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The <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword> <keyword id="6356415" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="metro" source="Orion">metro</keyword> <keyword id="6366234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rail" source="Orion">rail</keyword> project is on track to complete 175 km of commute by June 2025, a top official said here. Addressing a session on the 'future of mobility' at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022 on Friday, Anjum Parwez, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (<keyword id="6367448" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BMRCL" source="Orion">BMRCL</keyword>), said as part of the second and third phase of the project, Bengaluru will have 314 km of metro rail connectivity by 2041. He said construction of metro lines is also progressing well on the airport side. He said the biggest challenge in urban mobility is the integration of multi-modal transport systems and moving people to get into public transport from personalised transport modes. Parwez said urban India was the most neglected area until the 1990s, as urban planning was not in sync with connectivity or mobility issues. He said BMRCL is getting a lot of support from startups in mobility to ensure that commuters have last-mile connectivity. He said the corporation is tying up with mobility providers to get people to reach the nodal point and commute to their workplaces. Parwez said the <keyword id="6367447" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Namma-Metro" source="Orion">Namma Metro</keyword> has recently gone digital with its payment options that include the use of QR code scans and UPI-based payment options which has met with good response from commuters. Also, there is no waiting time for passengers who are in a hurry as there is no need to stand in queues to buy tickets or cards now. He said BMRCL is working on a transit-oriented development where commuters live close to the stations and to the workplace. Besides, the BMRCL also intends to integrate all aggregators by bringing out a mobility card for commuters. He said the corporation is in talks with BMTC to have bus stops at metro stations to help commuters hop on and hop off both modes of transport. He said bike taxis and carpooling should be encouraged although the government of Karnataka had put brakes on their operation. The BMRCL is also working on introducing shopping options for commuters inside and outside the metro stations. He said the BMRCL plans to sell office space in metro stations and provide end-to-end solutions to all the stakeholders. Amit Bhatt, Managing Director of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), said urbanisation in India is 33 per cent while it is about 80-85 per cent in European and American countries. He said about 66 per cent of urban infrastructure is yet to be built in India as the country is set to see a number of cities being built. The biggest challenge is to ensure zero emission, zero exclusion and zero accidents in urban transport, he said. Vadiraj Krishnamurthy, Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Bosch Global Software Technologies, said the future is software-defined fully programmable vehicles. "The key enablers of urban transport are personalised multi-modal mobility, automated mobility, electrified and connected mobility. Connecting vehicles using technology is an engineering challenge of the future," he said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/alstom-bags-rs-2643-crore-order-to-design-manufacture-312-metro-cars-for-delhi-metro-phase-iv/articleshow/95582764.cms">Alstom bags Rs 2,643 crore order to design, manufacture 312 metro cars for Delhi Metro Phase IV</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/2022-jeep-grand-cherokee-is-a-luxury-4x4-adventurer-at-77-5-lakh-heres-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/95595383.cms">2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxury 4x4 adventurer at ₹77.5 lakh</a>

Bengaluru metro rail on track to complete 175 km of commute by June 2025: BMRCL MD

India wants to do away with the sobriquet of world’s deadliest roads and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=road+ministry&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">road and transport ministry</a> is going to launch a scheme for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=road+safety&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">safer roads</a> in this regard. 
 
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Sadak Yojana will be launched soon with an initial funding of Rs 2,000 crore. The funds will be used to make Indian roads accident-free and also weed out dangerous spots on highways. 
 
To eliminate deadly road accidents, better designs will be made to install railings on hill roads, running along deep gorges. 
 
The details have been sought from hill states and the Indian government will rope in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=IIT&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Indian Institutes of Technology</a> to prepare special reflectors to fix them on sharp curves. 
 
"The scheme has already been approved by the road transport minister and the corpus would be created from the available central road fund. States have already been asked to send details of locations where regular accidents occur. As per our information, there are around 796 such spots across the country," a senior government official told ET. 
 
As per <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=who&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">WHO</a>, India has the highest number of roads fatalities in the world and over 231,000 people are killed in road traffic crashes in the country every year. 
 
India wants to half the number of road accident deaths by 2020. 
 
The road ministry also wants to make vehicles safe and will set up an agency-the Bharat National Car Assessment Programme-to grade the safety of cars sold in India. 
 
According to the proposed norms, all scooters and motorcycles in India will have automatic headlamps on, similar to daytime running lamps in cars. 
 
(Image: Flickr)

Soon, India won’t have world’s highest number of road accidents as Rs 2,000 crore are being pumped in to make roads safer

