Latest news with #CRRI
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
For Rajputana Rifles soldiers crossing dirty drain, Bailey bridge could be timegap answer
New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked authorities to furnish the final plan on the construction of a foot overbridge (FOB) for Rajputana Rifles soldiers who had to cross a putrid drain to reach the training and parade ground at Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, located in Delhi Cantt. A bench of justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora was reviewing progress in a case it took suo motu cognizance on the basis of a news report that said soldiers had to face a "smelly trail" from their barracks to the ground. The court asked Public Works Department (PWD), traffic police and Delhi Cantonment Board to conduct a joint meeting to finalise the construction of the FOB, seeking a report on its design, budget and timeline. HC pointed out that despite having been approved earlier, the structure was yet to be constructed. Meanwhile, a joint survey by Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) and Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), whose findings were presented in HC, ruled out the installation of a pedestrian signal on Ring Road near the training yard, deeming it "unfeasible." Instead, it recommended constructing a Bailey bridge as a temporary solution till a permanent FOB can be constructed at the site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The survey was held following a May 30 hearing in HC, during which PWD proposed a traffic signal as an interim measure. "Based on the findings, the installation of a pedestrian signal at the location is not advisable. This stretch of Ring Road is a high-speed, signal-free corridor with a horizontal curve. Bringing foot traffic onto it would lead to congestion and pose grave safety risks. Further, as a temporary solution, a Bailey bridge is recommended in the report," said DCP Traffic (New Delhi) Rajeev Kumar. The report said at least 1,500 soldiers use the informal pathway on an average daily, with a peak flow of 400-500 at any instant during the morning, afternoon and evening hours. It pointed out that the proposed interim arrangement, in the form of a grade crossing facility with a pedestrian signal, would entail huge congestion on Ring Road in both directions of travel. The entire stretch is signal-free with flyovers, and the sudden introduction of an at-grade crossing facility, especially on the horizontal curve of the road, would have serious safety implications, it added. "Until a permanent FOB is constructed, a temporary arrangement in the form of a Bailey bridge crossing can be constructed as a stopgap safer arrangement by availing the services of the concerned unit of our Army… Such a facility was created by our Army within a week during the Commonwealth Games 2010 as a contingency measure," the report stated. Aditya Tanwar, president of Rashtrawadi Yuva Sangh Delhi, said, "We first raised the issue after observing this on our route. We then involved CRRI and tried to fix it, but nothing happened. Finally, the court hearings started in May. Hopefully, a resolution will be brought." According to CRRI scientist S Velumurgan, "It has been on CRRI's notice since Nov last year. Considering the prevailing conditions at the site and inadequate facilities for the soldiers, an FOB is fully justified. We have been advocating it for a long time now. The alternative, which is the at-grade pedestrian signal crossing, was ruled out due to unsafe environs for the soldiers as well as a possible pile-up of Ring Road traffic. " HC had last month also asked PWD if the culvert can be cleaned and some landscaping done there. "The soldiers are required to pass through this culvert four times a day. The drain is stated to be flooded and is slick with sludge and sometimes near waist-deep in places," it noted, terming it an "unacceptable situation". HC's intervention came while dealing with a batch of petitions where it is monitoring steps being taken to prevent a repeat of what the capital saw during monsoon last year — flooding of roads, homes and lawyers' offices due to clogged stormwater and sewage drains. The special bench has been issuing directions from time to time for cleaning of drains in Delhi and removal of encroachments that block smooth flow of stormwater to the Yamuna. HC has also pushed Delhi Jal Board to improve functioning of sewage treatment plants (STPs). It has ordered installation of flow meters at discharge points in all 37 STPs to prevent dirty water being released into the river.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
Highway Slope Collapse on NH-66 in Kerala: What Happened and What's Next
On 16 June 2025, a geotechnical failure involving the collapse of slope protection systems was observed along the Chengala–Neeleshwaram segment of National Highway-66 (NH-66). The collapse was specifically seen in the Cherkkala region of Kasaragod district, Kerala. Preliminary analysis indicates that the failure resulted from deficiencies in geotechnical design, substandard slope stabilization measures, and an inefficient surface and subsurface drainage system. The implementing agency, M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., serving as the concessionaire under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), has been disqualified from participating in subsequent infrastructure tenders. This action was taken in response to their non-compliance with slope protection standards and the absence of an effective hydrological management strategy. A Show Cause Notice has been issued, proposing a one-year debarment and imposition of a monetary penalty up to ₹9 crore under relevant contractual and regulatory provisions. As per the HAM agreement, the concessionaire is obligated to maintain and operate the highway section for a 15-year period. Consequently, the remediation and reconstruction of the failed slope protection infrastructure will be executed at the concessionaire's own expense. In response to the incident, an interdisciplinary expert committee has been constituted. This panel includes a senior scientist from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a retired faculty member from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, and specialists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The committee has been mandated to conduct an in-situ investigation, assess the engineering design parameters, and propose evidence-based remedial and preventive measures in alignment with contemporary geotechnical and hydrological engineering standards. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is actively undertaking all necessary interventions to ensure risk mitigation, engineering compliance, and long-term slope stability across vulnerable sections of NH-66.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Death trap disguised as safety gear: Close to 70% of helmets sold in capital are fake
Across the capital, it's a familiar sight: helmets, many times non-certified ones, hanging from the handlebars, stuffed into storage compartments or balanced on heads with unfastened straps. It's only when riders spot a uniform in the distance that the helmets are pulled out. But this could be too late and too loose. Between Jan and April, as many as 1,89,015 challans were issued and 62,863 notices were issued for violations caught by cameras. Fatal accidents in Delhi involving two-wheelers surged from 441 in 2020 to 611 in 2024. These issues, once seen as minor infractions, were brought to the forefront at the National Summit on Road Safety, in collaboration with TRAX and CRRI, supported by helmet company Steelbird, on Thursday. At the event, two helmets — one BIS-certified, manufactured by a private company, and another a counterfeit headwear — were subjected to a series of impact, durability, and retention tests by a reputed private manufacturer. The result was telling. The certified helmet retained its shape and withstood all pressure tests. The fake one crumpled almost immediately, and its protective core shattered. The takeaway couldn't be clearer: a fake helmet is a death trap disguised as safety gear. Experts at the summit were unanimous: helmets save lives but only when they're authentic and worn correctly. So why is the problem so persistent? Prof Manoranjan Parida, director, CSIR-CRRI, speculating why people don't wear a helmet or wear the wrong types, said, "Over 70% of helmets sold in the city are fake. Enforcement must be strict, not just for riders but for sellers and manufacturers too. You can even find fake helmets being sold right outside CRRI." Parida also pointed to a deeper cultural issue. "There's still a lack of awareness, especially among the youth," he said. "Mainstream films and advertisements often glamorise unsafe riding. That needs to change. Just like we now add warnings to smoking ads, we must push for responsible portrayal of road safety too." Rajiv Kapur, managing director, Steelbird Hi-Tech, didn't mince words. "Delhi-NCR is flooded with fake helmets. Some of these are even sold by licensed outlets. They are cheap and manufactured with zero regard for safety standards. Making a good helmet isn't easy — it involves engineering, materials, testing. This sale of fake helmets must be stopped." Echoing the call for action, Mitra Sen Verma, director, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), urged citizens to take part in the solution. "If you spot a fake helmet, report it. We act on every complaint we receive," she assured. Meanwhile, Amit Bharadwaj of NITI Aayog urged a broader view of road safety data. "Back in 2010, India had just around 17,000km of national highways. Today, that's gone up to over 1.4 lakh km, with 50 lakh km of rural roads. The number of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, has similarly surged," said Bharadwaj. "So while absolute fatality numbers may seem high, they should be seen in proportion to the rapid expansion in road length and vehicle population." Design innovations or tech use can also play a role in mitigating the situation, said Bharadwaj. "Most two-wheelers don't have space to store helmets, which discourages regular use. Built-in storage can be part of the solution. But this isn't a one-department job. Engineering, manufacturing, education, enforcement all need to align. A whole-of-govt approach is necessary," he said. But Maharaj Singh, consultant, Union road transport and highways ministry, pointed out that the problem still circled back to one necessity: enforcement. "As long as fake helmets are being sold on footpaths without consequence, this crisis will continue. We must stop it at the source," he emphasised. There were also calls for innovation. Dr Mohammed Asheel, a WHO officer dealing with injury and rehabilitation, suggested linking helmets to the vehicle's start mechanism using Internet of Things. "We need to shift mindsets. Helmet use cannot be negotiable. If technology can enforce it, we should use it." Affordability, too, found a place in the discussion. Ideas like reducing GST on helmets, bringing them under the purview of corporate social responsibility or distributing them for free in vulnerable communities were floated as practical, immediate interventions.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
Death trap disguised as safety gear: Close to 70% of helmets sold in capital are fake
