Accessible for specially-abled citizens
Kanpur Metro is probably the first public transport system in the city with adequate features for specially-abled persons. Apart from the presence of on-ground staff constantly monitoring passengers who need assistance, the metro stations on the priority corridor are equipped with wheelchairs as well.
With lifts, provisions of priority seating areas in coaches, emergency buttons and much more, Kanpur Metro is committed to offering a hassle-free commute to all the differently-abled people. On January 7, a group of specially-abled people visited the newly launched Kanpur Metro and appreciated the facilities provided by UPMRC.
The promise of safety
Following the sanitisation module of the New York Train System, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has deployed UV lamps to disinfect its trains. Notably, UPMRC is the first metro corporation in India to use this latest technology ensuring deep cleaning of the coaches and metro stations in Kanpur and Lucknow metro.
Going by the claims made by the experts, this innovative method is not only efficient but is also more economic than manual sanitation. Using this international technique, UPMRC ensures a bacteria-free train in just 15 minutes!
Lost & Found in Kanpur Metro!
Apart from offering safety from viruses, Kanpur Metro is also determined to keep your belongings safe as well. Recently, a woman left her bag with personal belonging in the baggage scanner at the IIT Kanpur Metro Station. Upon realisation, the woman walked back to the station where a responsible staff returned the bag to its rightful owner.
While we don't mean to make you turn careless while travelling in the metro, this piece of information is only meant to state the fact that Kanpur Metro is indeed a pretty safe choice of commute for all.
Feasible social distancing
Unlike other public transport systems, practising social distancing is actually feasible in Kanpur Metro. To ensure strict adherence to the social distancing norms, carriage units in the metro come with seats marked for the same. Additionally, at a time, no more than 2 people are allowed to use the lifts at any metro station.
Apart from this, the lifts on the priority corridor in Kanpur Metro are also equipped with stickers to make sure people follow the COVID-mandated rule. With stringent social norms at the stations and precautionary measures in the coaches, this modern transport vehicle is ferrying the local crowd with utmost safety, efficiency and ease.
Mobile charging point in the coaches
Keeping up with the changing times, this mode of public transport has an innovative addition unlike any other means of public commute in the city. With dedicated USB ports for charging phones in the coaches, Kanpur Metro proves to be the most convenient mode of intra-city travel for people who are dependent on this handy set like us. So, even if your phone's battery is about to die, simply take the metro and charge your phones on the way to your destination.
Knock Knock
By offering a safe and convenient journey, Kanpur Metro has helped people get over the menace caused by traffic jams and vehicular congestions in the city. With all the measures undertaken by the UPMRC in order to ensure safety amid the ongoing third wave of coronavirus, Kanpur Metro is on its way to becoming the most preferred commute option in the city.
BMC eases travel norms for inbound passengers from UAE
A tweer by BMC read, "Guidelines applicable to international travellers arriving from 'Countries other than Countries at-risk' will now also be applicable to travellers arriving from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai in Mumbai."
Notably, on December 29, 2021, the authorities had made it mandatory for international passengers arriving from UAE and other at-risk countries to take up the on-arrival RT-PCR test and undergo one-week home quarantine. According to the stipulated guidelines, the residents of Mumbai arriving from Dubai had to go through the quarantine and get an RT-PCR test done on the seventh day. However, with the UAE now out of the at-risk and high-risk category, all these compulsory guidelines are null and void now.
Mumbai COVID update
Witnessing a decline in cases, 7,895 new COVID cases were detected in Mumbai on January 16 taking the active case count to 60,371 patients. According to the daily health bulletin released by the BMC, a total of 21,025 people in the city marked their recovery on Sunday. As a consequence, the cumulative count of recoveries in the city has now climbed to 9,20,387 patients now.
Lucknow's temperature to hover between 18-6°C
Marking the lowest temperature of this month, Lucknow's day temperature witnessed a 6-degree fall from the usual readings by recording 15.5 °C on Sunday. Notably, the entire state has been witnessing a dip in mercury due to the recent snowfall in the lower Himalayas. While the maximum temperature recorded in the day is expected to stay around 18°C in Lucknow, the minimum temperature may drop down to 6°C in the capital city.
