July 31, 2026

A Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Spain has deployed its armed forces to Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed into the North African enclave from Morocco in 24 hours, triggering one of the biggest border breaches in recent years.The Opposition on Friday staged a satirical protest in the Parliament complex over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, with Independent MP Pappu Yadav dressed as a priest in a mock street play. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Centre of targeting students despite assuring them that no action would follow the withdrawal of their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.Astra Microwave has secured a Rs 2,205-crore order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply key components for the indigenous Uttam AESA radar. The radar will be fitted on the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air ForceHere are top 5 stories of the day:Delhi riots: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, 4 others gets life term for IB officer Ankit Sharma’s murderA Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The Karkardooma court had convicted the five earlier this month, while the Delhi Police had sought the death penalty, terming the case “rarest of rare”.The prosecution alleged that Sharma suffered 51 injuries, seven of them fatal, and was dragged with a cloth tied around his neck before his body was dumped in a drain. Hussain’s counsel opposed the death penalty, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his specific role in the killing or any criminal conspiracy. Read full storyFootage shows chaos at Spain-Morocco border as thousands try to swim across; 34 deadSpain has deployed troops to the North African enclave of Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed from neighbouring Morocco within 24 hours, overwhelming local authorities and reception centres. At least 34 people have died, most by drowning while attempting to swim around border barriers, prompting the European Union to offer support in restoring order.Ceuta, along with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa and has long been a major migration route for people seeking entry into Europe. Read full storyWatch: Saffron-clad Pappu Yadav, opposition stage Ram Temple donation theft skit in ParliamentThe Parliament complex witnessed high political drama on Friday as the INDIA bloc staged a symbolic street play over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations. Independent MP Pappu Yadav, dressed as a Hindu priest, enacted a skit in which Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs placed money into a donation box before the “priest” pocketed the cash, symbolising the Opposition’s allegation of donation theft. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party leaders and other MPs joined the protest. Read full story’Vendetta by filing FIRs against students’: Kharge demands Amit Shah’s resignation over police actionCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday escalated the Opposition’s attack on the Centre, alleging that the government had reneged on its assurance not to act against students after they withdrew their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. In a post on X, Kharge accused the government of filing FIRs, detaining students and acting out of “vendetta”, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed the criticism, alleging that the Centre was attempting to intimidate Gen Z protesters through police action and online account takedowns. Read full story’Make in India’ radar programme to help Tejas track targets gets Rs 2,205 crore boostIn a major boost to India’s indigenous defence programme, Astra Microwave has received a Rs 2,205-crore order from HAL to supply 122 Active Antenna Array Units (AAAUs) and 121 Interface Frames for the DRDO-developed Uttam AESA radar. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe radar is slated to equip the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.The Uttam radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is a Gallium Arsenide-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground and maritime operations. Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue Identity123PhotostoriesFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will rememberWhat Lord Shiva teaches you based on your birth dateBefore you throw out old glass jars, try these 7 DIY ideas for your kitchen, garden, and homeChef reveals the healthy salad recipe that President Droupadi Murmu asked her team to master10 tiny texting habits that quietly push people away without you realizing it123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins
A Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Spain has deployed its armed forces to Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed into the North African enclave from Morocco in 24 hours, triggering one of the biggest border breaches in recent years.The Opposition on Friday staged a satirical protest in the Parliament complex over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, with Independent MP Pappu Yadav dressed as a priest in a mock street play. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Centre of targeting students despite assuring them that no action would follow the withdrawal of their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.Astra Microwave has secured a Rs 2,205-crore order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply key components for the indigenous Uttam AESA radar. The radar will be fitted on the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air ForceHere are top 5 stories of the day:Delhi riots: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, 4 others gets life term for IB officer Ankit Sharma’s murderA Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The Karkardooma court had convicted the five earlier this month, while the Delhi Police had sought the death penalty, terming the case “rarest of rare”.The prosecution alleged that Sharma suffered 51 injuries, seven of them fatal, and was dragged with a cloth tied around his neck before his body was dumped in a drain. Hussain’s counsel opposed the death penalty, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his specific role in the killing or any criminal conspiracy. Read full storyFootage shows chaos at Spain-Morocco border as thousands try to swim across; 34 deadSpain has deployed troops to the North African enclave of Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed from neighbouring Morocco within 24 hours, overwhelming local authorities and reception centres. At least 34 people have died, most by drowning while attempting to swim around border barriers, prompting the European Union to offer support in restoring order.Ceuta, along with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa and has long been a major migration route for people seeking entry into Europe. Read full storyWatch: Saffron-clad Pappu Yadav, opposition stage Ram Temple donation theft skit in ParliamentThe Parliament complex witnessed high political drama on Friday as the INDIA bloc staged a symbolic street play over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations. Independent MP Pappu Yadav, dressed as a Hindu priest, enacted a skit in which Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs placed money into a donation box before the “priest” pocketed the cash, symbolising the Opposition’s allegation of donation theft. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party leaders and other MPs joined the protest. Read full story’Vendetta by filing FIRs against students’: Kharge demands Amit Shah’s resignation over police actionCongress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday escalated the Opposition’s attack on the Centre, alleging that the government had reneged on its assurance not to act against students after they withdrew their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. In a post on X, Kharge accused the government of filing FIRs, detaining students and acting out of “vendetta”, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed the criticism, alleging that the Centre was attempting to intimidate Gen Z protesters through police action and online account takedowns. Read full story’Make in India’ radar programme to help Tejas track targets gets Rs 2,205 crore boostIn a major boost to India’s indigenous defence programme, Astra Microwave has received a Rs 2,205-crore order from HAL to supply 122 Active Antenna Array Units (AAAUs) and 121 Interface Frames for the DRDO-developed Uttam AESA radar. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe radar is slated to equip the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.The Uttam radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is a Gallium Arsenide-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground and maritime operations. Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue Identity123PhotostoriesFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will rememberWhat Lord Shiva teaches you based on your birth dateBefore you throw out old glass jars, try these 7 DIY ideas for your kitchen, garden, and homeChef reveals the healthy salad recipe that President Droupadi Murmu asked her team to master10 tiny texting habits that quietly push people away without you realizing it123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up


Evening newswrap: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain gets life imprisonment; 18 killed trying to breach Morocco border, army sent to Ceuta & more
  • A Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.