<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/slideshows/sai/ask-disha/ask-disha-live-business-insider-india-2018/slideshow/66260507.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a> <ul><li><keyword id="6355455" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-railways">Indian Railways</keyword> have plans to build a wall spanning over 3,000 kms to ensure safety of railway lines and keeping people accidentally wandering onto tracks. </li><li>The project is estimated to incur nearly ₹25 billion. </li><li>The wall will be 2.7 metres high to prevent cattle straying and dumping of waste. </li></ul>After the deadly mishap in Amritsar that killed 60 people, Indian Railways is planning to build a 3,000 kms wall that will secure the tracks and act as a safety fence for people, according to media <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-to-build-3000-km-wall-to-guard-tracks-keep-away-people-amritsar-train-accident-5452687/">reports</a>. The Railways has estimated the project to cost nearly ₹25 billion and is pursuing it on priority. The fence will be 2.7 metres high and will be made of concrete cement, said an Indian Express report. The height of the wall is aimed at keeping people away from railway lines for safety reasons and also prevent cattle straying onto the tracks. The height also won’t allow for dumping of waste on the railway lines. Increasing safety concerns. The Commission of Railway Safety has <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-to-build-3000-km-wall-to-guard-tracks-keep-away-people-amritsar-train-accident-5452687/"></a><a href="https://translate.google.co.in/translate?hl=en&amp;sl=hi&amp;u=https://www.amarujala.com/india-news/after-amritsar-mishap-indian-railways-will-build-3-000-km-wall-to-guard-tracks&amp;prev=search" data-type="tilCustomLink">reportedly</a> said that railway lines need to be walled to ensure safety for train speeds ranging to a 160 kmph. With increasing concerns over security, vulnerable areas such as the Golden Quadrilateral and its diagonals are also being planned to be walled. Earlier, different zonal railways in India had plans to fence certain problematic areas over 2,000 kms. According to reports, the project was slated to receive ₹6.5 billion from Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh,a special safety fund over the course of five years. The latest project of 3,000 kilometres will cover all the vulnerable areas. Over 49,790 people have been accidentally mowed down by trains in last three years, with a majority of accidents taking place in densely populated regions, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-to-build-3000-km-wall-to-guard-tracks-keep-away-people-amritsar-train-accident-5452687/">according to</a> reports. Local residents have historically objected to the construction of walls. However, the recent Amritsar incident has put authorities on alert. Over 60 people were accidentally run over by a moving train when a huge group had covered a train track in the are to catch a better view of the local Dussehra festival celebrations. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/how-a-free-travel-insurance-offer-on-the-indian-railways-website-left-data-of-200000-passengers-exposed-to-hackers-for-two-years/articleshow/66604055.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">How a free travel insurance offer on the Indian Railways website left data of 200,000 passengers exposed to hackers for two years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-railways-is-all-set-to-introduce-a-special-train-for-buddhist-travellers-across-globe/articleshow/66243095.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Indian Railways is all set to introduce a special train for Buddhist travellers across globe </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/slideshows/sai/ask-disha/ask-disha-live-business-insider-india-2018/slideshow/66260507.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ask Disha is live on IRCTC's website</a>

Indian Railways to build a 3,000 km safety fence to guard people and prevent accidents

<ul><li>According to the ICICI Direct report, the allocation towards the railway budget is expected to be around ₹1.79 lakh crore </li><li>The Piyush Goyal-led Ministry of Railways will be eyeing support for a new set of Tejas trains, more routes for Kisan Rail, better infra and much more from their wishlist.</li><li>The <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/railway-budget-2021-bullet-train-expectations-list-mumbai-ahmedabad-varanasi/articleshow/80419088.cms">reports </a>also indicate that the <keyword id="8420431" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2021">Budget 2021</keyword> may also talk about Indian Railways’ plans to introduce new bullet train networks in the coming years.</li><li>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Budget Insider</a>.</li></ul>The Indian Railways may not have a separate budget anymore but it is as strategically important for the economy as ever. Just as much as they played a significant role in taking migrant workers back home during the pandemic, the COVID-19 crisis also exposed many shortcomings in the system. Experts believe that improving and strengthening Railways can be a key driver of India’s economic recovery. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget this year is expected to push for a new set of Tejas trains, more routes for Kisan Rail (dedicated line to move agricultural produce), and better infrastructure to name some of the items from the experts’ wishlist. According to the ICICI Direct report, the allocation towards the railway budget is expected to be around ₹1.79 lakh crore and gross budgetary support for railways is expected to be around ₹75,000 crore. <div type="image" title="Railway Budget" msid="80492375" hostid="261"></div> Here what analysts are expecting from Budget 2021: Support for faster trains Private trains will be the government’s top agenda, especially the high-speed ones. According to the Brickwork Rating report, the Budget is expected to bring more policy support for private trains, new train sets for faster connectivity on new routes, better rail connectivity to tourist and pilgrimage spots, expansion of railway infrastructure for better connectivity in northeastern states. The <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/railway-budget-2021-bullet-train-expectations-list-mumbai-ahmedabad-varanasi/articleshow/80419088.cms">reports </a>also indicate that the Budget 2021 may also talk about Indian Railways’ plans to introduce new bullet train networks in the coming years. The Railways released a draft ‘National Rail Plan 2024’ which proposed almost 8,000 kilometres of bullet train network across the country by 2051. <div type="image" title="b5c8b7e79a7500035755dc9c400df9db" msid="80492449" hostid="261"></div> In the last Budget, FM Sitharaman said that the bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad would be ‘actively pursued’ by the Railways. But all thanks to COVID the execution has been slower than ever — the maiden high-speed rail network is under construction. Launching private and faster trains will reduce transit time and maintenance. It will also provide enhanced safety with an obvious boost for job creation. Higher allocation for safety fund and its ‘Green Railways’ initiative Along with the budget allocation, the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/railways-seeks-50-hike-in-safety-fund-11611508208101.html">reports </a>indicate that Railways has sought a 50% increase in allocation for its safety fund—the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh. It expects that from the current ₹20,000 crore it should be hiked to ₹ 30,000 crore every year for five years, which will help in bringing state-of-the-art technology in the safety infrastructure. <div type="image" title="Piyush-Goyal-bccl" msid="80492468" hostid="261"></div> Started in 2017 by the then finance minister Arun Jaitley the safety fund initiative was to prevent accidents and boost safety, including timely replacement of over-aged assets. Jaitley then said the government would provide seed capital, but the Railways would have to arrange the balanced resources from its revenues, among other sources. The railways have also set an ambitious target to become ‘Green Railways’ by 2030 — starting by the electrification of 7,000 RKM in the current fiscal year. In the Budget this year, the ministry expects a higher allocation towards its green energy initiatives. More routes for Kisan Rail <div type="image" title="kisan rail" msid="80492486" hostid="261"></div> Announced in the last Budget, the Kisan Rail helps farmers transport and sell their produce at subsidized rates across the nation. The Finance Minister is expected to expand the Kisan Rail route from the current Maharashtra-Bihar route to other parts of the country, strengthening the cold supply chain of perishable agricultural produce. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/indian-grooming-startup-bombay-shaving-company-gets-45-crore-investment-from-dettol-maker-reckitt-benckiser/articleshow/80491558.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Indian grooming startup Bombay Shaving Company gets ₹45 crore investment from Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-demolished-q1-earnings-estimates-and-set-a-new-record-with-111-billion-in-revenue/articleshow/80490065.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Apple demolished Q1 earnings estimates and set a new record with $111 billion in revenue</a>

