehabilitation work can be carried out based on the criticality of the structure.
Model Institutes of Drivers Training and Research (IDTR) – The Ministry is implementing a scheme for setting up of Model Institutes of Drivers Training and Research (IDTR) under which it provides a grant up to Rs. 17.00 crore for each centre, as also Rs. 05.00 crore grant for setting up smaller Regional Driving Training Centres (RDTC). The IDTRs are expected to be the mother institutes which will train the trainers and also guide and monitor the smaller institutes. During 10th Plan, a total number of 13 Model Driver Training Schools were sanctioned in the States of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, NCT of Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. All the 13 training schools are functional.In the 11th Plan, MoRTH accorded sanction for setting up IDTR at Sarkaghat (Himachal Pradesh); Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh); Rajsamand (Rajasthan); Pune (Maharashtra); Bhiwani (Haryana); Aurangabad (Bihar) and Agartala (Tripura). Out of these, three IDTRs at Pune, Chindwara and Rajsamand are functional now. For 12th Plan, MoRTH has decided to establish 10 IDTR and 25 RTDC. So far, 4 IDTRs have been sanctioned to be set up one each in the State of Naya Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Four RDTCs also have been sanctioned, one in West Bengal and three in Maharashtra.
Model Automated Centers for checking fitness of the vehicles. - Under this scheme, the Ministry is providing a grant of Rs. 14.40 crore for each center. During the 11th Five Year Plan, the Ministry sanctioned 9 centers under the scheme in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan out of which the center at Nashik in Maharashtra is operational and centres in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are likely to become operational by January, 2017. The other centers are expected to become operational in this financial year. During the 12th Plan 6 Inspection and Certification Centres were sanctioned, one each in the state of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim and Kerala.
Effective Trauma Care - NHAI provides ambulances at a distance of 50 km on its completed stretches of National Highways. Cranes and ambulances are provided to various State Governments under the National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme for development on National Highways.
This Ministry has notified National Ambulance Code for road ambulance Type L and M.
Pilot Projects for Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims were done on Gurgaon-Jaipur, Vadodara – Mumbai stretch of NH 8 and Ranchi-Rargaon-Mahulia stretch of NH 33. Now it is proposed to implement this scheme along the Golden Quadrilateral, North South and East West Corridors (about 13500 km) at an estimated cost of about Rs. 250 Crore.
Good Samaritans Guidelines - Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry to prevent the harassment of “Good Samaritans” who help road accident victims. The Supreme Court has accepted these guidelines and has asked states for implementation.
A. HIGHWAYS CONSTRUCTION
Total length of Highways awarded upto November, 2016- 5688 km;
Total length of Highways constructed upto November, 2016- 4021 km.
Development of Roads in the North East - As of 18th Oct. 2016, NHIDCL is handling 134 National Highway and other Infrastructure Development projects covering an approx length of 8,007 km. to be executed at a cost of approximately Rs. 100,000 crore.
Construction of Roads in Naxal Areas – A total of 4148 km of roads constructed so far.
High Density Corridors. The Government has approved a plan for constructing 1000 km of Expressways along High Density Corridors like the Vadodara-Mumbai Corridor and Delhi-Meerut Corridor. The approved expressways on High Density Corridors are
i.Delhi-Meerut (66km) - To be constructed in four packages, out of which two packages (i.e. Nizamuddin Bridge to UP Border and Dasna to Hapur) have already been awarded. The third package, namely UP Border to Dasna is in advanced stage of award. For the fourth package i.e. New Alignment from Dasna to Meerut, bids have been invited. Approval of NGT has been obtained and about 90% land is available. The total estimated project cost is about Rs. 6700 Crores.
ii.Eastern Peripheral Expressway – 135 Km Kundli-Palwal – to be completed by March, 2018.
iii.Western Peripheral - 135 Km Kundli-Manesar -Palwal. Manesar -Palwal section is ready; Kundli-Palwal to be done by August, 2018.
iv.Vadodara-Mumbai Corridor (400 km): - To be completed in three phases.
v.Bangalore-Chennai (262 km) on NH-4 - The project is at Feasibility-cum- Preliminary Design Report Stage.
vi.Delhi-Jaipur (261 km) on NH-8.
vii.Delhi-Chandigarh (249 km) on NH-1 and NH-22.
viii.Kolkata-Dhanbad (277 km) on NH-2, and
ix.Delhi-Agra (200 km) on NH-2.