  • Spain has deployed its armed forces to Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed into the North African enclave from Morocco in 24 hours, triggering one of the biggest border breaches in recent years.
  • The Opposition on Friday staged a satirical protest in the Parliament complex over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, with Independent MP Pappu Yadav dressed as a priest in a mock street play.
  • Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Centre of targeting students despite assuring them that no action would follow the withdrawal of their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. He demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.
  • Astra Microwave has secured a Rs 2,205-crore order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply key components for the indigenous Uttam AESA radar. The radar will be fitted on the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air Force

    Here are top 5 stories of the day:

Delhi riots: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, 4 others gets life term for IB officer Ankit Sharma’s murder

A Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The Karkardooma court had convicted the five earlier this month, while the Delhi Police had sought the death penalty, terming the case “rarest of rare”.The prosecution alleged that Sharma suffered 51 injuries, seven of them fatal, and was dragged with a cloth tied around his neck before his body was dumped in a drain. Hussain’s counsel opposed the death penalty, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove his specific role in the killing or any criminal conspiracy. Read full story

Footage shows chaos at Spain-Morocco border as thousands try to swim across; 34 dead

Spain has deployed troops to the North African enclave of Ceuta after more than 49,000 migrants crossed from neighbouring Morocco within 24 hours, overwhelming local authorities and reception centres. At least 34 people have died, most by drowning while attempting to swim around border barriers, prompting the European Union to offer support in restoring order.Ceuta, along with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa and has long been a major migration route for people seeking entry into Europe. Read full story

Watch: Saffron-clad Pappu Yadav, opposition stage Ram Temple donation theft skit in Parliament

The Parliament complex witnessed high political drama on Friday as the INDIA bloc staged a symbolic street play over the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations. Independent MP Pappu Yadav, dressed as a Hindu priest, enacted a skit in which Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs placed money into a donation box before the “priest” pocketed the cash, symbolising the Opposition’s allegation of donation theft. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party leaders and other MPs joined the protest. Read full story

‘Vendetta by filing FIRs against students’: Kharge demands Amit Shah’s resignation over police action

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday escalated the Opposition’s attack on the Centre, alleging that the government had reneged on its assurance not to act against students after they withdrew their July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. In a post on X, Kharge accused the government of filing FIRs, detaining students and acting out of “vendetta”, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation.Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed the criticism, alleging that the Centre was attempting to intimidate Gen Z protesters through police action and online account takedowns. Read full story

‘Make in India’ radar programme to help Tejas track targets gets Rs 2,205 crore boost

In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence programme, Astra Microwave has received a Rs 2,205-crore order from HAL to supply 122 Active Antenna Array Units (AAAUs) and 121 Interface Frames for the DRDO-developed Uttam AESA radar.

