Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India's Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project in troubled waters

INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project has met with hurdles ranging from political controversies to local protest regarding land acquisition.

In the latest development, Farmers from over two dozen villages in Gujarat's Navsari district opposed land acquisition and prevented officials from measuring farm plots.


According to reports, a protest started in Parthan and four other villages and those opposing the land survey were joined by representatives from 23 other areas.

Farm leader Siddharth Desai said that land in these areas was surveyed a year ago but no compensation was awarded so far.

He pointed out that they were told to give the amount in two months.

Government officials said that “villagers opposed the survey but the process is continuing”.

The high-speed line is being built with Japanese loans and technology. The foundation stone was laid on September 14, 2017, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

Of the 508.17-km-long high-speed rail corridor, 155.76 km will be in Maharashtra, 348.04 km in Gujarat and 4.3 km in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Political debate

Meanwhile, a political debate emerged in India over the project.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray likened the multi-crore train project to a "white elephant", and said a decision on its implementation will be taken after he is convinced it will boost industrial development of the state.

He said there should be a “comprehensive discussion” on the viability of the project, which has faced stiff opposition from farmers and tribals whose lands are to be acquired.

Reacting to Thackeray’s comment, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said the proposed Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train is a project of national importance and not of any state.

He justified that Gujarat shares a special bond with Mumbai as thousands of people travel for business between Ahmedabad and India's financial capital.

More For You

UK Tourism Growth Hit by Government Policies, Says Travel Body

UK remained one of the world’s most‑visited countries

Getty

Travel body blames government for harming UK tourism growth

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has accused the UK government of “sabotaging” the country’s tourism sector after international visitor spending fell by over £2 billion in 2024 compared with pre‑pandemic levels. In a new WTTC study, visitors to the UK spent £40.3 billion last year—a 5.3 per cent decline on the £42.6 billion recorded in 2019.

The WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, said ministers had made “deliberate policy choices” that erected “barriers to travel” and discouraged high‑value tourists. Policies cited include the removal of tax‑free shopping, rising air passenger duty (APD) rates and the introduction—and subsequent fee increase—of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme for non‑UK nationals.

Keep ReadingShow less
pope-francis-getty

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key moments in the life of Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS, who has died at the age of 88, led the Catholic Church through a period of reform, challenge, and global engagement.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mohammed Shaheeb,

Shaheeb, who was already banned from driving until March 2027, was arrested at the scene. (Photo: West Midlands Police)

West Midlands Police

Man jailed for ramming police vehicles in Birmingham

A MAN has been jailed for 22 weeks after ramming three police vehicles and a civilian car while trying to flee from officers in Birmingham.

Mohammed Shaheeb, 39, was spotted apparently asleep in a parked VW Scirocco with tape over part of the number plate on Montpellier Street on 5 October last year.

Keep ReadingShow less
vaisakhi

The family-friendly event also included a funfair with children's rides and games

iStock

Smethwick comes alive with colour and culture for Vaisakhi celebrations

Smethwick High Street was transformed into a lively hub of colour, music and community spirit as thousands gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar.

Organised by the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, the event took place on Sunday, 11 May 2025, from 10am to 7pm, covering both the High Street and Victoria Park. The celebration marked the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a central event in Sikh history.

Keep ReadingShow less
kashmir attack

Indian police officers stand guard at a check point following an attack, near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Reuters

Gunmen open fire on tourists in Indian Kashmir, at least 24 dead

AT LEAST 24 people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on tourists, a senior police officer told AFP. Authorities said it was the worst attack on civilians in years.

The shooting took place in Pahalgam, a popular summer tourist destination around 90 kilometres from Srinagar. A senior police officer in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the death toll.

Keep ReadingShow less