Very dense fog to cover Eastern UP
According to JP Gupta- director of the state MeT department, the snowfall accompanied by a high-pressure zone created above the northern part due to the Western Disturbances is the primary cause of this drop in temperature.
As per the forecast by the MeT department, the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh will witness dense to very dense fog in isolated parts during the early morning and at night. In the western parts of the state, while the fog will not be as dense as the eastern counterparts, chills will continue to prevail for the next two days.
Apart from Uttar Pradesh, very dense fog during dusk and dawn will accompany winter chills in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh till January 20, read the report.
All teaching-learning practice to be held virtually in UP
Witnessing the sudden spurt in cases, the Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University had closed the university and its affiliated colleges till January 16. As per the order issued by the university administration, all the teaching-learning practices were to be continued online. With the fresh notice issued by the state government, the online classes are now extended by one week across the state.
Vaccination drive for students aged 15-17 to continue in schools
In line with this order of extension, students of classes XI and XII will also attend classes virtually, however, the vaccination drive to vaccinate students aged between 15-17 will continue in schools. Apart from this, even though offline classes will not be held at Anganwadi schools, food and ration will be distributed from the school campus like before. Students will be permitted to enter their school campus for the vaccination drive or to collect food and ration from the premises of their school.
Notably, the nationwide vaccination drive to innoculate adolescents was started on January 3. According to the data on coWIN, 54,67,143 adolescents have received at least one dose of vaccine against coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, as of Monday. In Lucknow, a total of 1,37,160 beneficiaries have been administered the vaccine, as of January 17.
-with inputs from IANS
A one-stop solution for around 80 government services!
Maharastra’s Chief Minister on Friday, virtually launched BMC’s Whatsapp chatbox to make it easier for citizens, tourists and businesses in Mumbai to reach out to the administration, seek help and access a range of services. Pegged to be the first of its kind service in the country, BMC’s WhatsApp chatbox will serve as a boon not only in the current testing times but in our day-to-day lives as well. It is a comprehensive helpline on Whatsapp to streamline citizen engagement.
Through this service, citizens can find information about local amenities, civic services, schools, tourist sites, and BEST services among many other things. While also enabling festival authorization applications, direct filing of complaints, payments, and license renewals. This new initiative by the government will not just use technology for the betterment and ease of citizens but also aid in establishing a transparent and accountable system of governance.
Send 'Hi' to avail the benefits of 'MyBMC Assist'!
Mumbaikars can avail the services by messaging 'Hi' on 8999228999. The bot is free to use and will be available in 2 languages, Marathi and English 24/7. The chatbox is a testament to the effective and scalable, transformational power of technology. Describing the event as revolutionary, Maharastra's CM praising the BMC said "The successful launch of this initiative is credited to all who have worked in synergy towards making their vision a reality, with the best interest of the citizens at the heart."
Weekend Curfew; Clubs, restaurants and cinemas to operate at 50% capacity!
The guidelines issued for educational institutions are to be implemented with immediate effect, with the weekend curfew to be in place till Monday, January 17th. Along with this, the night curfew will also continue from 11 PM to 5 AM, everyday.
Religious places will be open from 5 AM to 8 PM, and the cap on funerals is put to 20 people. Other restrictions include restaurants and clubs to only be operational till 10 PM, and with 50% capacity, ISO Cinema halls are also to be operated with 50% capacity but only till 8 PM.
Unprecedented surge of Covid-19 cases across Rajasthan!
Meanwhile, all eligible people have been directed to be vaccinated against Covid-19, by Janauary 31st and those who are still unvaccinated by the mandated deadline, will not be allowed in offices.
The directives have come in response to the unprecedented hike in Covid-19 cases across the State. On January 9th, Rajasthan reported a daily covid count of 5660 cases, which is a massive surge from January 2nd, when the day-to-day covid tally was at 355 cases daily.
