Himalayan Express

Author: Himalayan Express

  • Govt plans 44 airports for Hub and Spoke flights to boost global connectivity

    Govt plans 44 airports for Hub and Spoke flights to boost global connectivity

    The government aims to have a total of 44 airports, including 4 hub airports, to provide seamless international air connectivity, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

    Air India on Tuesday launched flights under the Hub and Spoke model from Amritsar, the second airport after Varanasi from where such fights have been started.

    Presently, there is one hub airport Delhi and two spoke airports Varanasi and Amritsar. The next spoke airport will be Ahmedabad.

    The model, that seeks to make India a global aviation hub, will enable seamless connectivity between Tier-II and Tier-III airports with international destinations through hub airports.

    Passengers arriving from smaller cities will be routed through major hub airports such as Delhi for onward international connections.

    At a function at the Amritsar airport to mark the launch of Hub and Spoke model flights, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said 4 hubs and 40 airports would be developed.

    From Amritsar, Air India will connect to 27 international destinations through Delhi under the model.

    In a video message, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said Hub and Spoke is an “aviation sovereignty” and an “opportunity” model for India.

    The government aims to develop 100 airports and 200 heliports in 10 years, the minister said.

    Under the model, Air India has introduced ‘Easy Connect’ flights that will enable travellers from cities beyond major hubs to drop baggage and complete immigration at the origin airport and travel seamlessly to overseas destinations.

    From Amritsar, Air India will have ‘Easy Connect’ flights to 27 overseas destinations within four hours of arrival in Delhi, including to cities in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia, the airline said.

    Air India will have two daily ‘Easy Connect’ flights from Amritsar starting on Tuesday.

    “As part of the ‘Easy Connect’ programme, international travellers from Amritsar can complete through check-in to their final destinations, clear immigration formalities at Amritsar airport, and enjoy seamless transfers through Delhi without having to re-check baggage or change terminals,” the airline said in a release.

    In the coming weeks, Air India will start such flights from Ahmedabad, Goa, Kochi, and other Indian cities.

    The first ‘Easy Connect’ service was launched from Varanasi on June 25.

  • Meta claims PM post removed from Facebook due to Tech Glitch

    Meta claims PM post removed from Facebook due to Tech Glitch

    Meta on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook video on action against examination paper leaks was removed due to a technical error and has since been restored, after the post was briefly unavailable on the platform.

    “The content was removed in error and has since been restored,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

    The Meta-owned social media platform had briefly restricted access to the video in the early hours of July 28 before restoring it.

    The video, originally released on July 23, marked Prime Minister Modi’s first direct address to Gen Z during the 36-day-long Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student agitation over the NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities.

    In the video, the Prime Minister assured students that the government would take stronger action against examination paper leaks, saying stricter legal provisions would be brought before the Union Cabinet.

    “I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts,” Modi had said, adding that a draft legislation providing for stringent punishment and special courts to deal with paper leak cases would be discussed by the Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament.

    He also said the government had ensured that the academic year of nearly 22 lakh students was not disrupted and vowed that “nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth.”

  • Over 3,000 Amarnath Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Baltal Under Tight Security

    Over 3,000 Amarnath Pilgrims Leave Jammu for Baltal Under Tight Security

    A fresh batch of 3,029 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Tuesday for the Baltal base camp in Kashmir under multi-layer security arrangements, officials said.

    According to the Joint Police Control Room, the 21st batch left at 2:45 a.m. in a convoy of 151 vehicles, comprising 57 buses, 30 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 58 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and six two-wheelers.

    The batch includes 2,310 male pilgrims, 590 women, 14 children, 45 sadhus, 40 sadhvis and 30 foreign male pilgrims. Officials said no convoy was scheduled for the Pahalgam route on Tuesday.

    The convoy is proceeding towards the Baltal base camp under tight security and is expected to cross the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, subject to traffic movement and weather conditions.

    With the departure of the latest batch, the total number of pilgrims who have left the Jammu base camp for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra this year has reached 1,30,355, officials said.

  • DM Bandipora chairs District-Level NCORD Meeting, reviews NDPS cases and Anti-Drug Measures

    DM Bandipora chairs District-Level NCORD Meeting, reviews NDPS cases and Anti-Drug Measures

    BANDIPORA, JULY 27: District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, on Monday chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee at the VC Room, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora, to review NDPS/PIT NDPS cases and the implementation of anti-drug measures across the district.

