Page 40 - Odisha

CRS report on Odisha train accident won't be made public: Railways

The Railways will not make public the CRS probe report on the Balasore triple train accident to ensure that there is no "influence or interference" on the CBI's ongoing investigation in the case, senior officials told PTI on Friday. While there has been no official confirmation, some sources said the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) informed in its report that the accident occurred due to human error on the part of on-duty officials in the Signalling and Telecom Department as well as the Traffic Department. The officials failed to follow the standard operating procedure in place for train operations, according to the sources. "We will not be disclosing anything on the CRS report as another independent CBI inquiry is underway. This is to ensure that this report does not in any way influence or interfere with the other report. We will take cognisance of both the reports and make an overall evaluation of the incident and then take whatever steps necessary," a senior official told ...

NHAI plans tunnel at Laxmi Dungri in Odisha's Sambalpur, receives Rs 37 cr

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) received Rs 37 crore for construction of a tunnel at Laxmi Dungri, a reserve forest in Sambalpur district, official sources said. The tunnel's objective is to check disruption of traffic movement due to landslides on NH-53 connecting Mumbai and Kolkata. Project Director, NHAI, Sambalpur, K. Nageswar Rao said the geotechnical survey for the construction of the tunnel is underway. Stating that the plan and design will be prepared once the survey is completed, Rao said the tunnel will be constructed on one section of the four-lane highway. If everything goes according to plan, work will commence by September, he said, adding that the primary objective of the tunnel is safety of passengers travelling on NH-53. Laxmi Dungri has experienced several landslides, which have impacted traffic movement on NH-53 since September 2007.

Triple train crash: CRS submits report to railways, CBI also investigating

The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) probing the triple-train accident in Odisha's Balasore has submitted its report to the Railway Board, sources said on Thursday. The contents of the report could not be immediately ascertained. Senior Railway Board officials refused to comment on the report's findings. On June 2, three trains collided in Balasore district, claiming more than 280 lives and injuring over 1,000 people. The Coromandel Express entered the passing loop instead of the main line near Bahanaga Bazar railway station at full speed and collided with a stationary goods train. Apart from a CRS probe, the CBI is also investigating the tragic incident. Since the accident, the Railways has transferred several top officials of the South Eastern Railway under whose jurisdiction the tragedy occurred. Initial probe had suggested a signalling interference, either by negligence or by intent as the probable cause of the accident.

Odisha CM Patnaik expresses grief over Tripura's Ulta Rath Yatra mishap

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed grief over the death of seven people when a Rath or ceremonial chariot of Lord Jagannath came in contact with a high tension wire in Tripura's Unakoti district during the 'Ulta Rath Yatra' or return car festival. The incident happened on Wednesday when thousands of people were pulling the chariot, made of iron and heavily decorated came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable in Uttar Pabiacherra in Kumarghat. Parts of the Rath immediately caught fire and people fell on the road with their bodies on flame, Patnaik in a statement said Wednesday's Tripura incident was very unfortunate and he expressed condolence to the bereaved families. He wished speedy recovery of the injured persons. While six persons died due to electrocution on the spot, one died while being taken to hospital. Sixteen other people were injured in the incident.

Odisha CM Patnaik urges FM Sitharaman to withdraw 18% GST on Kendu leaves

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to completely waive the 18 per cent GST tax on Kendu leaves as it would adversely affect the livelihood of the poorest of the poor section of the society. Patnaik in a letter written to Sitharaman on Monday said that 18 per cent GST on Kendu leaves should be waived in the larger interest of poor and tribal people associated with Kendu leaves trade in the state. "Imposition of GST (18%) on Kendu leaves is adversely affecting the Kendu leaves trade. This in turn affects the livelihoods of Kendu leaves pluckers, binders and seasonal workers and implementation of social security and welfare schemes for them," Patnaik wrote in the letter. Stating that the Kendu (Tendu) leaf, which is a minor forest produce, is the financial backbone of 8 lakh kendu leaf pluckers, binders and seasonal workers of Odisha, Patnaik said the people engaged in the trade are mostly tribal and women belonging to the poorest o

LIVE: Wagner head releases 11-min audio in 1st message since halting mutiny

Catch all the latest updates from across the globe here

Amit Shah expresses anguish over Odisha road accident that killed 12 people

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed anguish over a road accident in Odisha that killed 12 people in a wedding party and said his thoughts are with the victims' family members. Twelve members of a wedding party were killed and seven injured after their bus collided head-on with another in Odisha's Ganjam district. "Anguished by the tragic road accident in Digapahandi (Odisha) that claimed precious lives. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with their family members. May the Almighty give them the strength to bear this. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah said in a tweet. The accident occurred late on Sunday near the Digapahandi area on the Berhampur-Taptapani Road when the bus ferrying the wedding party collided with another passenger vehicle, Superintendent of Police (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M said. The group was returning to Khandadeuli after attending a wedding ceremony in Berhampur when the accident occurred.