Railways Budget 2021: Faster trains, higher funding and support for green railways — here’s what’s on the experts’ checklist

Indian airplane landing on Yamuna Expressway in 2015. Photo Credits: Times of India <ul><li>India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will set up 13 emergency landing airstrips including 11 strips on the its <keyword id="6373156" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-highways">national highways</keyword>. </li><li>The road runway is aimed at providing faster transport services via air during <keyword id="470423" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-calamities">natural calamities</keyword> that block the rail and road connectivity. </li><li>The first such strip will be set up in Gujarat on National Highway number 151.</li></ul>India’s is planning to <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/national-highways-to-have-11-emergency-airstrips-here-are-details/1386881/">set up emergency landing</a> airstrips on 11 national highways across the country. The move is aimed at easing efforts during natural calamities and emergency situations. The government has prepared a standard design for the road runway. The airstrips will span over 5-6 kilometres on a 60-metre wide concrete road. They will have parking slots for four aircraft, two gates at either ends of the strip and an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. The road runways are aimed at reaching out to the affected areas in the fastest possible time in case of natural calamities such as earthquakes or floods when air connectivity is the only viable option.The government plans to remove the hindrance caused by the electric poles, trees and dividers. According to the country’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the landing airstrips will cost about ₹836.6 million. The project will be managed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), India’s Ministry of Defence and its transport ministry. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/country-to-have-11-emergency-landing-air-strips-on-national-highways-mandaviya/article25538114.ece">reportedly</a> said that the first such strip will be set up in Gujarat on National Highway number 151 near Khambhaliya of Devbhumi Dwarka district. Other states to have such airstrips include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Rajasthan and Odisha. Mandaviya also said that the government has potentially identified 13 roads across seven states that can have emergency landing. Two of these roads fall under state control while the remaining are under the <keyword id="83263" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Highway-Authority-of-India">National Highway Authority of India</keyword> (NHAI), The Hindu <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/country-to-have-11-emergency-landing-air-strips-on-national-highways-mandaviya/article25538114.ece">reported</a>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-railways-to-build-a-3000-km-safety-fence-to-guard-people-and-prevent-accidents/articleshow/66689250.cms">Indian Railways to build a 3,000 km safety fence to guard people and prevent accidents</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-conglomerate-tata-is-in-talks-to-buy-out-troubled-carrier-jet-airways-in-a-deal-that-could-create-one-of-the-countrys-largest-airlines/articleshow/66650918.cms">Indian conglomerate Tata is in talks to buy out troubled carrier Jet Airways in a deal that could create one of the country's largest airlines</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/emirates-airline-profits-are-down-by-86-and-things-may-not-get-better-soon/articleshow/66641941.cms">Emirates Airline profits are down by 86% and things may not get better soon</a>

India plans to build 11 emergency airstrips on its national highways

Human activities and their urban expansion are increasingly intruding upon wildlife habitats. This has forced animals into dangerous proximity with human infrastructure, resulting in a tragic surge of accidental deaths among animal populations. The situation is no different in Tamil Nadu, which has been grappling with the issue of <keyword id="21240191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elephant-deaths" source="keywords">elephant deaths</keyword> on and near its railway tracks. The southern state has recorded at least 36 fatalities from train collisions over the past decade. In response to this pressing issue, the state's high court mandated collaborative efforts between the forest department and railways to curb these incidents. To address this issue, Tamil Nadu has now sought help from the phenomenon that promises to change the world as we know it: <keyword id="19904566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence" source="keywords">artificial intelligence</keyword> (<keyword id="6355999" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI" source="Orion">AI</keyword>). Installing 12 towers equipped with advanced <keyword id="7885611" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-cameras" source="Orion">AI cameras</keyword> along two key rail tracks near Madukkarai, the state forest department aims to detect and prevent elephant-train collisions, particularly along routes intersecting the elephants' migratory paths. Each tower is outfitted with AI cameras capable of thermal and visible light imaging, comparable to those deployed by the Indian Army along the nation's borders. These cameras are programmed to detect elephants and humans near railway lines. When elephants are spotted within 100 feet of the tracks, alerts are swiftly relayed to forest and railway authorities, enabling them to mitigate risks by slowing down trains and guiding the animals away from harm's way. The project has been executed at a cost of ₹7.2 crore since its launch in February this year, Supriya Sahu, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, told the BBC. But the AI-based surveillance system has proved its worth by demonstrating promising results, detecting nearly 400 instances of elephants approaching railway tracks and facilitating timely interventions to prevent potential accidents. This proactive approach marks a significant improvement over traditional methods, such as regular patrols by forest personnel, which often proved inadequate in ensuring elephant safety. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, Tamil Nadu plans to expand the AI-based system to five additional vulnerable areas across the state, including Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Hosur and Gudalur. This strategic expansion underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding wildlife and mitigating <keyword id="20694291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-wildlife-conflicts" source="keywords">human-wildlife conflicts</keyword> through innovative technological solutions. Moreover, Tamil Nadu's adoption of AI technology reflects a broader trend in India, where initiatives like the Gajraj project — spearheaded by the federal railway ministry — aim to protect wildlife in elephant corridors across multiple states. By leveraging AI-based surveillance systems to monitor animal movements near railway tracks, these initiatives strive to prevent accidents and foster better coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Tamil Nadu is using army-grade AI surveillance to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, and it’s working!