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Two more deaths in Sivasagar pushed Assam’s flood toll to 80 on Friday, even as more than 2.12 lakh people across eight districts continued to grapple with the deluge.The latest figures mark an improvement from the previous day’s situation, when the flood toll stood at 78, over 3 lakh people across seven districts were affected, and floodwaters had inundated 551 villages and more than 21,500 hectares of crop area.21 revenue circles and 437 villages remain inundated across Golaghat, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Charaideo, Kamrup (Metropolitan), Jorhat, Dhemaji and Nagaon. Charaideo remains the worst-hit district with nearly 80,000 affected people, followed by Sivasagar (71,000) and Jorhat (40,000), PTI cites.Floodwaters have also caused extensive damage to embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.Rescue teams continue relief operationsAccording to the recent data shared by the government, relief operations are continuing across Assam, with 216 relief camps and 1,788 relief distribution centres supporting flood-affected communities. The camps are currently sheltering 71,416 people, while authorities continue to provide food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies. Sarma said rehabilitation efforts remain the government’s top priority as floodwaters recede.The Army, NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, police and civil administration remain engaged in rescue and relief efforts.In an X post, CM Himanta wrote, “Our teams are working 24*7 while we are formulating policies to directly benefit the affected.”With floodwaters receding, Sarma said the administration has expanded relief work to include debris clearance, doorstep healthcare, disposal of animal carcasses, disinfection drives, restoration of electricity and other essential services.Government announces loan relief packageChief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday also announced a six-month moratorium on repayment of loans availed by flood-affected people in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts. The decision was taken at a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), attended by representatives of the RBI, NABARD, SBI and other commercial banks.Banks have also agreed to extend loan tenures by one to seven years, depending on the type of loan, he informed. The Assam government has sought a special relief package from the Centre and urged the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to classify the Upper Assam floods as an “atypical, high-intensity, rapid-onset event” for more flexible relief norms.Meanwhile, Assam ministers flagged off 30 trucks carrying food, clothing and other essential supplies for flood-hit districts.Assam minister Atul Bora, talking to ANI, said the government was continuing relief operations on a war footing and highlighted the Rs 15,000 financial assistance announced for each affected family, in addition to food supplies and other necessities.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCloudburst triggered unprecedented flooding: CMEarlier, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had attributed the devastating floods to an intense cloudburst in the upstream states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.In a post on X on July 22, he said Arunachal Pradesh received 141% above-normal rainfall, while Nagaland recorded 181% above-normal precipitation, resulting in an unprecedented discharge of floodwaters into Assam.Sarma said the sudden surge inundated several districts that had witnessed little or no flooding in recent history.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Two more deaths in Sivasagar pushed Assam’s flood toll to 80 on Friday, even as more than 2.12 lakh people across eight districts continued to grapple with the deluge.The latest figures mark an improvement from the previous day’s situation, when the flood toll stood at 78, over 3 lakh people across seven districts were affected, and floodwaters had inundated 551 villages and more than 21,500 hectares of crop area.21 revenue circles and 437 villages remain inundated across Golaghat, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Charaideo, Kamrup (Metropolitan), Jorhat, Dhemaji and Nagaon. Charaideo remains the worst-hit district with nearly 80,000 affected people, followed by Sivasagar (71,000) and Jorhat (40,000), PTI cites.Floodwaters have also caused extensive damage to embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.Rescue teams continue relief operationsAccording to the recent data shared by the government, relief operations are continuing across Assam, with 216 relief camps and 1,788 relief distribution centres supporting flood-affected communities. The camps are currently sheltering 71,416 people, while authorities continue to provide food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies. Sarma said rehabilitation efforts remain the government’s top priority as floodwaters recede.The Army, NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, police and civil administration remain engaged in rescue and relief efforts.In an X post, CM Himanta wrote, “Our teams are working 24*7 while we are formulating policies to directly benefit the affected.”With floodwaters receding, Sarma said the administration has expanded relief work to include debris clearance, doorstep healthcare, disposal of animal carcasses, disinfection drives, restoration of electricity and other essential services.Government announces loan relief packageChief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday also announced a six-month moratorium on repayment of loans availed by flood-affected people in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat districts. The decision was taken at a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), attended by representatives of the RBI, NABARD, SBI and other commercial banks.Banks have also agreed to extend loan tenures by one to seven years, depending on the type of loan, he informed. The Assam government has sought a special relief package from the Centre and urged the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to classify the Upper Assam floods as an “atypical, high-intensity, rapid-onset event” for more flexible relief norms.Meanwhile, Assam ministers flagged off 30 trucks carrying food, clothing and other essential supplies for flood-hit districts.Assam minister Atul Bora, talking to ANI, said the government was continuing relief operations on a war footing and highlighted the Rs 15,000 financial assistance announced for each affected family, in addition to food supplies and other necessities.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCloudburst triggered unprecedented flooding: CMEarlier, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had attributed the devastating floods to an intense cloudburst in the upstream states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.In a post on X on July 22, he said Arunachal Pradesh received 141% above-normal rainfall, while Nagaland recorded 181% above-normal precipitation, resulting in an unprecedented discharge of floodwaters into Assam.Sarma said the sudden surge inundated several districts that had witnessed little or no flooding in recent history.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? 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Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna 0