    During the meeting, the SSP Bandipora presented a police station-wise status of FIRs registered under the NDPS and PIT NDPS Acts, highlighting the action taken against drug peddlers, recoveries of narcotic substances, attachment of properties and other enforcement measures undertaken. The meeting also reviewed the action taken against drug traffickers and implementation of related enforcement measures.

    Reviewing enforcement measures, the DM directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to ensure that vehicles whose Registration Certificates (RCs) are cancelled do not ply on roads and that all such cases are processed strictly in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

    Deputy Director Prosecution apprised the meeting about the status of acquittals, bail cases and ongoing cases. The DM directed that officers from the Prosecution Department and Police be included in the forthcoming weekly Nun Chai Talks programmes to educate youth about the legal consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.

    The Assistant Drug Controller briefed the meeting on inspections carried out by the department and enforcement measures taken against violations. The DM directed the department to further intensify inspections of courier service providers to prevent their misuse for transportation of narcotic substances.

    Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl presented the progress achieved under the 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan including awareness and outreach activities conducted across the district. Major initiatives included Maa Se Guft-a-Gu, Dosti Discussions, Nun Chai Talks, religious outreach programmes and NMBA wall paintings in schools and colleges.

    Reviewing the awareness initiatives, the DM directed all schools to submit certificates confirming the completion of NMBA wall paintings in their institutions. She further directed that Dosti Discussion, Maa Se Guft-a-Gu and IEC campaigns should continue across educational institutions, Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies to sustain public awareness against drug abuse.

    The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 and the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), 2015. The DM directed all concerned departments, particularly the Child Welfare Committee, to submit impact assessment reports on the implementation of COTPA and ensure strict enforcement of the Act.

    Reviewing the Rehbar initiative, the DM directed the concerned district officers to actively mentor the recovered youth assigned to them and facilitate their rehabilitation through continuous guidance and institutional support.

    The Chief Medical Officer and Medical Officer, Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), apprised the meeting about the functioning of the ATF and the progress of rehabilitation services. The DM directed the Health Department to ensure that In-Patient Department (IPD) services at the ATF remain fully functional to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse patients.

    Emphasising the importance of sustained and coordinated action, the DM called for continuous monitoring, effective inter-departmental coordination and sustained awareness and rehabilitation efforts to effectively curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.

    It was informed that key systemic initiatives launched under the 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan in Bandipora district would continue beyond the campaign period to sustain anti-drug awareness, prevention and rehabilitation efforts across the district.

    The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; Superintending Engineer R&B Circle Bandipora; Dy DEO Bandipora; Deputy Director Prosecution; Chief Medical Officer; Chief Education Officer; Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Bandipora; Deputy Superintendent of Police (DAR); Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee; District Information Officer; District Youth Services and Sports Officer; Assistant Controller Drugs; besides other concerned officers.

  • Chief Secy inaugurates ‘CSC Digital Excellence Centres’ across districts

    Chief Secy inaugurates ‘CSC Digital Excellence Centres’ across districts

    Calls for leveraging CSC network to deepen citizen-centric governance in J&K

    SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today in a review meeting assessed the performance of Common Services Centres (CSCs) across Jammu and Kashmir and discussed measures for leveraging the extensive CSC network to strengthen citizen-centric governance by taking public services to the doorsteps of the people.

    Besides the ACS Finance and Commissioner Secretary, IT the meeting was also attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries; CEO, JaKeGA and many senior officers of the IT Department.Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.

    At the outset, the Chief Secretary e-inaugurated 12 CSC Digital Excellence Centres for e-Governance established in Anantnag, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Kathua, Jammu, Reasi, Kulgam, Ramban and Samba districts.

    These centres have been conceived as dedicated hubs for promoting digital governance, enhancing the capacity of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), improving digital literacy and facilitating seamless delivery of Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services.

    The centres are expected to serve as focal points for awareness generation, adoption of emerging digital platforms and effective implementation of flagship Government programmes, thereby strengthening last-mile governance across the UT.

    Emphasising the transformative role of CSCs in public service delivery, the Chief Secretary observed that the vast network of over 15,500 active CSCs has the potential to become the backbone of grassroots digital governance in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that this network should be optimally leveraged to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of geographical location, has timely access to Government services at or near their doorstep.

    The Chief Secretary took this occasion to direct the Revenue Department, Deputy Commissioners and the CSC SPV to jointly work out an acceptable operational framework for undertaking the digital crop survey through CSCs. He observed that the extensive CSC network could ensure completion of the exercise in a time-bound manner and advised them to keep September deadline in focus for achieving this milestone.