Odisha CM expresses grief over bus accident, announces Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia

According to a statement from the chief minister's office, Patnaik has ordered to provide free medical treatment to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery

12 killed, several injured in bus accident in Odisha's Ganjam district

District Magistrate of Ganjam Dibya Jyoti Parida said that the injured were rushed to the MKCG Medical College for treatment

Time has come to take pledge to change corrupt govt in Odisha: Pradhan

He alleged that in Garib Kalyan Yojana 3.5 crore people get free rice but on the contrary corruption is at its peak in Odisha

NHPC to develop 2,000 MW of pumped storage, renewable projects in Odisha

State-owned NHPC Ltd has inked an initial pact with an Odisha state utility to develop 2,000 MW of pumped storage projects and 1,000 MW renewable energy in the state. The MoU signed with GRIDCO Ltd envisages setting up self-identified pumped storage projects of at least 2,000 MW and renewable energy projects (Ground-Mounted Solar Projects / Floating Solar Projects) of at least 1,000 MW in the state, a power ministry release said. The MoU was signed on 23rd June 2023, by Executive Director (Strategy Business Development and Consultancy), NHPC, Rajat Gupta and Managing Director, GRIDCO Limited, Trilochan Panda, it stated.

Odisha CM Patnaik reviews preparedness for floods as monsoon sets in

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday directed officials to remain prepared for floods with monsoon setting in over the state. Chairing a meeting of the State-Level Natural Calamity Committee, Patnaik said at least 24 districts were affected by heavy rains and floods last year. "The period from June to October is crucial for us, during which drought, flood or cyclone may occur," he said. He said the state managed the calamities successfully last year, and got an award from the Centre for it. "We should also remain prepared this year for any other kind of exigencies. Adequate measures must be taken in respect of early warning systems, rescue and relief operations, supply of drinking water, and health and veterinary services," Patnaik said. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services should remain alert for immediate response at all times, he said. The control rooms in the districts should be functional round the clock, he said, adding that 'SATARK'

Odisha tragedy: Ex-controllers suggest CCTV surveillance for relay rooms

A section of retired chief train controllers has suggested that relay rooms, station control panels and divisional control departments should be brought under CCTV surveillance to enhance safety, minimise laxity on the part of employees and rule out the possibility of sabotage or foul play. They said that these are the most crucial areas that act as the heart and brain for the rail network but have never been under round-the-clock electronic surveillance. This will remain a chink in the armour of the railways whatever other safety measures it takes, they added. Their suggestion came weeks after an interference with the interlocking system, which is an automated signalling system, was suspected to have caused a triple train accident in Odisha's Balasore district which claimed more than 280 lives. Officials had also hinted at "sabotage" and tampering with the electronic interlocking system. Anil K Bharda, former chief train controller, Mumbai Division, Central Railway Zone, said, "The

Odisha CM Patnaik sanctions Rs 20 cr for Aahaar programme in state

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned Rs 20 crore from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the state-level 'Aahaar' committee, an official said on Thursday.

Monsoon hits Odisha, heavy rains likely over next 4-5 days, says IMD

Monsoon set in over parts of Odisha on Thursday, due to which heavy rains are likely in the state over the next four-five days, the weather office said. The southwest monsoon has covered parts of Malkangiri, Koraput and Gajapati district, and the conditions are favourable for further advancement during the next two days, it said. Fairly widespread to widespread rain and thundershower are likely during the next four-five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. "Temporary water logging is likely in some low-lying areas, and traffic congestion in urban areas," it said, advising farmers to prepare for sowing of paddy crops and take precautionary measures for lightning strikes. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely on Friday in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Puri, Ganjam and Kandhamal, it said. Thunderstorm with lightning is also likely in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, it added. State capital Bhubaneswar rece

Rs 2 cr announced for development of villages near Odisha accident site

Vaishnaw announced Rs 1 crore from his MP local area development (LAD) fund and another Rs 1 crore from Railways funds for the development of Bahanaga village and the hospital there

Looking forward to yoga day celebrations, interaction with leaders: PM Modi

He will attend Yoga Day celebrations at the UN headquarters on June 21. PM Modi will then travel to Washington DC and will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 begins in Odisha's Puri, PM extends greetings

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023 begins today in Odisha and Ahmedabad. The Rath Yatra will commence on June 20 at 10:04 pm and will end on June 21 at 7:09 pm.

All wings of govt must work in tandem to realise objectives: Odisha CM

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said that the government is driving transformative governance to fulfil the dreams of the 4.5 Crore people of Odisha.Speaking on the orientation programme for officers who joined state government in various departments, he said, "We are building infrastructure, transforming schools, providing health security, attracting investments and taking many other initiatives. Our objective is to make Odisha one of the top states of India when we will be celebrating 100 years of the formation of Odisha in 2036."He emphasised that in this journey of transformation, all the wings of government must work in tandem to realize our stated objectives.Advising the new officers joining the State government to follow the 5T initiative of governance mechanism, he said, "To use technology to reach out to people faster, work as a team with a focus on the timeline, and maintain transparency through your work. The outcome will definitely be transformative."Underlining ...

India wins Intercontinental Cup 2023, Odisha CM announces Rs 1 crore reward

India wins Intercontinental Cup for the second time, defeating Lebanon by 2-0 last night at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. The Odisha CM announced Rs 1 crore reward to the Indian team.