New Delhi: Across the capital, it's a familiar sight: helmets, many times non-certified ones, hanging from the handlebars, stuffed into storage compartments or balanced on heads with unfastened straps. It's only when riders spot a uniform in the distance that the helmets are pulled out. But this could be too late and too loose. Between Jan and April, as many as 1,89,015 challans were issued and 62,863 notices were issued for violations caught by cameras. Fatal accidents in Delhi involving two-wheelers surged from 441 in 2020 to 611 in 2024. These issues, once seen as minor infractions, were brought to the forefront at the National Summit on Road Safety, in collaboration with TRAX and CRRI, supported by helmet company Steelbird, on Thursday. At the event, two helmets — one BIS-certified, manufactured by a private company, and another a counterfeit headwear — were subjected to a series of impact, durability, and retention tests by a reputed private manufacturer. The result was telling. The certified helmet retained its shape and withstood all pressure tests. The fake one crumpled almost immediately, and its protective core shattered. The takeaway couldn't be clearer: a fake helmet is a death trap disguised as safety gear. Experts at the summit were unanimous: helmets save lives but only when they're authentic and worn correctly. So why is the problem so persistent? Prof Manoranjan Parida, director, CSIR-CRRI, speculating why people don't wear a helmet or wear the wrong types, said, "Over 70% of helmets sold in the city are fake. Enforcement must be strict, not just for riders but for sellers and manufacturers too. You can even find fake helmets being sold right outside CRRI. " Parida also pointed to a deeper cultural issue. "There's still a lack of awareness, especially among the youth," he said. "Mainstream films and advertisements often glamorise unsafe riding. That needs to change. Just like we now add warnings to smoking ads, we must push for responsible portrayal of road safety too." Rajiv Kapur, managing director, Steelbird Hi-Tech, didn't mince words. "Delhi-NCR is flooded with fake helmets. Some of these are even sold by licensed outlets. They are cheap and manufactured with zero regard for safety standards. Making a good helmet isn't easy — it involves engineering, materials, testing. This sale of fake helmets must be stopped." Echoing the call for action, Mitra Sen Verma, director, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), urged citizens to take part in the solution. "If you spot a fake helmet, report it. We act on every complaint we receive," she assured. Meanwhile, Amit Bharadwaj of NITI Aayog urged a broader view of road safety data. "Back in 2010, India had just around 17,000km of national highways. Today, that's gone up to over 1.4 lakh km, with 50 lakh km of rural roads. The number of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, has similarly surged," said Bharadwaj. "So while absolute fatality numbers may seem high, they should be seen in proportion to the rapid expansion in road length and vehicle population. " Design innovations or tech use can also play a role in mitigating the situation, said Bharadwaj. "Most two-wheelers don't have space to store helmets, which discourages regular use. Built-in storage can be part of the solution. But this isn't a one-department job. Engineering, manufacturing, education, enforcement all need to align. A whole-of-govt approach is necessary," he said. But Maharaj Singh, consultant, Union road transport and highways ministry, pointed out that the problem still circled back to one necessity: enforcement. "As long as fake helmets are being sold on footpaths without consequence, this crisis will continue. We must stop it at the source," he emphasised. There were also calls for innovation. Dr Mohammed Asheel, a WHO officer dealing with injury and rehabilitation, suggested linking helmets to the vehicle's start mechanism using Internet of Things. "We need to shift mindsets. Helmet use cannot be negotiable. If technology can enforce it, we should use it." Affordability, too, found a place in the discussion. Ideas like reducing GST on helmets, bringing them under the purview of corporate social responsibility or distributing them for free in vulnerable communities were floated as practical, immediate interventions. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Ashram to Badarpur: Why this 8 km Delhi stretch takes 45 mins instead of 15; Key reasons behind Mathura Road chaos
Travelling between Ashram and Badarpur on Delhi's Mathura Road has become a daily nightmare for thousands of motorists. According to a TOI report, what should ideally be an 8-km, 15-minute drive now takes up to 45 minutes during peak hours. What's causing the chaos? This stretch, part of National Highway 2 (NH2), carries over four lakh vehicles daily, rising to five lakh on Mondays and Fridays. After 9 pm, it's opened to heavy trucks entering or leaving Delhi, making things worse. The major reason behind the jams? Poor road design, with multiple cuts between the two carriageways causing heavy blockages. Key trouble spots Even before you leave Ashram, traffic starts to pile up. The underpass meant to ease flow is often blocked due to vehicles turning towards Lajpat Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan. Further down, junctions at Okhla, Mata Mandir Marg, CRRI, and Apollo Hospital remain choked, especially the one near the hospital, with traffic coming from all sides. Failed fixes and long waits Delhi Traffic Police tried easing the mess by closing cuts like the one at Madanpur Khadar. But cars are now forced to take long U-turns at flyovers, offering only minor relief. At the Okhla-New Friends Colony crossing, vehicles from the Modi Mill side and Jullena end up criss-crossing, leading to long queues even during green signals. A TOI reporter noted that handcarts, wrongly parked vehicles, and fuel queues also eat up road space. CRRI expert S Velmurugan pointed out that the road lacks proper merging lanes and width consistency, making matters worse. Live Events A glimmer of hope? The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may soon take over the road and turn it into a signal-free corridor, as per TOI. While Public Works Department (PWD) had proposed flyovers and underpasses back in 2017, the plan never materialised. Experts suggest that just removing traffic lights won't help. A well-planned elevated road, with proper entry and exit points, may finally bring relief. CRRI scientist Nasim Akhtar added that flyovers at Okhla Mor and synchronised traffic signals are urgently needed. Until a long-term fix arrives, however, Delhiites will continue to face this exhausting drive daily. Inputs from TOI