New Initiatives
i.Bharatmala: This has been envisaged as an umbrella program that will subsume unfinished parts of NHDP and also focus on the new initiatives like development of Border and International connectivity roads, Coastal & port connectivity roads, National Corridors Efficiency improvements, Economic corridors development and others.
ii.SetuBharatam program for building bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways. The aim is to make National Highways free of railway level crossings by 2019 by building Railway Over Bridges/ Under Passes. 1500 old and worn down bridges to be improved by replacement/widening/strengthening.
iii.National Highways Interconnectivity Improvement Project -This is a project to ensure safe, fast and all weather movement of traffic on National Highways mostly located in backward regions .Development of 1120 kms of National Highways in the States of Karnataka, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan and West Bengal have been approved. The projects are already taken up for implementation and 429 kms have been completed. The civil works are expected to be completed by July, 2019 and maintenance works are expected to be completed by July, 2024.
iv.Logistic Efficiency Enhancement Programme (LEEP) -aimed at enhancing the freight transportation in India through improving cost, time, tracking and transferability of consignments through infrastructure, procedural and Information Technology (IT) interventions. The parks are expected to serve four key functions: freight aggregation and distribution, multimodal freight movement, storage and warehousing, and value-added services such as custom clearances. The ministry has shortlisted 15 locations with the highest freight movement for the development of multimodal logistics parks worth Rs.32,853 crore. The locations are in the states of Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana. 44 Economic Corridors, 170 feeder routes and inter-city corridors, 35 logistics parks and 191 choke points have been identified for development to improve logistics efficiency of National Highways.
Highway Construction -Policies
The following are the major policy interventions undertaken this year:-
i.Recycling of operational highway assets using - the Toll - Operate -Transfer (TOT) Model - The Model has been developed by MoRTH and approved by the CCEA in August, 2016. As per the Model, the right of collection of Toll Fees for operational public funded NH projects is to be assigned for a pre-determined concession period (30 years) to concessionaires against upfront payment of a lump-sum amount. O&M obligations of such projects shall be with the concessionaire till the completion of concession period. This Model facilitates long term O&M of constructed NH projects through private sector efficiency. This is a big investment opportunity for long term institutional investors- both domestic and international like pension funds, insurance funds, wealth funds etc in addition to banks. Initially, 75 public funded NH projects with aggregate length of around 4,500 km and annual toll revenue collection of around Rs 2,700 crores have been identified for the Model. The Model Concession Agreement (MCA) has been developed and the first round of bidding for projects shall be taken up in near future.
ii.Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)- As per the model, 40% the Project Cost is to be provided by the Government as 'Construction Support' to the private developer during the construction period and the balance 60% as annuity payments over the operations period along with interest on outstanding amount. The payable interest rate is linked to market rates (Bank Rate +3.00%). There is separate provision for O&M payments by the Government to the concessionaire. The private party does not have to bear the traffic and inflation risks. The Model has been successful in reviving PPPs in the sector which is evident in the interest being shown by the market for such projects. Till now, 33 NH projects with aggregate length of around 1,800 km and involving cost of around Rs 29,450 crores have been already awarded under the Model. Many more are in matured stages of bidding.
iii.Issues resolved for languishing projects - 73 NH projects with aggregate length of around 8,310 km were languishing after award around two and half years back. These projects involved estimated capital investment of around Rs 1,00,000 crores that remained blocked. As a result of MoRTH interventions that included taking up policy measures and rounds of one to one interaction with concessionaires and bankers, most of the languishing projects have been effectively put back on track. Out of the 73 languishing projects as mentioned above, issues remain to be resolved for only 10 projects.
iv.Steps taken to streamline land acquisition - Land Acquisition (LA) has been expedited by bringing the awards and their disbursal in consonance with the principles of the RFCT LARR Act, 2013. For the purpose of monitoring and expeditious settlement of LA issues for various projects, guidelines have been circulated to constitute LA Cells in the Ministry, its ROs, NHAI, NHIDCL and their PlUs. As a first step, LA Cell has been constituted in the Ministry by engagement of a retired revenue Officer as Consultant. Instructions have been issued for appointment of additional CALAIArbitrator to ease the load, and also for providing basic facilities to CALA/ TILRI/ Arbitrator, for smooth discharge of their duties. Besides acquisition under NH Act, 1956, a policy decision has been taken to ensure availability of requisite land for NHs through bulk purchase in accordance with the policy of the concerned State Governments. So far, instructions have been issued for the bulk acquisition/purchase of land through consent of land owners in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Telangana,West Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Further, acquisition of plots missed out from bulk acquisition due to land consolidation process and poor maintenance of revenue records, minor technical alteration and social or environmental considerations. has been authorised through CONSENT as an exception up to 10% of total of land.