One-stop shopping destination
Why take up the tedious task of shopping from multiple stores when Bindals offers clothing options for men, women and kids under the same roof? Offering something for all, this premium family dressing destination is a one-stop garment mall for all things fashion. Right from casuals to formals and even ethnic, Bindals is a haven of swanky apparel for people of every age group.
Apart from offering clothes for all, this hub of fashion offers a plethora of outstanding options to choose from as well. With the latest festive collection, Bindals is here to ensure you look your best as you dress the best in the upcoming wedding season. Synonymous with premium vogue, this outlet has an entire section dedicated to the new winter arrivals as well! With the latest designs put up on display, get ready to bid goodbye to the winter chills with the warm and cosy collection at Bindals.
Up to 50% off on ALL brands!
By presenting world-renowned brands including Madame, Levi's, Puma, Mufti, Celio, US Polo, Arrow, LP, Pepe Jeans, W, Aurelia and Bonsoir, among others all under the same roof, Bindals has created a niche for itself in Lucknow. City's go-to brand for all things fashion, Bindals has stood the test of time and how. With the ongoing sale applicable to these reputed labels, this mall-like outlet is all set to become your favourite shopping destination as well!
Knock Knock
Catering to the varied needs of Lucknow's picky public since time immemorial, the ongoing sale at Bindals is all set to turn your shopping experience even more rewarding, this time around! So, what are you waiting for? Simply put on your mask and go grab the best of fashion at unbelievable prices at one of Lucknow's most premium and trusted shopping stores.
Location: 7, 9, Shahnajaf Rd, opposite Saharaganj Mall, Hazratganj, Lucknow.
Contact: 0522 4074447
Dedicated budget for restoration of inner walls & balcony
Towering magnificently to the west of the Bara Imambara, Asafi Masjid is perched as the tomb to Asaf-ud-Daula, the King of this region in 1784. The building is said to be the epitome of the Mughal school of design and architecture, for it has no western influences in its construct. The mosque is an integral part of Lucknow's Bara Imamabara, which pulls in a huge number of tourists to its shrine every day.
Given its long-standing existence and heritage, the mosque is in dire need of a facelift and the ASI has taken up the duty, foremost. As per reports, a sum of ₹75 lakh has been dedicated for the repair and maintenance work of the site, of which around ₹50 lakh have been allocated to fix the inner walls of the building. The remaining ₹25 lakh will be used to restore the balcony of the Persian Hall, a letter of the ASI Director General V Vidynath said.
The need for maintenance at this site was brought to ASI's notice by S Mohammed Haider, who is lawyer and a heritage activist by progression. He highlighted how the restoration work of one of the oldest mosques in Lucknow was pending and urged for the due response. Haider has shown gratitude for the ASI for the allocation of funds now.
Once the restoration work is completed, Asafi Mosque is expected to shine in its erstwhile glory, attracting tourists by double-folds. With this, tourists will soon be allowed to visit the balcony, which was earlier shut down in 2019, given its rundown condition. In all, the facelift will enhance visitors experience at the monument.
- With inputs from Hindustan Times
OSD to carry heavyweight while causing minimum disturbances in water
Notably, this package was delivered by the consortium of Larsen & Turbo and Japan's IHI Infrastructure Systems, who have bagged the tender for the civil work of package 1. As per reports, ensuring the construction of a longer spans bridge, this equipment is around 6-times longer than the deck that are generally used for supporting bridges.
Highly popular in Europe as well as Asia, South America and the United States, these decks are curated specially to carry heavy loads and cause minimum disturbance to navigation channels in water.
The magnum opus Sewri-Nhava Sheva trans-harbour link project
Executed under the Engineering Procurement and Construction model, this 22-kilometre long overbridge is currently under construction. Around 16.5 kilometre stretch of this 6-lane freeway grade road bridge is supposed to be constructed over the sea. This MTHL project is also commonly known as the Mumbai Sewri-Nhava Sheva trans-harbour link project.
Estimated to be built at the cost of around ₹17,843 crores, the entire MTHL project has been funded by Japan Internation Cooperation Agency, suggest reports. Upon completion, the Sewri-Nhava Sheva trans-harbour link project will bolster Mumbai's connectivity to the rest of Maharashtra.