Varanasi Urban Ropeway is India’s first ropeway designed primarily as an urban mass transit system rather than a tourist attraction For centuries, getting around Varanasi has been part of the city’s experience.Its narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, temples and ghats are integral to the spiritual capital’s identity. But as one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities welcomed millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, those same streets also became one of its biggest infrastructure challenges.The stretch between Varanasi Cantonment railway station and Godowlia, the gateway to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat, often witnessed bumper-to-bumper traffic.During festivals or the peak pilgrimage season, a journey of less than four kilometres could easily take 40 minutes or more.Building wider roads was never a practical solution. Much of the corridor passes through densely populated neighbourhoods and heritage areas, where large-scale demolition would not only be expensive but also risk altering the city’s centuries-old character.Instead, policymakers looked upwards.Later this year, Varanasi is expected to become home to India’s first urban public transport ropeway—a project that promises to ferry commuters and pilgrims above the city’s congested streets in gondola cabins suspended nearly 45-50 metres above the ground.Unlike the ropeways familiar to tourists in hill stations, this one is being built as part of the city’s everyday mass transit network.Officials say it will cut travel time between Cantt and Godowlia from around 40-45 minutes by road to roughly 15 minutes, while reducing pressure on one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.The project is also a global rarity. Urban ropeways are still uncommon worldwide, with only a handful of cities integrating them into their public transport networks. Indian officials have frequently described the Varanasi project as among the first of its kind globally to use ropeway technology for mass urban commuting rather than tourism.Beyond offering a faster ride for pilgrims heading to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the project is being viewed as a test case for whether aerial mobility can solve transport problems in India’s densely populated and heritage-rich cities, where conventional infrastructure often faces severe space constraints.If successful, it could influence similar projects planned in cities ranging from Guwahati and Shimla to Dehradun and beyond under the Centre’s broader ropeway expansion programme.That makes Varanasi more than just another infrastructure project, as it could become the template for a new model of urban transport in India.So, what exactly is India’s first urban ropeway? Why has the government chosen cable cars over roads or metro lines? And can this technology genuinely become part of India’s future public transport network?What exactly is the Varanasi Urban Ropeway?The Varanasi Urban Ropeway is India’s first ropeway designed primarily as an urban mass transit system rather than a tourist attraction.The project is being implemented by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a wholly owned company of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG has supplied the cable transport technology for the project.Once operational, the ropeway will connect Varanasi Cantonment railway station with Godowlia Chowk, one of the busiest intersections in the city and the main access point for pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.Stretching approximately 3.75-3.85 kilometres, the corridor will include stations at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra and Godowlia, linking the railway station with major commercial, residential and religious hubs.The project was conceived after authorities concluded that expanding roads through Varanasi’s congested core would be extremely difficult because of the city’s dense urban fabric and heritage structures.Instead of competing for road space, the ropeway will operate entirely above existing traffic, offering commuters a predictable travel time regardless of congestion below.According to the government, the system will use 148 modern gondola cabins, each capable of carrying 10 passengers. Gondolas are expected to arrive every one-and-a-half to two minutes, allowing the system to transport nearly 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction, or about 6,000 passengers every hour in total.Official estimates suggest the network could eventually handle close to 96,000-1 lakh passengers daily, depending on operational schedules and demand.Passengers boarding at Cantt Railway Station will be able to reach Godowlia in about 15-16 minutes, less than half the time the journey often takes by road during busy hours.The Uttar Pradesh government has also finalised passenger fares. The minimum ticket has been fixed at Rs 10, while travelling the entire stretch from Cantt to Godowlia will cost Rs 50. Holders of the Kashi Smart Pass will receive a 20% discount, reducing the end-to-end fare to Rs 40. Premium gondolas have also been planned for tourists and group bookings.Modern passenger facilities, including lifts, escalators, CCTV surveillance, digital ticketing, fire safety systems and dedicated infrastructure for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, have been incorporated at stations to position the ropeway as a full-fledged public transport system rather than simply another tourist attraction.The project, estimated to cost over Rs 800 crore including long-term operation and maintenance, has already completed trial runs and is expected to begin commercial operations after receiving the necessary regulatory clearances.Why is the government betting on ropeways?The Varanasi project is not an isolated experiment. It is part of the Centre’s much larger strategy to introduce ropeways as an alternative mode of transport in places where building conventional roads, metro lines or rail corridors is either too expensive, technically difficult or environmentally disruptive.This vision took shape in 2022 with the launch of the Parvatmala Pariyojana, the National Ropeways Development Programme announced in the Union Budget. The scheme aims to develop ropeways in hilly regions as well as congested urban areas through public-private partnerships.Traditionally, ropeways in India have been associated with tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Auli, Mussoorie or pilgrimage centres. Under the new policy, however, the government wants them to become part of mainstream public transport.Officials argue that ropeways offer several advantages over conventional infrastructure. They require significantly less land acquisition than roads or metro systems because towers occupy relatively small footprints.Construction is also faster since there is little need for tunnelling, large flyovers or extensive utility shifting. Since the cabins are electrically operated, ropeways also produce lower emissions than conventional road traffic, making them an attractive option for cities trying to reduce congestion and pollution.The Varanasi project perfectly fits this philosophy.The city’s historic core leaves almost no room for widening roads without affecting heritage structures and densely populated neighbourhoods. A metro line would have involved far greater costs and engineering challenges.An aerial ropeway, planners argue, offers a way to increase mobility while preserving the city’s cultural fabric.