Ahmedabad’s popular Kankaria Lake is set to welcome two new Made-in-India toy trains, with trial runs successfully completed. The trains are expected to be opened to visitors during the Diwali festivities, subject to the completion of pending formalities.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has purchased the two indigenous trains for Rs 3.59 crore, significantly lower than the Rs 8 crore spent on importing the earlier train, popularly known as Atal Express, which began operations at Kankaria in 2008.
According to Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, police verification and other formalities are currently pending. The trains are expected to begin operations during Diwali.
Contractor to Pay Rs 30 Lakh Each to Families of Sola STP Victims
The contractor responsible for work at the Sola Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), where two workers died in an accident, has agreed to pay Rs 30 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The contractor has also assured responsibility for the education of the children in both families.
Patel said that a police investigation into the incident was underway. Preliminary findings indicate that the contractor was responsible for the work until its completion.
The investigation will also examine whether adequate safety equipment was provided to the workers and whether it was used properly. Separately, the AMC has issued a notice imposing a penalty of Rs 50 lakh on the contractor.
Fire Brigade and Municipal Hospitals on Alert for Diwali
The AMC has put the fire brigade on alert ahead of Diwali, directing personnel to remain on standby to respond to fire-related emergencies.
Municipal hospitals will also ensure the availability of medical staff to handle emergencies and other untoward incidents during the festive period.
Patel said these arrangements have been made to ensure a prompt response from emergency services during the celebrations.
The AMC has also instructed its civic teams to clear roads of firecracker waste during the night itself, rather than allowing debris to accumulate on streets until the following morning.