    He maintained that timely completion of the exercise would be a major step towards making Jammu and Kashmir eligible for the incentives under the AgriStack programme.

    The Chief Secretary further instructed the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Revenue Department to prepare a detailed roadmap for completion of the creation of Farmer IDs under AgriStack by 15 August, asking the district administrations to accord the highest priority to these initiatives.

    He also directed that CSCs should assume the responsibility of BharatNet Udyamis at the Panchayat level under the amended BharatNet Programme to further strengthen digital connectivity and service delivery in rural areas.

    Calling for expansion of services being delivered through CSCs, the Chief Secretary instructed the Information Technology Department and CSC SPV to integrate additional Government services over and above the existing 350 services already available on the platform.

    He laid particular emphasis on expediting integration of the Labour Department services, Single Window System, YUVA initiative, JKCIP, SEHAT, besides ensuring seamless onboarding of all pending citizen-centric services.

    The Chief Secretary also directed the concerned departments to integrate key digital platforms and initiatives including Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), SEHAT, Unified Lending Interface (ULI), DigiLocker, and GST Return Filing with the CSC ecosystem so that citizens can access a comprehensive bouquet of public services from a single digital interface.

    Highlighting the potential of CSCs in strengthening financial inclusion, the Chief Secretary asked the stakeholders to explore their engagement as Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) for J&K Bank and utilise the network for expanding services under the Unified Lending Interface (ULI).

    Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department, Saurabh Bhagat, presented an overview of the objectives, functioning and achievements of CSCs across the Union Territory. He informed the meeting that CSCs have significantly strengthened the digital service delivery ecosystem through a network of more than 15,500 active centres, facilitating lakhs of citizen-centric transactions during FY 2025-26 under Aadhaar services, AEPS, G2C and B2C services, banking, insurance, education, tele-law, doorstep delivery and digital payment services, thereby ensuring last-mile access to Government services even in remote areas.

    He further informed that CSCs have played a pivotal role in implementing flagship welfare schemes by facilitating enrolments under Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar, e-Shram, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and several other Central Government initiatives, enabling timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries across the Union Territory.

    The J&K Head, CSC SPV, Faizan Manzoor presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the decisions taken during the previous review meeting. He informed that several action points had been successfully implemented, including capacity building programmes for Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), promotion of DigiLocker, operationalisation of the CSC grievance redressal mechanism, integration of Jansugam services and streamlining of Ayushman Bharat registrations.

    About the status of remaining Digital Excellence Centres, it was assured that strict timelines had been fixed for making the centres fully operational. It was revealed that the centres at Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipora, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Poonch are going to be made functional within the next month.

    The meeting was further informed that work is underway for integration of additional Government services with the CSC platform, onboarding of electricity bill payment services, expansion of CSC touch points, integration of JKBOCW services, implementation of the Single Window System, farmer registration and several other citizen-centric initiatives.

  • DC Kathua reviews implementation of JKCIP in district

    DC Kathua reviews implementation of JKCIP in district

    KATHUA, JULY 27: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of officers from various line departments to review the implementation and progress of the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) in the district.

    Chief Agriculture Officer Jatinder Khajuria presented a detailed overview of the status of JKCIP applications, highlighting the department-wise coverage, approvals, targets and achievements under the scheme.

    The Sheep Husbandry Department informed that against a target of 16 cases, 10 have been approved. The Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Fisheries Departments also apprised the meeting of their respective targets, achievements and progress under JKCIP.

    The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments concerned to expedite the processing and approval of pending JKCIP applications to ensure timely implementation of the scheme.

    The DC emphasised that seamless implementation and coordinated efforts among departments are vital for achieving the objectives of the project and ensuring sustainable outcomes and instructed the departments to accelerate the disposal and sanctioning of pending cases.

    Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur, Chief Sheep Husbandry Officer Romesh Kumar Manhas, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Yugal Kishore, Assistant Director Fisheries Pawan Kumar and District Horticulture Officer Ashwani Sharma, besides other officers concerned.

  • CM Omar Abdullah says Mehbooba’s remarks on violence against Kashmiris ‘irresponsible’, demands apology

    CM Omar Abdullah says Mehbooba’s remarks on violence against Kashmiris ‘irresponsible’, demands apology

    Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said PDP president Mehbooba Mufti should have stayed home instead of going to Jantar Mantar and justifying the use of force against Kashmiris, and that she should apologise for her remarks.