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also highlighted this balance between tradition and technology when the project was announced.Sharing details of the ropeway on social media in 2023, he described it as an “adbhut sangam” (remarkable confluence) of faith and technology and said it would not only make travel more convenient for devotees but also improve access to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.The government now sees ropeways as a solution that can complement—not replace—existing transport systems.Can ropeways really work as urban public transport?The idea may appear futuristic in India, but urban ropeways have been operating successfully in several parts of the world for years.Perhaps the best-known example is La Paz, Bolivia, where the Mi Teleférico network has evolved into one of the world’s largest urban cable car systems. With multiple interconnected lines stretching across the city and neighbouring El Alto, it carries hundreds of thousands of passengers every day while navigating mountainous terrain that makes conventional transport difficult.Another frequently cited example is Mexico City, whose Cablebús system has transformed commuting for residents living in densely populated hillside settlements.What once took well over an hour by road can now be completed in a fraction of the time using aerial cabins integrated with the city’s wider public transport network.These examples have demonstrated that ropeways need not remain tourist attractions. They can function as reliable mass transit systems when integrated with buses, railways and pedestrian infrastructure.Varanasi is now attempting to replicate those successesUnlike metro systems that require passengers to travel underground or elevated through fixed corridors, ropeways can fly directly over existing development, reducing construction challenges and avoiding traffic altogether.Continuous movement of gondolas also means passengers spend less time waiting compared to conventional bus services.However, experts caution that ropeways are not a universal solution.Their passenger capacity is considerably lower than metro rail systems, making them suitable only for specific corridors rather than citywide transport. Weather conditions, periodic maintenance and evacuation protocols also require careful planning. Unlike buses, expanding routes later is neither simple nor inexpensive.Consequently, transport planners view ropeways as a niche solution—best suited for heritage cities, mountainous terrain or highly congested corridors where traditional transport networks are difficult to expand.Could Varanasi become a model for other Indian cities?That is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the project.If the ropeway succeeds in reducing congestion, attracting regular commuters and integrating smoothly with the city’s existing transport network, it could become a blueprint for similar projects elsewhere.The Centre has already identified several ropeway proposals across the country under the Parvatmala programme, particularly in Himalayan states and pilgrimage destinations. Cities facing severe geographical or heritage constraints are also studying whether aerial mobility could complement existing infrastructure.But the success of the Varanasi ropeway will ultimately depend on far more than engineering.Passengers must find it affordable enough to use regularly. The stations need seamless connections with railway stations, buses, auto-rickshaws and pedestrian routes. Safety standards, maintenance schedules and operational reliability will determine whether commuters choose the ropeway over conventional road transport.Ridership will also be critical.Unlike tourist ropeways that witness seasonal demand, an urban transport system must attract consistent daily commuters—office-goers, students, residents and pilgrims—to remain financially viable over the long term.There is also the question of whether ropeways can genuinely ease congestion or merely shift it from roads to stations if passenger management is inadequate.These are precisely the issues transport planners and policymakers across India will be watching once commercial operations begin.The bigger pictureIndia’s urban transport story has traditionally revolved around roads, flyovers, suburban railways and metro systems. Ropeways are rarely featured in discussions about everyday commuting.Varanasi could change that.By carrying passengers above one of the country’s oldest and most congested cities, the project represents an attempt to rethink how mobility solutions are designed for places where conventional infrastructure has reached its limits.Its significance therefore extends beyond the four-kilometre journey between Cantt and Godowlia.If successful, it could demonstrate that innovative transport systems can coexist with heritage conservation, allowing cities to modernise without fundamentally altering their historic character.At the same time, the project is also a reminder that no single technology can solve every urban mobility challenge. Ropeways are unlikely to replace metros or buses in India’s largest cities. Instead, they could become another tool in the transport planner’s toolkit—one best deployed where geography, density or heritage leave few alternatives.For Varanasi, the benefits could be immediate. Faster journeys for pilgrims, easier access to one of India’s holiest temples, reduced traffic on chronically congested roads and a cleaner mode of transport for residents and visitors alike.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor India, however, the stakes are much larger.The country’s first urban public transport ropeway is not merely about moving people from one station to another.It is a test of whether the next generation of urban infrastructure can think beyond roads and rails and whether its oldest cities can embrace modern mobility without sacrificing the heritage that defines them.