B.GREEN INITIATIVES
Taxi Policy Guidelines -The committee constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to review issues relating to taxi permits and propose taxi policy guidelines to promote urban mobility submitted its report. The committee has recommended that city taxies should be allowed to run on App Based platforms. The policy recommendations also ensure that bigger aggregators do not undercut the traditional cabs.The major focus of the policy is to ensure safe, secure and affordable ride to the common public so as to help in reducing congestion as well as pollution in the cities. The policy also recommends that the app used by aggregators is validated for its integrity by an agency authorized by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is expected that the policy would help in a healthy growth of the taxi industry. The policy is recommendatory in nature and would help to provide a particular framework to help the States in framing detailed regulations.
Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme - The concept note on ‘Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme’ to enable the replacement of old, heavy and medium commercial vehicles as they contribute the maximum of vehicular pollution was placed on Ministry’s official website for information and comments from concerned Ministries and Departments and other stakeholders. The policy proposes that old vehicles would get following financial benefits: - The scrap value of the vehicle and incentives from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and incentives from government. It has been decided to refer the issue for consideration by Committee of Secretaries.
The Ministry has issued a notification mandating implementation of Bharat Standards-VI (BS-VI) emission norms from 1stApril 2020 for all vehicles. This is a significant step to combat vehicular pollution in the country.
India ready for flex - fuel automobiles - India has put in place all required regulations for the use of Flex-fuel like ethanol mixed with petrol.
Vehicle manufacturers will have to give details about the emission and noise levels of each vehicle they produce – From 1st of April 2017, manufacturers of all kinds of motor vehicles as also E-rickshaws and E-carts will have to give detailed declaration about the emission levels of the vehicle they have manufactured
Ethanol – Fuelled Bus- Notification was issued for mass emission standards for flexi-fuel ethanol E85 and ED95. This Notification will enable vehicle manufacturers to manufacture vehicles running on bio-ethanol E85 and ED95. A bio-ethanol fuel bus is already under trial in Nagpur.
Bio- CNG and Bio- Diesel – Notification has been issued for norms for the use of Bio-CNG for testing and exhaust emission for vehicles running on Bio-CNG. With this notification, the vehicle manufacturers can manufacture, sell and get vehicles fuelled by Bio-CNG in the country. Draft Notification was also formulated for Mass Emission Standards for Bio-diesel (B 100) fuelled vehicles.
Retro fitment of existing polluting vehicle into electric hybrid and electric vehicle permitted - Enabling regulations have been finalized and demonstration of technology completed successfully.
National Green Highways Project - The initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways at a cost of about Rs 300 crore was launched as part of the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy – 2015 on 1st of July, 2016. The Policy aims to develop eco-friendly National Highways with the participation of community, farmers, NGOs and private sector. The policy will help to improve aesthetics of the project corridors, reduce the impact of air pollution and reduce accidents by cutting down glare from approaching vehicles. Under the Green Highways Project the government has made it mandatory to set aside 1 per cent of the total project cost of any NH contract to a Green Fund corpus that will be used for plantation purposes. The afforestation is expected to help in sequestering approximately 12 lakh mt carbon annually.
National Green Highways Mission -YES BANK Knowledge Report on ‘Transplanting for Growth’ was released. It puts transplantation at the centre of discussion in the mission of greening our highways. The report presents a compelling case for taking up transplantation as the preferred technique for plantation along the highways.
A charter has been signed between NGHM and YES BANK to create awareness on greening of highways and explore synergies between NGHM’s objectives and YES BANK’s CoP21 commitment of planting 20 lakh saplings by 2020.
‘Adopt a Green Highway’ Program was launched in July, 2016. It seeks to engage corporates, Public Sector units, Government organizations and other institutions for developing green corridor along National Highways through plantation and allied activity on avenue, median and other available nearby land patches.