<div type="image" title="One Planet Banner Test" height="138" width="1100" msid="108470190" hostid="261" sizebytes="5076"></div>When Robert Howey joined the US Navy right after high school, he didn't expect to return home anytime soon.Howey, now 30, grew up in northwestern Georgia near Dalton, a small city known as the "carpet capital of the world." If he'd stayed in the area, he likely would have pursued a career in the carpet industry."That's one of the reasons why I wanted to leave," Howey told Business Insider.Howey spent four years as an aerographer's mate analyzing the conditions above and below the ocean. But after being stationed in Japan during the Fukushima earthquake in 2016, he realized the military wasn't his long-term career.He missed home and moved back to Dalton, where a job in carpet manufacturing was indeed the best-paying option. That was until 2018, when Howey heard about a new company moving into Dalton. A local staffing agency was recruiting for Qcells, a solar-panel manufacturing company owned by the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group."I didn't even know what a solar panel was," Howey, now a master training coordinator at Qcells, said. "In the beginning, it was just about getting a job where I could grow. Now I believe in the mission of completely clean energy."Howey is among the 1,800 employees Qcells has hired since opening a solar assembly plant in 2019. The company finished an expansion in October, and it plans to open another factory in Cartersville, about an hour south of Dalton, to make smaller parts of solar panels, including ingots, wafers, and cells. Those parts are currently being imported from South Korea and Malaysia.<div type="image" title="An employee at Qcells inspects a solar panel on the factory floor." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108470191" hostid="261" sizebytes="1120990"></div>Qcells is part of a broader transformation of Georgia's economy into a renewable-energy manufacturing hub, accelerated by tax breaks in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/read-heres-whats-in-the-manchin-deal-for-bidens-agenda-2022-7">Inflation Reduction Act</a> that President Joe Biden signed in August 2022. Since then, more than $15 billion worth of investment has been announced in the state – the second-largest amount behind North Carolina, <a target="_blank" href="https://e2.org/announcements/">according to E2</a>, a nonpartisan business group that advocates climate policy. Most of the money is for new battery plants to supply Georgia's growing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/electric-vehicles-ev-industry-only-sector-meet-climate-goals-2023-11">electric-vehicle sector</a>, while about $2.6 billion is set to go toward solar manufacturing, led by Qcells. E2 has estimated the projects could create 15,400 jobs statewide.All the activity has made Georgia a key testing ground for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-laws-us-infrastructure-invest-funding-2024-3">Biden administration's promise</a> that tackling the climate crisis would create <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-jobs-career-grow-pay-well-high-salary-2024">good-paying jobs</a> and help reshore American manufacturing. Though companies have announced billions of dollars' worth of investments, efforts to build a domestic supply chain of solar panels and electric vehicles are still in their infancy and face stiff competition from China.<h2>Aggressive recruitment</h2>Experts in economic and workforce development say it's no accident this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-climate-manufacturing-work-best-places-georgia-carolinas-2024-1">manufacturing is taking off in Georgia</a>.Bob Keefe, the executive director of E2, said southeastern states view economic development as "a blood sport." Attracting new companies is a priority for leaders in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and the states typically offer generous tax breaks.Keefe added that land and labor in the Southeast tend to be more affordable, in part because few workers are unionized. Many workers are also already skilled in manufacturing.Beyond Qcells, the German auto-parts maker Gedia opened a factory in Dalton to supply the burgeoning EV industry in Georgia and the broader Southeast. In nearby Cartersville, two South Korean conglomerates, SK On and Hyundai, are building a battery plant to supply the electric vehicles Hyundai plans to assemble at a massive new complex in Savannah; both sites are expected to open in 2025. India's Rayzon Solar, which makes solar panels, chose Atlanta for its first US factory. SolarCycle, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-action-30-global-leaders-climate-solutions-2023-11#pablo-ribeiro-dias-cofounder-and-cto-solarcycle-19">which reclaims old solar panels</a> to make new ones, in February announced plans for a glass factory.<div type="image" title="SK On and Hyundai's battery factory under construction in Cartersville, Georgia." height="1660" width="3590" msid="108470192" hostid="261" sizebytes="324146"></div>Pat Wilson, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told BI that recruiting solar and electric-vehicle companies was strategic. Wilson said that on a trip to Germany his department organized with Gov. Brian Kemp shortly after he took office in 2019, executives they met with at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/porsche-unveils-mission-x-new-electric-hypercar-ev-electric-vehicle-2023-6">Porsche</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mercedes-benz-ev-2030-electric-car-market-trends-2024-2">Mercedes-Benz</a> talked at length about electric vehicles.Qcells had already selected Dalton for its new solar-panel factory by the time Kemp was elected. Wilson said that was partly because of Georgia's decadeslong business relationship with South Korea, where the state established an office in 1985.Wilson said he met with SK On's officials several times before it looked to open a battery factory in the Southeast. SK On opened two battery plants in Commerce, Georgia, in 2018 and hired some 3,000 workers, though it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/9453dc6b-be15-4a54-8e26-fffdc7a3c9eb">recently laid off</a> more than 100 employees as automakers slowed EV investments, the Financial Times reported.Beyond the ties to South Korean conglomerates, Georgia invests more than $100 million dollars a year in workforce training, budget documents show. A state-funded program known as Quick Start can be tailored to the technical skills companies are looking for and offered for free to workers. Georgia's network of 22 technical colleges also partners with local companies to prepare students for work.Heidi Popham, the president of Georgia Northwestern Technical College, said the state agency that oversees that network of technical colleges developed an electric-vehicle-technician certificate, given the massive growth of that industry. She expects her college will offer that certification soon."The students in our automotive-technician program that work on the vehicles will have to have those skills," Popham told BI.<h2>China looms large</h2>Georgia's strategy in recruitment and workforce development is only part of the reason for the boom in renewable-energy-technology companies.In 2018, President Donald Trump <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-solar-tariffs-solar-panels-thousands-of-job-losses-2018-1">slapped tariffs on imports</a> of solar panels and cells, with the goal of helping US manufacturers compete with cheaper imports from China and Southeast Asia. The tariffs were requested by two American companies, including Suniva, which had once been the fastest-growing solar company in the US before filing for bankruptcy protection in 2017.Foreign companies shipping to the US, including Hanwha, were forced to reevaluate their supply chains."We have factories in Korea and Malaysia that were impacted by that duty," said Scott Moskowitz, the director of strategy and market intelligence at Qcells. "The US was our largest market, and we had long wanted to build a factory here. But that trade policy jump-started us making the investment."Qcells' latest expansion plans were buoyed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The law authorized big tax credits for companies making renewable-energy technologies, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, in the US.Those subsidies could increase if companies use what's known as domestic content: components of those technologies that are also sourced from the US. The Treasury Department is still working on final guidance for which components would qualify. An initial draft covers solar modules and cells but not wafers and polysilicon. In February, a dozen senators, including Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/24.02.28_Sen.