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will rememberWhat Lord Shiva teaches you based on your birth date123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Varanasi Urban Ropeway is India’s first ropeway designed primarily as an urban mass transit system rather than a tourist attraction For centuries, getting around Varanasi has been part of the city’s experience.Its narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, temples and ghats are integral to the spiritual capital’s identity. But as one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities welcomed millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, those same streets also became one of its biggest infrastructure challenges.The stretch between Varanasi Cantonment railway station and Godowlia, the gateway to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat, often witnessed bumper-to-bumper traffic.During festivals or the peak pilgrimage season, a journey of less than four kilometres could easily take 40 minutes or more.Building wider roads was never a practical solution. Much of the corridor passes through densely populated neighbourhoods and heritage areas, where large-scale demolition would not only be expensive but also risk altering the city’s centuries-old character.Instead, policymakers looked upwards.Later this year, Varanasi is expected to become home to India’s first urban public transport ropeway—a project that promises to ferry commuters and pilgrims above the city’s congested streets in gondola cabins suspended nearly 45-50 metres above the ground.Unlike the ropeways familiar to tourists in hill stations, this one is being built as part of the city’s everyday mass transit network.Officials say it will cut travel time between Cantt and Godowlia from around 40-45 minutes by road to roughly 15 minutes, while reducing pressure on one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.The project is also a global rarity. Urban ropeways are still uncommon worldwide, with only a handful of cities integrating them into their public transport networks. Indian officials have frequently described the Varanasi project as among the first of its kind globally to use ropeway technology for mass urban commuting rather than tourism.Beyond offering a faster ride for pilgrims heading to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the project is being viewed as a test case for whether aerial mobility can solve transport problems in India’s densely populated and heritage-rich cities, where conventional infrastructure often faces severe space constraints.If successful, it could influence similar projects planned in cities ranging from Guwahati and Shimla to Dehradun and beyond under the Centre’s broader ropeway expansion programme.That makes Varanasi more than just another infrastructure project, as it could become the template for a new model of urban transport in India.So, what exactly is India’s first urban ropeway? Why has the government chosen cable cars over roads or metro lines? And can this technology genuinely become part of India’s future public transport network?What exactly is the Varanasi Urban Ropeway?The Varanasi Urban Ropeway is India’s first ropeway designed primarily as an urban mass transit system rather than a tourist attraction.The project is being implemented by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a wholly owned company of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG has supplied the cable transport technology for the project.Once operational, the ropeway will connect Varanasi Cantonment railway station with Godowlia Chowk, one of the busiest intersections in the city and the main access point for pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.Stretching approximately 3.75-3.85 kilometres, the corridor will include stations at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra and Godowlia, linking the railway station with major commercial, residential and religious hubs.The project was conceived after authorities concluded that expanding roads through Varanasi’s congested core would be extremely difficult because of the city’s dense urban fabric and heritage structures.Instead of competing for road space, the ropeway will operate entirely above existing traffic, offering commuters a predictable travel time regardless of congestion below.According to the government, the system will use 148 modern gondola cabins, each capable of carrying 10 passengers. Gondolas are expected to arrive every one-and-a-half to two minutes, allowing the system to transport nearly 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction, or about 6,000 passengers every hour in total.Official estimates suggest the network could eventually handle close to 96,000-1 lakh passengers daily, depending on operational schedules and demand.Passengers boarding at Cantt Railway Station will be able to reach Godowlia in about 15-16 minutes, less than half the time the journey often takes by road during busy hours.The Uttar Pradesh government has also finalised passenger fares. The minimum ticket has been fixed at Rs 10, while travelling the entire stretch from Cantt to Godowlia will cost Rs 50. Holders of the Kashi Smart Pass will receive a 20% discount, reducing the end-to-end fare to Rs 40. Premium gondolas have also been planned for tourists and group bookings.Modern passenger facilities, including lifts, escalators, CCTV surveillance, digital ticketing, fire safety systems and dedicated infrastructure for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, have been incorporated at stations to position the ropeway as a full-fledged public transport system rather than simply another tourist attraction.The project, estimated to cost over Rs 800 crore including long-term operation and maintenance, has already completed trial runs and is expected to begin commercial operations after receiving the necessary regulatory clearances.Why is the government betting on ropeways?The Varanasi project is not an isolated experiment. It is part of the Centre’s much larger strategy to introduce ropeways as an alternative mode of transport in places where building conventional roads, metro lines or rail corridors is either too expensive, technically difficult or environmentally disruptive.This vision took shape in 2022 with the launch of the Parvatmala Pariyojana, the National Ropeways Development Programme announced in the Union Budget. The scheme aims to develop ropeways in hilly regions as well as congested urban areas through public-private partnerships.Traditionally, ropeways in India have been associated with tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Auli, Mussoorie or pilgrimage centres. Under the new policy, however, the government wants them to become part of mainstream public transport.Officials argue that ropeways offer several advantages over conventional infrastructure. They require significantly less land acquisition than roads or metro systems because towers occupy relatively small footprints.Construction is also faster since there is little need for tunnelling, large flyovers or extensive utility shifting. Since the cabins are electrically operated, ropeways also produce lower emissions than conventional road traffic, making them an attractive option for cities trying to reduce congestion and pollution.The Varanasi project perfectly fits this philosophy.The city’s historic core leaves almost no room for widening roads without affecting heritage structures and densely populated neighbourhoods. A metro line would have involved far greater costs and engineering challenges.An aerial ropeway, planners argue, offers a way to increase mobility while preserving the city’s cultural fabric.