    “Irresponsible” statements made by people who have been in a position of power can act as a deterrent for ordinary people to fight for their rights, Abdullah told reporters outside his private office.

    Mehbooba visited Jantar Mantar on July 23 to extend support to the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest against alleged examination irregularities. While opposing police action against student protesters in Delhi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief appeared to defend the use of pellet guns in the valley in the past, saying that it was different in Kashmir as the security forces were fighting militancy.

    The comments drew backlash from rival political parties, including Abdullah’s National Conference (NC). The PDP, however, accused the ruling NC of using artificial intelligence to twist Mehbooba’s statement at Jantar Mantar.

    Abdullah said, “When a former chief minister says use of force is justified in Kashmir for fighting militancy, who will come out to fight for their rights? It would have been better if she had not gone to Jantar Mantar.”

    “When we (politicians) support oppression and use of force by the Centre, who will support us if people want to protest for the restoration of statehood? They will not come out because Mehbooba ji has said ‘yeh to banta hai (this is acceptable)’,” he added.

    The CM said Mehbooba did not visit Jantar Mantar for the NC’s protest to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, but went there for the students’ protest.

    “She did not go to Jantar Mantar for Jammu and Kashmir. But she went there and justified the misuse of power and force on the pretext of fighting militancy.

    “How does she justify it? Should the children not get justice because there is militancy? Should passports be stopped because there is militancy? Should laws not be implemented because there is militancy? I could not understand how it is justified,” Abdullah said.

    He said the PDP leader has an old habit of singing different tunes in Delhi and back home.

    “For a second, let us say that she was trying to please some people there. She has not forgotten the old habit of speaking different languages at different places,” he added.

    Abdullah said Mehbooba should apologise for her statement.

    “She would not lose stature if she had called you (media) to her office and said she was carried away by emotions and she is sorry for it. Instead of apologising, they are rubbing salt on wounds. One of their MLAs is saying that it is AI. Are we fools?” he asked.

    “Now you are challenging the wisdom of the people by saying that it is AI generated. What you said was unfortunate. At least accept it. You have not apologised for the 2015 accord with the BJP and you have not regretted the 2016 situation. Now you are saying it is par for the course,” he said.

    On mass detentions following the killing of a policeman in Anantnag last week, Abdullah said the travesty is Mehbooba justifying the use of harassment as a tool for fighting militancy.

    “Our problem is that this is what Mehbooba Mufti is justifying. When responsible people ignore ground realities, such things happen. On one hand, we raise (our) voice against these detentions and on the other she goes to the centre of the country and justifies it,” the CM said.

    Abdullah said there is no point in her talking against the arrests after she returned to Kashmir.

    “She should have spoken about it in Delhi as there was media from all over the country and all eyes were on Jantar Mantar. There she justified it,” he said.

    The chief minister said he is against detentions as militancy cannot be ended without the support of the people.

    “We might be able to control it to some extent, but we will need the support of people for covering that last mile. If we continue to bulldoze houses, arrest people and oppress people, they will not support us,” he said.

    “Imagine how many people are connected with these 2,500 detained people. We have alienated 15,000 people. How will we succeed in the fight against militancy?” he asked.

    On the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister, Abdullah said students deserve credit for it as they stood firm for their cause.

    “Better late than never. If he had to resign, he should have resigned early. Why wait for so long? This was no one’s victory. Success has many fathers while failure is an orphan. There will be many seeking credit for this, but it is only the students who deserve credit,” he said.

  • Kiren Rijiju says govt will pass Public Examinations Bill without discussion if Opposition refuses to participate

    Kiren Rijiju says govt will pass Public Examinations Bill without discussion if Opposition refuses to participate

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the government would move ahead with the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, even without a discussion if the Opposition refuses to participate, as the government prepares for an eight-hour debate on the legislation in the Lok Sabha.

    “If the Opposition parties do not want to discuss the Examination Reforms Bill, the government will get the Bill passed without discussion,” Rijiju said in Lok Sabha.

    After Rijiju’s remarks, the Speaker said that all parties should hold consultations so that discussion is taken up at 5 pm.

    The BJP and NDA have submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla a list of leaders who will participate in the discussion on the Bill. The government is likely to propose an eight-hour discussion on the legislation.

