Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Launches Ro-Ro Ferries ‘Dwarka’ & ‘Gangotri’ on Mandovi River

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Goa has added a modern touch to its rich maritime legacy with the launch of two state-of-the-art Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries — Dwarka and Gangotri — on the Chodan–Ribandar waterway route across the Mandovi River.

Inaugurated on July 14th by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the event saw the presence of Union MoS for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, RND Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, and Inland Waterways Secretary Cheshta Yadav, IAS.

The project, worth ₹25 crore, was executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) with Vijai Marine Shipyards, a Goan shipbuilding firm known for its innovation and quality.

“These ferries will enhance eco-friendly and efficient transport, reduce traffic congestion, and serve as a model for inland water transport across India,” said the Chief Minister during the launch.

Boost to Connectivity and Eco-Transport

The Ro-Ro ferries are equipped to carry both passengers and vehicles, serving as a lifeline for residents, especially islanders who frequently travel between Chodan and Ribandar. The launch aligns with Goa’s broader goal of developing smart transport infrastructure using its vast network of rivers.

Officials also hinted at plans to replicate this model across eight additional waterway routes in the state, with studies already underway to identify viable corridors.

Maritime Innovation from Goa to the Nation

Vijai Marine Shipyards, praised by the CM during the launch, has established itself as a key player in India’s coastal and inland vessel sector. The Dwarka and Gangotri ferries represent locally manufactured, globally relevant solutions — a testament to Goa’s industrial capabilities.

This initiative is not just about connectivity — it’s about shaping a sustainable, modern, and resilient future for Goa. By tapping into its rivers, the state is embracing clean mobility, reducing carbon footprints, and offering residents an affordable, efficient alternative to road transport.

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Japan to Introduce E10 Shinkansen Trains in Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor

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India’s ambitious bullet train project just received a powerful boost. The Japanese government has officially agreed to introduce E10 series Shinkansen trains in India for the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor, signaling a major step forward in Indo-Japanese infrastructure cooperation.

The E10 Shinkansen, a state-of-the-art model built for speed, comfort, and energy efficiency, is expected to significantly cut down travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to just about 2 hours, a fraction of the current 7-8 hour journey.

This high-speed rail initiative, backed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is part of India’s larger plan to revolutionize rail transport under the Make in India initiative. While the trains will be initially manufactured in Japan, future plans include technology transfer and local production.

Key Features of the Project:

  • Distance: 508 kilometers
  • Max Speed: 320 km/h
  • Stations: 12 stations between Mumbai and Ahmedabad
  • Trains: E10 Shinkansen with advanced safety, aerodynamic design, and noise reduction tech
  • Technology Partner: Japan, with support from JICA

The decision is expected to accelerate project timelines and bring India’s first high-speed rail corridor closer to operational reality. It also strengthens diplomatic and technological ties between India and Japan, showcasing a shared commitment to next-generation mobility and green transportation solutions.

With the groundwork already underway at various project sites, this announcement brings renewed momentum and global attention to one of India’s most transformative infrastructure projects.

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Bengaluru Auto Fares Hiked from August 1: Commuters to Pay More

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In a move set to impact thousands of daily commuters, the Karnataka government has announced a revision in auto rickshaw fares across Bengaluru, effective August 1, 2025.

Under the new structure:

  • The minimum fare has been raised to ₹36 for the first 2 kilometres
  • Beyond that, commuters will pay ₹18 per kilometre

The fare revision, the first in over two years, comes in response to rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and driver demands for better compensation. Transport authorities stated that the hike was implemented after discussions with auto unions and considering inflation trends.

While the move aims to provide relief to auto drivers, many daily commuters have expressed concerns over the rising cost of living in the city. Authorities are expected to monitor fare compliance closely and ensure meters are calibrated accordingly.

For residents, the hike signals the need to budget more for daily travel, while for the city’s auto drivers, it could offer some economic stability.

Stay tuned to Allycaral.com for further updates on urban transport, infrastructure, and mobility developments.

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Prayagraj and Varanasi Score Full Marks in India’s National Clean Air Programme

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New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.

The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:

  • Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
  • Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
  • Transition to cleaner fuels
  • Urban forestry and green cover expansion
  • Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
  • Stringent control of industrial emissions

Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.

“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.

Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.

Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.

With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

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Coffee table book on history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math Released at hands of Swamiji Shree Shivanand Saraswati

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Goa, July 12: A coffee table book on the history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math was released at the hands of Swami Shrimad Shivanand Saraswati. The book release ceremony took place at Kavle Math Valkeshwar, Mumbai.

Swamiji presented the first copy to Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism and IT, Government of Goa.

Khaunte proudly stated that the book documents Goa beyond beaches and showcases around 1300 years of history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math since its inception in 740 AD. Books were also presented to Dr. Prafulla Hede and Mrs. Nanda Raut, Deputy Secretary of Culture and Tourism, Maharashtra, and Editor of the book, Dr. Sulabha Kore.

Many dignitaries were present at the book release and presentation, and they all appreciated the Goa Government and Shri Khaunte for their support and initiative to promote Goa’s spiritual tourism. ‘Let us visit various memorable institutions created and nurtured by our ancestors,’ said the devotees present at the ceremony.

The math was founded by Shree Gaudapadacharya, who was the param guru of Adi Shankaracharya