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also highlighted this balance between tradition and technology when the project was announced.Sharing details of the ropeway on social media in 2023, he described it as an “adbhut sangam” (remarkable confluence) of faith and technology and said it would not only make travel more convenient for devotees but also improve access to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.The government now sees ropeways as a solution that can complement—not replace—existing transport systems.Can ropeways really work as urban public transport?The idea may appear futuristic in India, but urban ropeways have been operating successfully in several parts of the world for years.Perhaps the best-known example is La Paz, Bolivia, where the Mi Teleférico network has evolved into one of the world’s largest urban cable car systems. With multiple interconnected lines stretching across the city and neighbouring El Alto, it carries hundreds of thousands of passengers every day while navigating mountainous terrain that makes conventional transport difficult.Another frequently cited example is Mexico City, whose Cablebús system has transformed commuting for residents living in densely populated hillside settlements.What once took well over an hour by road can now be completed in a fraction of the time using aerial cabins integrated with the city’s wider public transport network.These examples have demonstrated that ropeways need not remain tourist attractions. They can function as reliable mass transit systems when integrated with buses, railways and pedestrian infrastructure.Varanasi is now attempting to replicate those successesUnlike metro systems that require passengers to travel underground or elevated through fixed corridors, ropeways can fly directly over existing development, reducing construction challenges and avoiding traffic altogether.Continuous movement of gondolas also means passengers spend less time waiting compared to conventional bus services.However, experts caution that ropeways are not a universal solution.Their passenger capacity is considerably lower than metro rail systems, making them suitable only for specific corridors rather than citywide transport. Weather conditions, periodic maintenance and evacuation protocols also require careful planning. Unlike buses, expanding routes later is neither simple nor inexpensive.Consequently, transport planners view ropeways as a niche solution—best suited for heritage cities, mountainous terrain or highly congested corridors where traditional transport networks are difficult to expand.Could Varanasi become a model for other Indian cities?That is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the project.If the ropeway succeeds in reducing congestion, attracting regular commuters and integrating smoothly with the city’s existing transport network, it could become a blueprint for similar projects elsewhere.The Centre has already identified several ropeway proposals across the country under the Parvatmala programme, particularly in Himalayan states and pilgrimage destinations. Cities facing severe geographical or heritage constraints are also studying whether aerial mobility could complement existing infrastructure.But the success of the Varanasi ropeway will ultimately depend on far more than engineering.Passengers must find it affordable enough to use regularly. The stations need seamless connections with railway stations, buses, auto-rickshaws and pedestrian routes. Safety standards, maintenance schedules and operational reliability will determine whether commuters choose the ropeway over conventional road transport.Ridership will also be critical.Unlike tourist ropeways that witness seasonal demand, an urban transport system must attract consistent daily commuters—office-goers, students, residents and pilgrims—to remain financially viable over the long term.There is also the question of whether ropeways can genuinely ease congestion or merely shift it from roads to stations if passenger management is inadequate.These are precisely the issues transport planners and policymakers across India will be watching once commercial operations begin.The bigger pictureIndia’s urban transport story has traditionally revolved around roads, flyovers, suburban railways and metro systems. Ropeways are rarely featured in discussions about everyday commuting.Varanasi could change that.By carrying passengers above one of the country’s oldest and most congested cities, the project represents an attempt to rethink how mobility solutions are designed for places where conventional infrastructure has reached its limits.Its significance therefore extends beyond the four-kilometre journey between Cantt and Godowlia.If successful, it could demonstrate that innovative transport systems can coexist with heritage conservation, allowing cities to modernise without fundamentally altering their historic character.At the same time, the project is also a reminder that no single technology can solve every urban mobility challenge. Ropeways are unlikely to replace metros or buses in India’s largest cities. Instead, they could become another tool in the transport planner’s toolkit—one best deployed where geography, density or heritage leave few alternatives.For Varanasi, the benefits could be immediate. Faster journeys for pilgrims, easier access to one of India’s holiest temples, reduced traffic on chronically congested roads and a cleaner mode of transport for residents and visitors alike.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor India, however, the stakes are much larger.The country’s first urban public transport ropeway is not merely about moving people from one station to another.It is a test of whether the next generation of urban infrastructure can think beyond roads and rails and whether its oldest cities can embrace modern mobility without sacrificing the heritage that defines them.