May 19, 2026
Image: IANS NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway sector include road agencies’ following stricter pre-condition of land availability and clearances before bidding out projects and a sharp decline in conversion of state highways to National Highways (NHs).Officials said that agencies have maintained “self-restraint” to ensure that projects once bid out don’t get stuck or delayed due to non-availability of land and other issues, such as forest and environment clearance and utility shifting.“Projects getting delayed serve no purpose; rather this results in cost escalation. A lot of efforts have been put into bringing down the number of delayed projects. Second, the focus now is on building more economic corridors and expressways rather than incremental expansion of existing highways,” an official said.National Highways Corporation of India (NHAI), which is responsible for construction and maintenance of wider highways, said last week the agency had constructed 5,313 km of NHs, which was about 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year.Industry insiders said that as the number of NH development projects offered by NHAI and other agencies have fallen substantially, contractors are scrambling to get work, quoting rates up to 42% less than bid prices. “The impact of fewer projects being bid out will be visible in the next couple of years,” said a senior executive of a major highway developer.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising waysYou have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 202610 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hits123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: IANS NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway sector include road agencies’ following stricter pre-condition of land availability and clearances before bidding out projects and a sharp decline in conversion of state highways to National Highways (NHs).Officials said that agencies have maintained “self-restraint” to ensure that projects once bid out don’t get stuck or delayed due to non-availability of land and other issues, such as forest and environment clearance and utility shifting.“Projects getting delayed serve no purpose; rather this results in cost escalation. A lot of efforts have been put into bringing down the number of delayed projects. Second, the focus now is on building more economic corridors and expressways rather than incremental expansion of existing highways,” an official said.National Highways Corporation of India (NHAI), which is responsible for construction and maintenance of wider highways, said last week the agency had constructed 5,313 km of NHs, which was about 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year.Industry insiders said that as the number of NH development projects offered by NHAI and other agencies have fallen substantially, contractors are scrambling to get work, quoting rates up to 42% less than bid prices. “The impact of fewer projects being bid out will be visible in the next couple of years,” said a senior executive of a major highway developer.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising waysYou have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 202610 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hits123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway…

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Apr 08, 2026, 05:00 IST

Apr 08, 2026, 05:00 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer Punjab Kings (PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, has issued a clarification after a video of her comment following the washed-out match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders led to reactions on social media.After the match at Eden Gardens was called off, Shresta was seen in a video saying…

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‘Would football be fun if every game had 45 goals?’: More sixes, flat pitches not making IPL ‘more special’

‘Would football be fun if every game had 45 goals?’: More sixes, flat pitches not making IPL ‘more special’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have the biggest total in the ongoing IPL season, scoring 250 against the Chennai Super Kings with Tim David hitting eight sixes. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: In last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), teams crossed the 200-run mark a record 52 times. In the ongoing season, the 200-run mark has already been…

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‘Dacoit’ shows strong USA pre-sales; Over 5,400 tickets booked for premieres; Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur starrer gains traction

‘Dacoit’ shows strong USA pre-sales; Over 5,400 tickets booked for premieres; Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur starrer gains traction

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur’s ‘Dacoit’ is making waves in North America, with over 5,400 tickets sold for premiere shows in the USA, crossing the 100K USD mark in advance bookings. Superstar Mahesh Babu praised the trailer, calling it a ‘solid setup.’ The film, a romantic action thriller, releases April 10, 2026. Adivi Sesh and…

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Aquarius Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: Make the decision, then stop discussing

Aquarius Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: Make the decision, then stop discussing

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

After much anticipation, today marks the realization of a cherished aspiration, ushered in by favorable cosmic forces and the unwavering support of a sibling. Love blossoms effortlessly, filled with warmth and joy. Professional achievements shine brighter through genuine gestures, benefiting students with organized learning methods. Financial prospects appear promising, inviting opportunities for wise investments, though…

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‘Leader’ box office collections day 5: Saravanan film stays flat with Rs 35 lakhs; R.S. Durai Senthilkumar’s film struggles

‘Leader’ box office collections day 5: Saravanan film stays flat with Rs 35 lakhs; R.S. Durai Senthilkumar’s film struggles

