Deaths on Mumbai’s railway tracks
A total of 2950 people died on the suburban railway tracks in Mumbai in 2023, says the latest data. Crossing the railway tracks and falling off a crowded train were the major reasons, apart from natural causes and suicides. The number is marginally more than last year when 2507 succumbed on the tracks.
The data compiled by the Government Railway Police showed that 1277 people were killed while crossing the tracks and 590 people died due to falling off the train.
“One suburban train has 12 coaches with a capacity of around 1,200 passengers, which carries around 5,500 passengers during peak hours. Thus, during rush hour, each coach is crowded with around 450 passengers, against the official capacity of 100. This overcrowding results in passengers falling off running trains,” Hindustan Times quoted railway activist Sameer Zaveri as saying.
Source: Hindustan Times
Crowds throng for Mumbai Air Show 2024
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has got Mumbai residents to gather at Marine Drive for three days from January 12th to 14th for its spectacular display of aircrafts at the Mumbai Air Show- 2024. Social media was full of videos and pictures from the air show rehearsal on Friday.
Through an outreach exercise, the IAF shows its capabilities and might through the display of aircrafts performing mesmerising stunts in the skies for an hour.
“Aircrafts of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during rehearsal for the Mumbai Air Show 2024, in Mumbai. The Indian Air Force is organising the aerial display from January 12 to 14 as part of an outreach programme aimed at creating awareness and fostering a deeper connection between the IAF and the local community,” reported Outlookindia.
Source: Outlookindia, CNBC TV 18
JN.1 variant reaches the city
Even as Mumbai recorded its first cases of the JN.1 sub variant of Covid-19, officials confirmed that all the patients had a mild infection.
The state government constituted a Covid Task Force on January 5th and Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar is the chief. “Dr Gangakhedkar emphasised the need for individuals with comorbidities and senior citizens to exercise caution and follow Covid-19 protocols. He urged their family to be vigilant to prevent bringing the infection home to vulnerable populations.
Additionally, Dr Gangakhedkar has advised that anyone experiencing fever, cold, or cough should isolate themselves and undergo Covid-19 testing to curb spread of the infection. He emphasised the critical nature of the next 15 days, anticipating a rise in cases during this period,” The Indian Express reported.
Source: Mid-day, The Indian Express
Read more: COVID-19 variant: No mask mandate, BMC emphasises individual precautions in Mumbai
MTHL open for traffic
The much awaited Mumbai Trans Harbour Link is now open. Inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi, the longest sea bridge in India, called the Atal Setu, attracted much attention on January 12th, the first day of opening.
There was also considerable discussion about the toll to use the bridge. Commuters said it was too expensive, especially if they wanted to use it daily. Commuters also enquired if a bus service would start on the route. However, no decision has been taken to that effect so far.
Source: NDTV
New footpaths on GMLR
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced that it will be building as many as 22 footpaths on the Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road as part of the Pedestrian First Policy.
“GMLR is being made encroachment free. The footpaths are being created and made walkable, and we are removing all obstacles as per the Pedestrian First policy. There are approximately 140 footpaths in M east ward, but 22 roads will be taken up around GMLR to create new footpaths,” Hindustan Times quoted Alka Sahane, assistant municipal commissioner of M east ward as saying.
BMC commissioner and administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal has also directed to remove the encroachments.
Source: Hindustan Times
Unseasonal rains, temperature fluctuations
The city experienced a pleasant surprise of unseasonal showers on Tuesday, which not only brought down the heat but also pollution. However, the temperatures rose to 33 degrees in the following two days. The weather bureau has predicted it to dip again but the fluctuations are causing the citizens to sweat and even fall sick. Last week, the city recorded its lowest temperature at 17.6 degrees.
Unseasonal rains and following increase in the temperature often leads to increase in illnesses and infections. Given increase in cases of Covid and other viral infections, it is advisable for people to take precautions.
Source: The Times of India