While sharing the update, Fadnavis expressed gratitude on behalf of the state’s Ganeshotsav devotees to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the move
The additional 367 train services will ensure smooth travel and provide great relief to devotees across Maharashtra, said Fadnavis. Representational pic
In a boost for Ganpati devotees, the Indian Railways has announced plans to run 367 additional trains this year to facilitate travel across the Konkan region and other parts of Maharashtra for the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while sharing the update, expressed gratitude on behalf of the state’s Ganpati devotees to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnaw for the decision.
Ahead of the festival, the Maharashtra government had requested the Centre and Indian Railways to ensure additional trains for the convenience of Ganesh devotees travelling to their hometowns and the Konkan region. Responding to the request, the Railways has scheduled these extra services over the festival period.
“Mumbaikars with roots in Konkan, as well as other residents of the state, travel in large numbers during Ganeshotsav. The additional 367 train services will ensure smooth travel and provide great relief to devotees across Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said while addressing the media.
Promote Operation Sindoor, Swadeshi at Ganesh pandals: Maharashtra CM
As the Opposition continues to question Operation Sindoor and the latest tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump, the BJP-led Maharashtra government plans to use the upcoming Ganesh festival to explain its side to people and encourage the use of Indian made products. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged public Ganpati mandals to showcase India’s military success in Operation Sindoor and promote the use of Swadeshi goods during the festival celebrations that commence on July 7.
The Opposition has been taking a dig at the Central government, accusing it of hiding facts about Operation Sindoor, and also slamming it over the high tariffs imposed by the US on India for doing business with Russia. Despite the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi often citing good relations with the US, the high taxes have become a talking point and ammunition for the Opposition. Meanwhile, Modi has called for an increase in the use of Swadeshi products as a solution to the US move.
Taking a cue from this development, Fadnavis has urged the Ganpati mandals to explain India’s stand and give a message to citizens through ‘Operation Sindoor’ and ‘Swadeshi’ themes during the festival. The suggestion was given during the law and order review meeting held on Wednesday at Sahyadri Guest House at Malabar Hill. Besides, Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and senior police and BMC officials were present for the meeting, along with members of the Ganesh festival celebration committees. Fadnavis, who also heads the home department, urged organisers to follow the rules and instructions from the police to ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival.
The CM even announced some relief to idol makers. “Idol makers will get permission for five years, but with a condition to renew the licence every year through the municipal one-window system,” he said. As immersion of PoP idols that are six feet in height and taller has been allowed this year, on the condition that immersions will take place in the deep sea, the CM directed the municipal administration to ensure enough boats are made available for the same. “For idols below six feet, the BMC has been asked to increase the number of artificial lakes provided by the corporation,” he said. As for requests by mandalas to extend the time limit to use loudspeakers, Fadnavis claimed that the government would seek court approval for an extension.
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