Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways has approved projects worth ₹895.30 crore aimed at strengthening power systems and critical bridge infrastructure to enhance capacity and efficiency. A major portion—₹671.72 crore—has been allocated for the upgrade of Kolkata Metro. The project includes installation of seven new traction substations and augmentation of the power system from 11 kV to 33…
Bhubaneswar: In a unique initiative, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has started playing soft, soothing music at 32 major traffic intersections across Bhubaneswar to ease commuter stress, especially during long waits and ongoing heatwave conditions. The system operates through Public Address Systems integrated with CCTV networks and is centrally controlled. Along with music, authorities are also…
Bhubaneswar: Serious concerns have emerged over safety and management standards at the district-level Subhadra Shakti Mela in Jharsuguda, an event organised under the state’s Mission Shakti programme to promote women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Major Safety Breach ReportedIn a significant lapse, a heavy transport vehicle was reportedly found parked inside a vendor stall area meant for…
Bhubaneswar: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express service from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The train, which earlier operated between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run up to Jammu Tawi. The extension brings India’s flagship semi high-speed train directly to the region’s largest city…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has decided to discontinue the interest-free advance facility offered to its employees for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme, which was introduced under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, will be withdrawn with effect from April 1, 2026, following a directive issued by the state Finance Department. The interest-free advance…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Fertilizers has reaffirmed that fertiliser availability in the country remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with supplies consistently exceeding current requirements. According to Additional Secretary Aparna Sharma, there is no shortage of major fertilisers, and availability continues to remain significantly higher than demand across the country. For the period from April 1…
Bhubaneswar: Oil companies have introduced temporary limits on fuel sales across Odisha, directing petrol pump dealers to restrict petrol supply to 50 litres and high-speed diesel (HSD) to 500 litres per customer. The move is aimed at preventing industries from purchasing diesel in bulk from retail outlets, which could disrupt availability for regular consumers. Officials…
Bhubaneswar: A fire incident was reported on board the Charminar Express near Aler railway station in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri on Sunday. According to initial inputs, the blaze originated in the S5 coach while the train was within station limits. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be ascertained. There…
Bhubaneswar: A potential aviation emergency was averted early today after takeoff of Swiss International Air Lines Flight LX147 from Delhi to Zurich was aborted due to smoke detected from the left-side wheel. The incident occurred around 2 a.m., prompting the crew to declare an emergency and halt departure procedures. There were 232 passengers on board…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India and New Zealand are set to sign a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Goyal stated that after extensive discussions with New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay, the agreement was finalised under the leadership of Prime…