-Ossoff-Domestic-Content.pdf">asked the Biden administration</a> to include wafers and polysilicon to help reshore more of the solar-panel supply chain.That change would benefit Qcells. Its parent company, Hanwha, invested in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kedglobal.com/energy/newsView/ked202311160013">polysilicon factory in Washington state</a>, reviving operations after a nearly five-year hiatus.Moskowitz said that though the law has spurred the most investment in US manufacturing in decades, these renewable supply chains still face headwinds, primarily from China. He added that China had compensated for its cratering <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-economy-crash-real-estate-collapse-property-market-evergrande-bass-2024-2">real-estate sector</a> by rapidly investing in export-oriented manufacturing inside and outside its borders.According to BloombergNEF, China spent $676 billion on the green-energy transition in 2023, while the US spent $303 billion. The year prior, China spent $546 billion while the US spent $141 billion.As a result, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/renewable-energy-how-much-added-wind-solar-evs-2023-12">China dominates the renewable-energy supply chain</a>, from metals to polysilicon to solar components to batteries. The investment has also led to a global oversupply of solar panels and components that's sent prices plunging, and it's made <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-xi-jinping-crush-tesla-elon-musk-american-ev-industry-2024-2#:~:text=BYD%20eclipsed%20Tesla%20in%202023,on%20threats%20from%20Chinese%20automakers.">China a major player in the EV market</a>.While the US doesn't import solar panels directly from China, the Biden administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2023/08/department-commerce-issues-final-determination-circumvention-inquiries">last year determined</a> that certain Chinese companies were shipping products through Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. This allowed those companies to avoid tariffs, which the administration had waived for two years, through June 2024. According to S&amp;P Global, the US imported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/extreme-dependence-us-solar-panel-imports-boom-to-record-54-gw-in-2023-80448513">more than two-thirds of its solar panels</a> from Southeast Asia last year.The moves reflect the delicate balance the White House is trying to strike between meeting its climate and renewable-energy goals — which rely on imports — and bolstering a domestic manufacturing base.Moskowitz said that despite the difficult market conditions, Qcells was committed to its US expansion plans. The tax breaks in the Inflation Reduction Act are in effect for 10 years, which he said reduced some risk for the company. Qcells also has an eight-year supply deal with Microsoft, which is building out renewable-energy projects to power its operations.Once the Qcells factory in Cartersville is finished, the company said it will produce about 8.4 gigawatts of solar power capacity a year, or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.seia.org/us-solar-market-insight">about a fourth of what the US installed in 2023</a>.<h2>A new era in the carpet capital</h2>Qcells' arrival in Dalton marked a new era in Whitfield County, which was devastated by the Great Recession. The housing-bubble burst, rippled through the carpet industry, and cost the county <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailycitizen.news/news/local_news/carbondale-business-park-has-attracted-jobs-and-investment/article_3d4025a4-c81a-11ed-830d-e7ae46616883.html">more than 10,000 jobs.</a> The unemployment rate peaked at about 14% in early 2009 and the county's population, which had steadily grown for decades, plateaued. New housing construction halted.Carl Campbell, the executive director of the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority, said that while carpet makers like Shaw Industries and Mohawk Industries survived, <a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SMU13191403231400001">the industry never returned to prerecession employment levels</a> because of consolidation and automation.The decline led economic-development officials to try to diversify businesses in the area. Campbell said the local workforce already valued manufacturing because of the community's long history in carpet. This — combined with Dalton's proximity to Interstate 75, a freight-rail depot, and a generous 10-year property-tax abatement — helped close the deal with Qcells.Since Qcells opened its doors in 2019, Whitfield County's population has slowly started increasing, but not nearly as fast as Georgia's overall population, which grew by 1.7% between 2020 and 2022.Jevin Jensen, the chairman of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, said part of the problem is a lack of housing. Each day, Jensen said, 30,000 people come to the county for work and then leave to go home."Surely some of those people want to live here but can't find a place they like or a place that's new," Jensen told BI. "We haven't had any new apartments in 20 years."<div type="image" title="Local residents stand outside Dalton Station, a new apartment complex in Dalton, Georgia." height="2841" width="3024" msid="108470193" hostid="261" sizebytes="694042"></div>But a lot can change in a year. Jensen said Dalton would have 1,200 new apartments by the end of 2024. In early February, he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a chic new studio-apartment complex that's close to downtown and designed to appeal to young professionals. Amenities include a gym, a common area with a pool table, and cornhole on the patio.Afterward, Jensen gave BI a driving tour of three other developments around Dalton, including a multifamily apartment complex at an old jail site."The younger generation doesn't want to spend time on a remodel," Jensen said. "They want move-in-ready, mixed-use, with retail and restaurants in one area. We had nothing like that for young professionals."Howey, the Qcells employee, lives about 30 minutes outside the city, in Calhoun. He's noticed the new housing popping up in the area, along with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/real-estate-investors-ev-truck-electric-charging-stations-2023-10">EV chargers.</a> When he sees solar panels atop the chargers, he feels pride in his job."We are helping power our vehicles and homes in a way that isn't going to kill our planet," Howey said.He's also a father to two stepchildren — he said he's glad they'll have more job opportunities than he did when he graduated."I think the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-panel-industry-electricity-generation-us-eia-tariff-prices-trade-2024-2">solar industry</a> has created a whole new atmosphere in the area," he said, "where people want to come here to succeed and move forward."This article is part of "<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/the-great-transition">The Great Transition</a>," a series covering the big changes across industries that are leading to a more sustainable future. For more climate-action news, visit BI's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/one-planet">One Planet</a> hub.