    The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. Around 12 NDA leaders have been finalised to speak on the legislation, including Bansuri Swaraj, Tejasvi Surya, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Anurag Thakur, Shrikant Shinde, Arun Bharti, Alok Suman, Anupriya Patel and Sayali Ghosh.

  • Lok Sabha adjourned till 5 pm, Speaker Om Birla calls for consensus on anti-paper leak Bill, offers 6-hour debate; Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 pm

    Lok Sabha adjourned till 5 pm, Speaker Om Birla calls for consensus on anti-paper leak Bill, offers 6-hour debate; Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 pm

    Both Houses of Parliament on Monday faced a series of adjournments, amid a push for new legislative amendments aimed at curbing exam malpractices.

    Lok Sabha adjourned till 5 pm with Speaker Om Birla announcing that a discussion on the anti-paper leak Bill will begin from 5 pm in the lower house of Parliament.

    The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned until 3:00 PM following brief proceedings.

    Lok Sabha Speaker said the government and Opposition should come to an agreement till 5 pm and the discussion can be taken up then. He added 91 amendments have been moved to the Bill.

    Birla has offered a dedicated six-hour window for a comprehensive discussion on the Public Examinations Bill, stressing that a unified approach is essential to reform the country’s competitive examination system. He also urged members to stop sloganeering.

    Addressing the Lower House, Speaker Om Birla emphasised the significance of ‘The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026,’ stating that the legislation is crucial for the country’s youth and is specifically designed to curb the menace of paper leaks.

    “The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, is important for the youth and is meant to curb paper leaks,” the Speaker said.

    Requesting the Opposition and the Treasury benches to facilitate a smooth debate, Speaker Birla stated that he is prepared to allot six hours or more for a detailed discussion, depending on the “sense of the House.”

    The proposed amendments seek to strengthen the existing legal framework to prevent malpractices in public competitive examinations, which have recently seen widespread protests and concerns over leaks and irregularities.

    The Upper House of Parliament was adjourned till 3 pm.

    The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill, 2026 is listed for consideration and passage in Rajya Sabha. Union Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai placed the Bill for consideration before Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the House till 3 p.m.

  • Fresh landslide blocks Jammu-Srinagar National Highway; Doda bridge closed for safety inspection

    Fresh landslide blocks Jammu-Srinagar National Highway; Doda bridge closed for safety inspection

    A fresh landslide on Monday blocked the 250-km Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in the Udhampur district, while the main bridge in the Doda district was temporarily closed to vehicular movement after suspected cracks triggered a safety inspection, officials said.

    A massive landslide struck the strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway at Dewal in the Udhampur district early Monday, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular traffic from both directions, a traffic department official said.

    He said the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic at the earliest.

    “Commuters are advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe and reopened for traffic, as there is a risk of further landslides and shooting stones. People are also urged not to pay heed to rumours and to rely only on updates issued through the Traffic Police’s official social media handles for the latest road status,” the spokesman said.

    However, officials said a fresh batch of 3,823 Amarnath pilgrims, travelling in a 140-vehicle convoy to the Baltal base camp under tight security, was allowed to cross the affected stretch after authorities restored one-way traffic on the highway.

    Officials said normal traffic would resume once the second tube becomes operational within the next few hours. They said the temporary suspension of vehicular traffic was intended to enable the restoration agency to carry out the work swiftly and without any disruption.

    Traffic on the highway had resumed on Sunday after remaining suspended for three days due to multiple landslides and shooting stones triggered by heavy rainfall. However, following the passage of the Amarnath Yatra convoy, vehicular movement was once again suspended for almost the entire day to facilitate landslide clearance operations in the Gangroo area along the Ramban–Banihal stretch.

    Authorities closed the Pul Doda bridge late Sunday night after reports of visible cracks raised safety concerns.

    Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Anil Mehra said an inspection by engineers found that the markings were not structural cracks but were likely caused by concrete overlap at shuttering joints during construction.

    “There were speculations that cracks had developed on the bridge (following recent heavy rainfall). As a precautionary measure and from a safety point of view, we closed it to vehicular traffic during the night. After a detailed inspection this (Monday) morning, our initial assessment indicates that these are not structural cracks,” he said.

    He said an expert team from Design Inspection and Quality Control had also been called in to independently assess the bridge and conduct quality checks to ensure there were no structural defects.

    “Once the bridge is certified as safe, it will be reopened for vehicular traffic. At present, traffic has been diverted through the alternate Ganpat bridge. If the expert team identifies any defect, it will be rectified immediately before the bridge is reopened,” he said.