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Legend Saravanan’s latest film ‘Leader’ is struggling at the box office, raking in just Rs 35 lakhs on its fifth day, bringing its total to Rs 3.70 crore net. Despite a steady run, the spy thriller has garnered mixed reviews, with audiences divided on its screenplay and pacing. The coming days are critical for the…

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Image: PTI NEW DELHI: In a debate over faith and belief vs fundamental rights emerging from the striking down of the customary ban on the entry of menstruating women into Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, Justice B V Nagarathna on Tuesday criticised the past social practice of treating women as ‘untouchables’ for three days every month.Part of the CJI Surya Kant-headed nine-judge constitution bench that commenced what promises to be an intense yet interesting elucidation of contesting constitutional and legal principles on equality, religion, religious practices, faith and belief, Justice Nagarathna said, “As a woman, I do not agree.”Slated to be the first woman Chief Justice of India in Sept next year, she questioned the social practice that isolated menstruating women and said, “There cannot be three days of untouchability in a month for women, after which they are treated normal.”The remark came when solicitor general Tushar Mehta was questioning the rationality of the Sept 28, 2018, SC judgment in the ‘Indian Young Lawyer Association vs Kerala’ case in testing the practice of barring entry of women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple on the touchstone of Article 17, which abolished untouchability and made its practice a penal offence.He said in India women are worshipped, and “we have a president, PM, governors and constitutional post-holders in women”. Equality for women is the cornerstone of govt policies, and hence, applying the Article 17 test to declare the custom at Sabarimala as unconstitutional appears to stretch the jurisprudence far beyond the ambit, he said.He said women of all ages enter all Ayyappa temples, but the practice of barring entry of menstruating women into Sabarimala was unique as devotees consider the Lord Ayyappa deity at the temple a “naistik brahmachari”.”This unique attribute of the deity can’t be tested by SC,” Mehta said, and complained that the jurisprudence of testing every issue with the gender equality litmus paper has unfortunately crept into constitution benches in the last few decades. “Women are equal in every aspect and must be treated equally,” he said.Justice M M Sundresh said it is the Centre’s argument that since the attribute of the deity is intrinsically linked to the faith and belief of devotees and Lord Ayyappa followers at Sabarimala, the court cannot embark on the validity test of such faith and belief.Mehta said the Sabarimala temple practice is ‘sui generis’ (of its own kind) and similar attributes could be found in other religious institutions also. “Someone may find that his/her right to freedom of expression in keeping their hair uncovered is being violated when they are forced to cover their head while entering a mazhar or gurdwara,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and moviesTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned6 Japanese ideas that quietly help calm an overthinking mind123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: PTI NEW DELHI: In a debate over faith and belief vs fundamental rights emerging from the striking down of the customary ban on the entry of menstruating women into Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, Justice B V Nagarathna on Tuesday criticised the past social practice of treating women as ‘untouchables’ for three days every month.Part of the CJI Surya Kant-headed nine-judge constitution bench that commenced what promises to be an intense yet interesting elucidation of contesting constitutional and legal principles on equality, religion, religious practices, faith and belief, Justice Nagarathna said, “As a woman, I do not agree.”Slated to be the first woman Chief Justice of India in Sept next year, she questioned the social practice that isolated menstruating women and said, “There cannot be three days of untouchability in a month for women, after which they are treated normal.”The remark came when solicitor general Tushar Mehta was questioning the rationality of the Sept 28, 2018, SC judgment in the ‘Indian Young Lawyer Association vs Kerala’ case in testing the practice of barring entry of women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple on the touchstone of Article 17, which abolished untouchability and made its practice a penal offence.He said in India women are worshipped, and “we have a president, PM, governors and constitutional post-holders in women”. Equality for women is the cornerstone of govt policies, and hence, applying the Article 17 test to declare the custom at Sabarimala as unconstitutional appears to stretch the jurisprudence far beyond the ambit, he said.He said women of all ages enter all Ayyappa temples, but the practice of barring entry of menstruating women into Sabarimala was unique as devotees consider the Lord Ayyappa deity at the temple a “naistik brahmachari”.”This unique attribute of the deity can’t be tested by SC,” Mehta said, and complained that the jurisprudence of testing every issue with the gender equality litmus paper has unfortunately crept into constitution benches in the last few decades. “Women are equal in every aspect and must be treated equally,” he said.Justice M M Sundresh said it is the Centre’s argument that since the attribute of the deity is intrinsically linked to the faith and belief of devotees and Lord Ayyappa followers at Sabarimala, the court cannot embark on the validity test of such faith and belief.Mehta said the Sabarimala temple practice is ‘sui generis’ (of its own kind) and similar attributes could be found in other religious institutions also. “Someone may find that his/her right to freedom of expression in keeping their hair uncovered is being violated when they are forced to cover their head while entering a mazhar or gurdwara,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and moviesTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned6 Japanese ideas that quietly help calm an overthinking mind123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: In a debate over faith and belief vs fundamental rights emerging from the striking down of the customary ban on the entry of menstruating women into Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, Justice B V Nagarathna on Tuesday criticised the past social practice of treating women as ‘untouchables’ for three days every month.Part of…