How Georgia became America's green-manufacturing capital 

How 1880s technology allowed Nellie Bly and her competitor to break the record for the fastest trip around the world

POSCO and the <keyword id="6367820" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adani-group" source="Orion">Adani Group</keyword> have agreed to explore business cooperation opportunities, including the establishment of a green, environment-friendly Integrated Steel Mill at Mundra, Gujarat, as well as other businesses. The investment is estimated to be up to USD 5 billion. The non-binding MoU signed between POSCO and Adani intends to further collaborate at the group business level in various industries such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and logistics in response to carbon reduction requirements. Both parties are examining various options to cooperate and leverage the technical, financial, and operational strengths of each company. The collaboration includes evaluating a joint Integrated Steel Mill at Mundra, Gujarat, based on POSCO's state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge R&amp;D capability. POSCO and Adani intend to utilize renewable energy resources and green hydrogen, in line with both partners' ESG commitments to sustainability and energy efficiency. Jeong-woo Choi, the CEO of POSCO, said, "POSCO and Adani are able to come to great synergy in the steel and environment-friendly business with POSCO's state-of-the-art technology in steel making and Adani's expertise in energy and infrastructure. I hope this cooperation will be a good and sustainable business cooperation model between India and South Korea." The Adani Group, founded in 1988, is the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified businesses in India with interests in Logistics (seaports, airports, shipping and rail), Resources, Power Generation and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Gas and Infrastructure, and other sectors. Adani has recently announced a massive investment plan to become the world's largest renewable energy company and produce green hydrogen in the future. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, said, "We are very pleased to announce the partnership with POSCO, the world's most efficient and advanced steel manufacturer, in steel production and carbon reduction. This partnership will contribute to the growth of India's manufacturing industry and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme championed by the Government of India. It will also help to strengthen nIndia's standing in green businesses." POSCO runs POSCO-Maharashtra, a 1.8-million-ton cold-rolled and galvanized mill regarded as the most advanced automotive steel supplier in India, and four processing centres in Pune, Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad. It is anticipated that this business cooperation between POSCO and Adani will bring dominant partnership synergy in the Indian steel industry. POSCO and Adani have also signed a MoU with the Government of Gujarat for support and cooperation from the Government for the collaboration. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/zomato-offers-12-lakh-insurance-grant-to-family-of-delivery-executive-killed-in-a-road-accident/articleshow/88874578.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Zomato employees will contribute ₹12 lakh to the family of delivery partner who was killed in a road accident</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/swiggy-will-deliver-stuff-on-tvs-motors-electric-scooters-following-footsteps-of-zomato-amazon-and-flipkart/articleshow/88872404.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Swiggy will deliver stuff on TVS Motors’ electric scooters</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/tcs-vs-infosys-vs-wipro-how-indias-three-it-giants-stack-up-against-each-other/slidelist/88860676.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">TCS vs Infosys vs Wipro Q3 results – here’s how India’s three IT giants stack up against each other</a>

South Korea's POSCO and Adani will spend $5 billion to set up an integrated steel mill together

The <keyword id="6355455" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-railways">Indian Railways</keyword> has received a lot of flak not only from passengers but also from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that lashed out at it for failing to meet the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/now-cag-criticises-indian-railways-over-dirty-linen-blankets-and-pillows/story-g9UMcL4c4qll5PwYrpbwbJ.html">basic hygiene standards</a> and highlighted critical safety <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-after-andheri-rob-collapse-audit-reports-of-overbridges-come-into-limelight-2633028">flaws</a> in the <keyword id="17408" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="infrastructure">infrastructure</keyword>. And while there are numerous examples of how the railways is trying to spruce things up a bit and get their act together, fact is, apart from the relatively lighter changes like placing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-railways-is-going-to-live-stream-its-kitchens-to-the-world-to-ensure-transparency/articleshow/64600841.cms">cameras in kitchens</a> and acquiring <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/blankets-provided-on-trains-by-indian-railways-will-soon-be-fresher-and-cleaner/articleshow/64764828.cms">blankets</a> that can be washed twice a month, the railways is engaged in some heavy duty changes that are geared towards safety, convenience and basic timeliness of the <keyword id="6360847" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="trains">trains</keyword>. According to a report by the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/how-aging-creaking-crumbling-railways-is-getting-a-new-life/articleshow/64852991.cms">Economic Times</a>, here are ten key changes the Indian Railways is currently indulging in. <ol><li>Eliminating unmanned railway crossings: A little over two months after the unfortunate <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/kushinagar-accident-14-children-killed-as-train-hits-school-bus-at-railway-crossing-1729955.html">Kushinagar train accident</a> when a train rammed into a school van killing 14 children at an unmanned railway crossing (UMLC), the railways is aggressively working on eliminating all unmanned railway crossings. To achieve this it has given itself a deadline of 31 March 2020. In fact, the railways has already <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/railways-eliminates-all-unmanned-level-crossings-from-4-zones-5239251/">eliminated</a> all UMLCs in four zones on <keyword id="409555" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="broad-gauge">broad gauge</keyword> routes in July — West Central Railway, Central Railway, Eastern Railway and South East Central Railway — and is well on its way to eliminating unmanned level crossings in 11 zones by September 2018. <div type="image" title="pexels-photo-892541." tempid="406286" msid="64859688" hostid="261"></div>

