Activists Push Rail Link Between Mysuru and Goa

25 Jul 2025 CW Team

Railway activists and citizen groups are pressing for the extension of the SMVT Bengaluru–Murdeshwar Express (Train No. 16585/16586) via Mysuru to Vasco Da Gama in Goa—a demand pending for years.

The proposed 180-km extension aims to link Mysuru, a historic tourist destination, with Goa, known for its beaches, creating a vital tourist and regional transit corridor. Advocates highlight that the extension would not require a new train rake, making it cost-effective and operationally feasible.

Yogendra of Mysuru argues that the train could restore connectivity to Karwar, previously served by the now-cancelled Karwar–Bengaluru Express via Mysuru. Stakeholders claim that despite support from South Western and Konkan Railways, the Railway Board is yet to release an official notification.

MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar raised the issue with the Railway Minister in November 2024, citing consensus reached at the IRTTC meeting in April 2024.

Activist Gautam Shetty revealed that an RTI reply dated 10 July 2025 confirmed zonal railway consent, with final clearance pending from the Railway Board. The delay, activists say, is impeding tourism and regional connectivity.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..