‘Kisan Harit Rajmarg Yojana’ is a pilot scheme to extend green belt beyond the existing ‘Right of Way’ of highways by engaging farmers and providing alternative livelihood option to the nearby communities.
A National Green Highways Mission Mobile App has also been launched to enable the management to monitor all the projects with real time data from the fields. The technology will assist in identifying the bottlenecks quickly and ensure speedy and successful implementations of the projects.
E-rickshaw policy of Government has helped in reducing pollution to a great extent. E- carts and E-rickshaws have been freed from permit requirements.
C. E- INITIATIVES
E-tolling - In order to remove traffic bottle neck at toll plazas and ensure seamless movement of vehicles and hassle-free collection of toll, the Government has implemented a nationwide Electronic Toll Collection based on passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) conforming to EPC Gen-2, ISO 18000-6C standards. It provides for electronic collection of toll through FASTags.
With about 3133 FASTags being sold in May, 2016, the number went upto 1,78,266 by 22nd December,2016 . Fees collected from FASTags was just Rs 0.71 Crore in May 2016. This rose to Rs 47.02 Crore by 22nd December, 2016.
E- Tolling was facilitated in a big way after demonetization. After the initial suspension of toll collection in November 2016, when tolling was resumed from 3rd December, elaborate arrangements were made for payment of fees through swipe machines and E wallets and FASTags at all toll plazas on the National Highways. Collection of fee through electronic means was just about 5 percent in Oct-Nov 2016. This rose to about 11 percent by mid- December.
PMIS - An online state-of-the-art real time Project Monitoring and Information System (PMIS) has been developed to digitally monitor 2000+ projects executed by multiple agencies. The PMIS has detailed dashboards for every project and generates custom reports required for project reviews. Customized dashboards have been developed for the Minister of Road Transport and Highways for regular monitoring of progress. The project information is updated every month by the respective PIUs and Senior Officers Meetings are conducted through reports generated by PMIS system. Important documents like the lEIAE reports are also catalogued in the system and can be downloaded whenever required.
INFRACON is the National Portal for Infrastructure Consultancy Firms and Key Personnel. This portal acts as a kind of bridge between consultancy firms working in the road engineering and construction sector and domain experts and key personnel who are deployed both for project preparation and supervision. The portal hosts the credentials of consultancy firms and key personnel and has linkages to Aadhar and Digi-locker for data validation and purity. 474 consultancy firms and 2387 key personnel under various categories are already registered with the portal.
INAM PRO has been developed as a web-based application (www.inampro.nic.in) for Infrastructure and Material Providers. It is a kind of a web based market place that brings together the material providers and the prospective buyers on a common platform. The platform was launched in March,2015 to facilitate contractors and cement buyers engaged in executing central/state funded roads and highways and bridge construction projects to place cement orders online with the registered cement companies offering cement at competitive rates in the vicinity of project execution locations. Given the success of INAM-PRO with cement, other materials like steel and steel slag have also been brought on this platform so as to make this as a comprehensive e-market place for infrastructure providers.
The above IT initiatives of the Ministry were recognized and awarded Gold Medal by SKOCH Group as Smart Governance Award 2016.
Driving License and Registration Certificates have been linked with the Digilocker scheme as a part of the key initiative under Digital India. With this integration people will no longer need to carry around physical copies of their RCs and Driving Licences. They can instead access digital copies of the same on their mobile phones via the DigiLocker mobile app. Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration documents can now be issued directly to the DigiLockers of individuals in digital formats. These digital copies can be shared with other departments as identity and address proof. They will also be used for on the spot verification through the citizen’s mobile, by various law enforcement authorities like the Traffic Police. Besides being convenient for people, this will also result in assured authenticity of such documents and reduction of administrative overhead.
D. ROADSIDE AMENITIES
India has experienced significant increase in passenger and freight movement on national highways. Consequently, providing adequate amenities along these roads to ensure convenience and safety of passengers and drivers is a priority. Hence, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has decided to develop Wayside Amenities along the National Highways. Such Wayside Amenities (WSA) shall be branded as ‘Highway Haat’. The complexes will provide facilities for car and bus passengers and truckers to relax, revive and refresh, thus helping to reduce driver fatigue, resulting in making roads travel safe and comfortable.