 </li><li>Giving old, worn-out tracks an upgrade: A <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/586-train-accidents-in-last-5-years-53-due-to-derailments/articleshow/60141578.cms">Times of India</a> report in October 2017 claimed that almost 53% of the 586 train accidents in the last five years were due to derailments. And ageing and/or defective railways tracks is one of the primary causes of derailments. Therefore, the railways has boosted its efforts to replace its ageing tracks and repair defective ones. In fact, the railways claim that there is a 50% increase in rail track renewal from 2,926 kilometres in 2013-14 to 4,405 kilometres in 2017-18. </li><li>Construction of foot-over-bridges: In September 2017, a stampede at <keyword id="6358070" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai">Mumbai</keyword>’s Elphinstone Railway Station foot-over-bridge claimed 22 lives. The cause of the stampede is not clear but it is quite apparent that the bridge was too narrow and clearly not sufficient to handle the daily footfall of the station. In fact, a <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/sep/29/mumbai-elphinstone-station-stampede-railways-ignored-warning-that-its-foot-over-bridges-are-narrow-1664659.html">CAG report in 2006</a> had flagged that the railways had reduced the width of the bridges and stated that foot-over-bridges should be at least 6 m width at all suburban railway platforms. However, now the railways claims that they have managed to up its game and has constructed 74 bridges per year between 2014-18 which is a 221% jump from 23 per year during 2009-14. </li><li>Device to guide train drivers through fog: Come winters, rail travel becomes a massive nightmare. Lack of visibility thanks to extreme fog inevitably leads to delays and accidents. But in December 2017, the national transporter installed <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/dec/12/indian-railways-to-use-gps-enabled-devices-to-fight-fog-this-season-1725490.html">4,920 GPS-enabled FOG PASS devices</a> to help loco pilots navigate through the fog. The gadget displays a map of tracks, signals, stations and level crossings and alerts drivers of approaching signals 500 meters ahead, which in turn helps the driver increase or decrease the speed of the train. Believe it or not, before these devices, the common practice to alert drivers was to tie <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Railways-tie-crackers-to-beat-fog/articleshow/45526196.cms">crackers</a> to the tracks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="vignesh-moorthy-419909-unsplash" msid="64859532" hostid="261"></div>

















 Photo by : <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/n9dBt4g2Ss4?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Vignesh Moorthy</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/search/photos/india?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash </a><a href="https://unsplash.com/search/photos/india?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText"></a></li><li>Improved signalling system: In order to eradicate outdated manual signalling, the government pumped in a whopping ₹12990 million to modernise the system. This new automated signalling system aims to enhance safety and speed up train movement in a congested network. Apart from this, the railways intends to provide electronic interlocking systems, introduce European Train Control System technology and mobile train radio communication systems as a part of its five-year upgradation agenda. </li><li>Waterproof engines: Heavy rainfall has historically added to the woes of Indian commuters. Waterlogging not only on roads but also on railway tracks lead to delays and brings cities like Mumbai to a standstill. However, the Indian Railways plans to remedy the issue by introducing waterproof locomotive engines to basically tow stranded trains that. Four inches of water can bring a standard train engine to a standstill, however, these <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/take-a-look-at-indian-railways-waterproof-engine-than-can-haul-rakes-stranded-in-rains/saviour-engine/slideshow/64573538.cms">new engines</a> are equipped to operate in 12 inches of water. </li><li>Measure to make purchasing tickets easier: To nudge people towards a cashless system, the national transporter has installed 9,100 point of sale (POS) machines at about 4,000 locations including rail ticket counters. </li><li>Station facelift: The railways plans to spruce up major railway stations big time. The revamped stations will ape modern airports and will therefore include modern facilities like escalators, lifts, subways, ramps, AC VIP lounge, AC waiting room and rest rooms and shopping malls. Apart from this, the stations will will be beautified with local artworks.</li><li>Cleanliness: In order to implement the Swachh Railways mission, the railways has introduced mechanised cleaning system at 488 stations and has started using an automatic rail-mounted machine to keep its tracks at platforms clean. And to keep a check on freelance housekeeping contractors, passengers will be asked to rate the cleanliness based on which the contractor will be paid.</li><li>Increasing rail connectivity: The Prime Minister’s ‘Act East Policy’ has given a much-required boost to the infrastructural development in northeast India. The first priority was to convert the entire North East rail network to a broad gauge system which it aims to do by 2020.</li></ol>

Indian Railways is planning a major overhaul: Here's what's in store

<keyword id="86868" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russian-Railways">Russian Railways</keyword> is helping India's national transporter increase the speed of its passenger trains up to 200 km per hour, according to a news agency reporter. 
 Russian Railways is at present collaborating with Indian Railways on a 575-km stretch between Nagpur and <keyword id="6354398" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Secunderabad">Secunderabad</keyword> and submitted a preliminary report last week. 
 
To reach the desired speed limit, Russian Railways has proposed several technical and technological solutions, including reconstruction of railway alignment as well as treating the earth bed where there are speed restrictions. 
 
Since Indian Railways doesn't have coaches that can move with a speed of 200 km per hour, a new type of passenger cars needs to be approved as well. 
 
It has, however, expressed concern over "a number of large bridges with speed limits" on this particular stretch and has recommended a detailed survey of all these structures on the basis of which measures for reconstruction/repair will be taken up. 
 
It has also been pointed out that railroad switches, which enables trains to shift from one track to another, at stations on this stretch are not suitable for a speed of 200 km per hour and a different type of switch has been recommended. 
 
A digital technological communication network for the entire section, instead of the existing radio communication, was also proposed. 
A high-speed rail network will also require safety measures for pedestrians and motor vehicles at rail crossings. Keeping this in mind, overpasses, anti-collision and anti-ram barriers as well as automatic alarm systems have been suggested. 
 
A protective fencing along the length of the rail track was mooted in order to prevent accidents with people and animals on the track. 
The Russian Railways also suggested noise shields for tracks near residential areas. 
 
A protocol for this project was signed between the railway ministries of the two countries in October last year. 
 
The high-speed project will be jointly financed and the cost will be split equally between the two countries. 
 Currently, the fastest train in India is <keyword id="2554463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gatimaan-Express">Gatimaan Express</keyword> with top speed of 160 km per hour.