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will rememberWhat Lord Shiva teaches you based on your birth date123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: The Centre has summoned Meta’s global team to explain the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook post, with government officials set to question the social media giant on alleged algorithmic bias, the functioning of its content moderation systems and its role in maintaining public order, PTI reported citing sources.According to the sources, Meta’s global team is expected to arrive in India sometime in the middle of next week. Besides appearing before government officials, the executives will also depose before a parliamentary panel.The move comes days after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) summoned a senior Meta executive following the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Modi’s Facebook post addressing India’s youth and promising stringent action against paper leaks.Government to seek answers on algorithmic biasSources told PTI that the government’s interaction with Meta’s global team would focus on whether the platform’s algorithms exhibit bias, how those algorithms function and the company’s broader responsibility in matters affecting public order.The officials are expected to “categorically” seek clarification on issues surrounding algorithmic bias and the manner in which Meta’s content moderation systems operate, the sources said.Meta apologised, government found explanation inadequateMeta had earlier attributed the restriction of the Prime Minister’s post to a technical glitch and issued an apology. However, according to PTI, MeitY considered the company’s explanation “inadequate”.Following the incident, Meta informed the ministry that content posted by Prime Minister Modi and certain other prominent accounts would be subjected to additional oversight on its platforms.The company also wrote to the government outlining enhanced safeguards, including multiple levels of review involving senior company officials before action is taken on posts published by the Prime Minister and other high-profile accounts.Parliamentary panel to examine issueApart from appearing before government officials, Meta’s global representatives are also expected to testify before a parliamentary panel as scrutiny over the company’s content moderation practices intensifies.Government sources told PTI that when platform rules or Indian laws are violated, liabilities would arise.The sources also pointed to studies highlighting the wider impact of social media on society, including concerns over cognitive health and mental well-being among both children and adults due to excessive digital media consumption.”Keeping all these aspects in mind, steps that are needed will be taken,” a government source told PTI, adding that the government was treating the matter seriously.Hyderabad Police also register casesThe government’s scrutiny comes amid parallel legal action in Telangana.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEarlier this week, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered cases against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts over allegedly morphed and AI-generated content targeting Prime Minister Modi during protests over the NEET paper leak issue.According to police, the cases were filed following complaints by BJP supporters alleging that manipulated videos and images of the Prime Minister were circulated on social media. Investigators have issued notices to Meta and are tracing the operators behind the accounts named in the complaints.The latest developments mark an escalation in the government’s scrutiny of Meta, with the company now facing regulatory, parliamentary and law enforcement action over its content moderation practices and handling of politically sensitive content.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit BackAssam Flood Death Toll Rises To 78 As Over Three Lakh Remain Affected Despite Receding WatersHockey India’s Saffron Jersey Sparks Massive Row As Olympians, Critics Question Iconic Blue Identity123PhotostoriesFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? 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NEW DELHI: The Centre has summoned Meta’s global team to explain the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook post, with government officials set to question the social media giant on alleged algorithmic bias, the functioning of its content moderation systems and its role in maintaining public order, PTI reported citing sources.According to the sources, Meta’s global team is expected to arrive in India sometime in the middle of next week. Besides appearing before government officials, the executives will also depose before a parliamentary panel.The move comes days after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) summoned a senior Meta executive following the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Modi’s Facebook post addressing India’s youth and promising stringent action against paper leaks.Government to seek answers on algorithmic biasSources told PTI that the government’s interaction with Meta’s global team would focus on whether the platform’s algorithms exhibit bias, how those algorithms function and the company’s broader responsibility in matters affecting public order.The officials are expected to “categorically” seek clarification on issues surrounding algorithmic bias and the manner in which Meta’s content moderation systems operate, the sources said.Meta apologised, government found explanation inadequateMeta had earlier attributed the restriction of the Prime Minister’s post to a technical glitch and issued an apology. However, according to PTI, MeitY considered the company’s explanation “inadequate”.Following the incident, Meta informed the ministry that content posted by Prime Minister Modi and certain other prominent accounts would be subjected to additional oversight on its platforms.The company also wrote to the government outlining enhanced safeguards, including multiple levels of review involving senior company officials before action is taken on posts published by the Prime Minister and other high-profile accounts.Parliamentary panel to examine issueApart from appearing before government officials, Meta’s global representatives are also expected to testify before a parliamentary panel as scrutiny over the company’s content moderation practices intensifies.Government sources told PTI that when platform rules or Indian laws are violated, liabilities would arise.The sources also pointed to studies highlighting the wider impact of social media on society, including concerns over cognitive health and mental well-being among both children and adults due to excessive digital media consumption.”Keeping all these aspects in mind, steps that are needed will be taken,” a government source told PTI, adding that the government was treating the matter seriously.Hyderabad Police also register casesThe government’s scrutiny comes amid parallel legal action in Telangana.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEarlier this week, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered cases against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts over allegedly morphed and AI-generated content targeting Prime Minister Modi during protests over the NEET paper leak issue.According to police, the cases were filed following complaints by BJP supporters alleging that manipulated videos and images of the Prime Minister were circulated on social media. Investigators have issued notices to Meta and are tracing the operators behind the accounts named in the complaints.The latest developments mark an escalation in the government’s scrutiny of Meta, with the company now facing regulatory, parliamentary and law enforcement action over its content moderation practices and handling of politically sensitive content.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. 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