All the 370 Toll Plazas of NHAI would be covered with toilets, hoardings and litter bins under Swachhta action plan for MoRTH.
Toilet facilities in labor camps are being provided as per the Contract Labour Act in all the ongoing NHAI projects where number of labours at a location crosses 20.Toilets and other such amenities are also provided at all the Toll Plazas and Way-side-amenities. A drive is being taken up for compliance of provision of toilets / amenities at locations.
Multi modal stations: DPR work for multi-modal stations at Nagpur and Varanasi has been initiated as part of the study to improve passenger convenience.
E.SKILL DEVELOPMENT
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued guidelines for Skill Development of Drivers and Mechanical Staff in the Road Transport Sector and of Workmen in the Highways Construction Sector with a view of meeting the manpower requirements of the road transport and highways sector and simultaneously crating additional avenues of employment . The workmen training will be conducted by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. Drivers training will be imparted in driver training centres run by private promoters or State Road Transport Undertakings or the apex body of SRTUs, namely, the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU).
F.ROAD CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
After signing of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement in June 2015 for facilitating seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles and increase trade in the sub-region, the following road projects in India have been identified to be posed for loan assistance by Asian Development Bank (ADB).
India is funding construction of 69 Bridges on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa Road (149.70 kms)Section and construction of 120.74 kms road between Kalewa and Yargi section of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway, in Myanmar to improve connectivity with South East Asia by road. The Trilateral Highway starts from Moreh (Manipur) in India up to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar. Construction of 130 km length stretch of road connecting Moreh (India) / Tamu (Myanmar) to Kalewa in Myanmar has already been completed by Border Roads Organization of India. For construction of 69 bridges including approach roads in the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road section (149.70 kms) and construction/upgradation of the Kalewa-Yargi road section (120.74 kms) of the IMT Trilateral Highway in Myanmar, appointment of Consultants to finalise tender documents and award of contracts has already been completed.
Seamless entry of Bangladesh truck into India - History was written at the Inland Customs Depot in Patparganj in East Delhi in September 2016 when for the first time a cargo truck from Bangladesh drove in with a Delhi bound consignment, having come seamlessly through customs free borders on a trial basis under BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Motor Vehicle Agreement A trial run of passenger vehicles on the IMT Trilateral Highway up to Naypitaw in Myanmar was carried out during 9-14 November, 2015 in which Indian vehicles travelled to Myanmar on Imphal -Mandalay -Bagan- Naypitaw route and back and Myanmar vehicles joined the Indian vehicles on the return journey from Naypitaw to Imphal and returning to Myanmar.
India, Myanmar and Thailand Friendship Motor Car Rally from New Delhi to Bangkok The rally caravan covered a distance of 5,722 kms along the IMT Trilateral Highway with about 70 participants from all the three countries, in 20 Indian made vehicles. The rally was flagged off from New Delhi on 13.11.16. The journey from Delhi to Bangkok lasted over 19 days.
BBIN Corridor - Under the study on LEEP, a strategic initiative called the Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal (BBIN) corridor development aimed to improve economic cooperation and regional connectivity is under consideration. Various interventions like upgrading road connectivity within BBIN region, development of feeder routes and up-gradation of land ports are under consideration.
Why MDMK walked out of People Welfare Front?
MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday said his party has decided to exit the People's Welfare Front (PWF).
Speaking to the media, he said, "The high level committee of the party met and decided that the party will exit the PWF."
He added: "However, we will continue to have close ties with other parties of the alliance such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)."
The alliance has been unable to keep itself together after the elections in May. Just after of the polls, Vijayakanth-led Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and G.K. Vasan’s Tamil Maanila Congress walked out of the six-party front.
Now that Vaiko, who is the convenor of the front, walked out, the remaining parties are VCK, CPI and CPI(M).
The decision by MDMK comes a day before Thol Thirumavalavan holds a demonetisation conference in Puducherry. The dalit party has invited allies, but the MDMK which has been endorsing Narendra Modi government's "economic reforms aimed at curbing black money," has not been invited. During his meeting with Modi, Vaiko termed the decision, "historic."
Though there had been some differences of opinion between MDMK and the rest, Vaiko’s support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetisation scheme did not go down well as the other three parties had been fiercely opposed to it.