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Sagittarius Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: Income improves through consistent work

Sagittarius Horoscope Today, April 8, 2026: Income improves through consistent work

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

With today’s surge of achievement and self-assurance shaping your path, expect a seamless journey in every aspect of life. Romantic sparks may fly, academic pursuits will flourish, and business ventures will thrive. Your hard work secures financial security, and a commitment to healthy living will sharpen your mind. Fulfilment comes from doing what you promised….

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‘Double-sided ceasefire’: Donald Trump agrees to suspend Iran attack by 2 weeks if it opens Hormuz immediately

‘Double-sided ceasefire’: Donald Trump agrees to suspend Iran attack by 2 weeks if it opens Hormuz immediately

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

US President Donald Trump has announced a two-week suspension of planned bombing and military strikes on Iran, subject to the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement, made hours ahead of a previously indicated escalation timeline, signals a temporary de-escalation in tensions and opens a window for negotiations.Trump said the pause would be…

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Decoding Dhurandhar success: Anand Pandit, Taran Adarsh explain how Ranveer Singh–Aditya Dhar’s franchise rewrote Bollywood’s rulebook | Exclusive

Decoding Dhurandhar success: Anand Pandit, Taran Adarsh explain how Ranveer Singh–Aditya Dhar’s franchise rewrote Bollywood’s rulebook | Exclusive

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

In an industry long driven by opening weekend numbers, star power, and formulaic storytelling, the Dhurandhar franchise has arrived like a disruption no one quite saw coming. Directed by Aditya Dhar and fronted by Ranveer Singh, the two-part saga—Dhurandhar (2025) and Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026)—has not just broken records but redefined how Hindi cinema thinks…

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Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers linked to high-stakes million pursuit of ex-Giants All-Pro

Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers linked to high-stakes $82 million pursuit of ex-Giants All-Pro

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Pittsburgh Steelers (Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory, and that uncertainty is shaping early offseason chatter. With Mike McCarthy now leading the franchise into the 2026 season, long-held assumptions about roster building no longer feel certain. The defensive identity that defined the team under Mike Tomlin may not disappear overnight, but it…