Indian Railways to increase the speed of its passenger
trains up to 200 km per hour, thanks to Russia

(Eds: Combining related stories) New Delhi, May 1 () India will now be under lockdown till May 17 with a complete ban on air travel, trains and inter-state road transport for the general public while educational institutions, theatres, malls, hotels and bars will also remain shut, the government announced on Friday but gave some relaxations for various business activities and people's movement within areas with limited or no COVID-19 cases. The decision to extend the lockdown by two more weeks after May 3, when the second phase of these restrictions was scheduled to end, came amid a continuous rise in the number of people testing positive for the deadly virus infection across various states, including in major metropolitans, with the nationwide tally crossing 35,000. The death toll has crossed 1,100. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown from May 25, which was later extended by two more weeks to contain the virus spread. However, several experts have cautioned that the lockdown is severely impacting economy and many rating agencies and industry bodies have forecast a sharp dip in the country's economic growth rate for the current fiscal with a few even estimating an overall GDP decline. All major urban centres including Delhi and Mumbai have been identified as 'red zones' or areas with large numbers of cases and therefore not much relaxations would be applicable to them beyond already permitted ones for those involved in essential services. Special trains also began operating during the day, which also happened to be the Labour Day, to help lakhs of migrant workers stranded for over a month at various urban centres due to the lockdown with many of them having rendered jobless and homeless, reach their native places, including in different states. Separately, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat announced at a special press brieing, along with the three service chiefs, that the armed forces will express their gratitude to all "corona warriors" on Sunday by conducting fly-pasts, showering petals on hospitals treating COVID-19 patients and illuminating naval vessels. Besides, the Army will conduct mountain band displays along some COVID-19 hospitals in almost every district. Rawat also said it is not proper to conclude that the novel coronavirus outbreak is a result of biological warfare. US President Donald Trump had earlier said that the deadly virus originated from a virology lab in China's Wuhan city before it spread across the world and claimed over 233,000 lives and shattered global economies. But Trump's comments undercut a rare public statement from his own intelligence community, which stated no such assessment has been made by them whether the COVID-19 outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan. While several countries including Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria and various states of the US have begun easing their respective lockdowns, India has decided to implement the third phase of its own lockdown, while providing specific relaxations to less affected and 'virus-free' areas by classifying districts and cities into red, orange and green zones. But, some activities will remain prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone, and these include air travel, rail, metro and inter-state movement by road, running of schools, colleges, and other educational and training hospitality services, cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes, as per an order issued by the Union Home Ministry. All social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings and religious places or places of worship for public will also remain shut, the order said. Outside the containment zone falling within red zones, certain more activities are prohibited in addition to those banned throughout the country and these include plying of cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, running of taxis and cab aggregators, intra-district and inter-district plying of buses, as also barber shops, spas and saloons. Activities allowed in red zones with restrictions would include movement of individuals and vehicles for permitted activities, with a maximum of two persons (besides the driver) in four-wheelers and with no pillion rider in two-wheelers. Industrial establishments in urban areas including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), industrial estates and industrial townships with access control have been permitted. Construction activities in urban areas will be limited to in-situ construction (where workers are available on site and no workers are required to be brought in from outside) and construction of renewable energy projects. Shops in urban areas, for non-essential goods, are not allowed in malls, markets and market complexes. However, all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are permitted to remain open in urban areas, without any distinction of essential and non-essential. E-Commerce activities in red zones are permitted only for essential goods. Private offices can operate with up to 33 per cent strength as per requirement, with the remaining persons working from home. All government offices can function with senior officers of the level of Deputy Secretary and above at full strength, and up to one-third of remaining staff. Commercial and private establishments allowed in red zones include print and electronic media, IT and IT enabled services, data and call centres, cold storage and warehousing services, private security and facility management services, and services provided by self-employed persons, except for barbers. In orange zones, taxis and cab aggregators will also be permitted with one driver and one passenger only, while inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles will be allowed for permitted activities only. Four-wheeler vehicles will have maximum two passengers besides the driver and pillion riding will be allowed on two-wheelers. In green zones, all activities are permitted except those prohibited throughout the country irrespective of the zone. However buses and bus depots can operate with maximum 50 per cent capacity. Earlier in the day, the Union Health Ministry listed 130 districts in the country in red zone, 284 in orange zone and 319 in green zone. This classification of districts is to be followed by states and UTs till May 10 and the will be revised on a weekly basis or earlier if required, Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have been designated as red zones in the new classification. A district will be considered under green zone if there has been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far or there is no reported case since last 21 days in the district. Red zone districts are those considered to be infection 'hotspots', decided on the basis of number of active cases, doubling rate of confirmed cases and extent of testing and surveillance feedback. Districts which are neither defined as a red or green zone, would be considered as an orange zone. The Health Ministry also said India has ramped up production of COVID-19 protective gears and medical equipment to reduce its dependence on foreign countries for these items which are in high demand globally due to the pandemic. In its evening update, the Ministry said the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 35,365 with 1,152 deaths, while 9,065 people have so far recovered. ACB SKL MPB ASK PLB BJBJ

You Searched For "rail accidents india" and got 12 results

Bengaluru metro rail on track to complete 175 km of commute by June 2025: BMRCL MD

IANS

Soon, India won’t have world’s highest number of road accidents as Rs 2,000 crore are being pumped in to make roads safer

BI India Bureau

Indian Railways to build a 3,000 km safety fence to guard people and prevent accidents

BI India Bureau

Railways Budget 2021: Faster trains, higher funding and support for green railways — here’s what’s on the experts’ checklist

Navdeep Yadav

India plans to build 11 emergency airstrips on its national highways

BI India Bureau

Tamil Nadu is using army-grade AI surveillance to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks, and it’s working!

Kunal Kambli

How Georgia became America's green-manufacturing capital

Catherine Boudreau

How 1880s technology allowed Nellie Bly and her competitor to break the record for the fastest trip around the world

Jenny McGrath

South Korea's POSCO and Adani will spend $5 billion to set up an integrated steel mill together

IANS

Indian Railways is planning a major overhaul: Here's what's in store

Kavita Majumdar

Indian Railways to increase the speed of its passenger trains up to 200 km per hour, thanks to Russia

BI India Bureau

COVID-19: Lockdown extended for two more weeks; 'Considerable relaxations' for safer zones

PTI

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