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Image: PTI PATNA: Trains rolled in. Platforms swelled. Migrant families from Bihar stepped down at Patna Junction with bedding, steel containers, plastic sacks – returning from cities where cooking has become unaffordable. Faces carried fatigue and a decision driven by empty cylinders and the search for a flame that costs less than a day’s wage. LPG shortage bites.”LPG vendors are charging Rs 500 a kg. It lasts two days,” said Manoj, a construction worker from Punpun in Patna district who arrived from New Delhi with his wife and two children. “We could not continue.”Ramu, a Chennai factory worker bound for Saharsa, did the maths. “Two days’ wages for gas to cook one meal. Better unemployed at home than starving in a big city.”Officials said around 2,500 workers have returned so far, many citing cooking gas costs. Bihar has an estimated 48 lakh migrants working across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Labour department teams have begun panchayat-level surveys to track returns.Magadh Express from New Delhi pulled in around 12.30pm Tuesday to a surge of workers heading home. By 2.20pm, Brahmaputra Mail brought another wave. Azimabad Express from Gujarat. Ernakulam Express from the south. Each arrival added to the churn.Danapur mirrored the flow – Sanghamitra Express from Bengaluru, Udhna Express from Gujarat – unloading passengers who have walked away from jobs as fuel costs spike.Many returnees hail from Siwan, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Saharsa. Work left behind spans construction sites, factories, dhabas and housing complexes. Sonu, a security guard in Noida earning Rs 6,000 a month, said options ran out when his cylinder emptied. “We ate on the streets for a few days. Coal or wood not allowed in residential area,” he said.Nishi Devi, a domestic help returning to Bhojpur with three children, counted days since a proper meal. “The employer helped at first. Then they faced the same crisis. We cannot pay black-market rates and rent. At home, I will cook on cow dung cakes,” she said.Trains kept arriving. Bikash, a porter with 12 years at the station, saw the shift in footfall. “Not like pandemic rush, but numbers are rising the past two weeks,” he said.About the AuthorAdwitiya DebAdwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the past written on varied topics, including decline of the glass bangle culture, illegal trade of firecrackers in Champahati, West Bengal apart from many more on food and travel. She has recently completed her PGDM in journalism from Xavier’s, Mumbai. She loves music and is very affectionate about animals.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: PTI PATNA: Trains rolled in. Platforms swelled. Migrant families from Bihar stepped down at Patna Junction with bedding, steel containers, plastic sacks – returning from cities where cooking has become unaffordable. Faces carried fatigue and a decision driven by empty cylinders and the search for a flame that costs less than a day’s wage. LPG shortage bites.”LPG vendors are charging Rs 500 a kg. It lasts two days,” said Manoj, a construction worker from Punpun in Patna district who arrived from New Delhi with his wife and two children. “We could not continue.”Ramu, a Chennai factory worker bound for Saharsa, did the maths. “Two days’ wages for gas to cook one meal. Better unemployed at home than starving in a big city.”Officials said around 2,500 workers have returned so far, many citing cooking gas costs. Bihar has an estimated 48 lakh migrants working across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Labour department teams have begun panchayat-level surveys to track returns.Magadh Express from New Delhi pulled in around 12.30pm Tuesday to a surge of workers heading home. By 2.20pm, Brahmaputra Mail brought another wave. Azimabad Express from Gujarat. Ernakulam Express from the south. Each arrival added to the churn.Danapur mirrored the flow – Sanghamitra Express from Bengaluru, Udhna Express from Gujarat – unloading passengers who have walked away from jobs as fuel costs spike.Many returnees hail from Siwan, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Saharsa. Work left behind spans construction sites, factories, dhabas and housing complexes. Sonu, a security guard in Noida earning Rs 6,000 a month, said options ran out when his cylinder emptied. “We ate on the streets for a few days. Coal or wood not allowed in residential area,” he said.Nishi Devi, a domestic help returning to Bhojpur with three children, counted days since a proper meal. “The employer helped at first. Then they faced the same crisis. We cannot pay black-market rates and rent. At home, I will cook on cow dung cakes,” she said.Trains kept arriving. Bikash, a porter with 12 years at the station, saw the shift in footfall. “Not like pandemic rush, but numbers are rising the past two weeks,” he said.About the AuthorAdwitiya DebAdwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the past written on varied topics, including decline of the glass bangle culture, illegal trade of firecrackers in Champahati, West Bengal apart from many more on food and travel. She has recently completed her PGDM in journalism from Xavier’s, Mumbai. She loves music and is very affectionate about animals.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

PATNA: Trains rolled in. Platforms swelled. Migrant families from Bihar stepped down at Patna Junction with bedding, steel containers, plastic sacks – returning from cities where cooking has become unaffordable. Faces carried fatigue and a decision driven by empty cylinders and the search for a flame that costs less than a day’s wage. LPG shortage…

Read More
Shah Rukh Khan bows out of Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’; declines cameo to focus on ‘King’: Reports

Shah Rukh Khan bows out of Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’; declines cameo to focus on ‘King’: Reports

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Shah Rukh Khan and Superstar Rajinikanth may not be teaming up on-screen after all. The Bollywood superstar had fans eagerly anticipating his appearance on Rajinikanth’s sets this month, as he was reportedly scheduled to shoot a cameo in the upcoming film ‘Jailer 2’. However, as per the latest reports, Khan has allegedly opted out of…

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