The reopening of the Gambiriya Bridge connecting Mujpur in Padra to Anklav has made transportation easier in the area. With the bridge operational, bikers have received significant relief, and thousands are using it daily.

According to a traffic census conducted by the Roads and Buildings Department, a total of 14,551 two-wheelers crossed the bridge within 24 hours. Of these, 7,252 bikes traveled from Vadodara to Anand, while 7,299 bikes came from Anand to Vadodara. Peak hours for bikers were recorded from 7 AM to 10 AM and from 5 PM to 6:30 PM.

In terms of pedestrians, 1,182 people were seen crossing the bridge from Vadodara to Anand and 1,305 from Anand to Vadodara during the same period, with the busiest time for pedestrian traffic being from 9 AM to 11 AM. It is noteworthy that after a part of the bridge collapsed, the Roads and Buildings Department took swift action to connect the broken section with an iron structure, reopening it for two-wheelers and pedestrians. This work was supported by Vishwakarma Engineering.

Deputy Executive Engineer Akshay Joshi stated that the bridge was opened only after all necessary procedures, including load testing, were completed. For safety, barricading has been installed at both ends of the bridge, CCTV monitoring is in place, and police, home guard, and security staff have been deployed. Additionally, crash barriers, road safety signboards, and spring posts for lane division have been installed on the bridge.

As per the collector's directives, only two-wheelers are allowed on this route. The Roads and Buildings Department has appealed to all vehicle drivers to adhere to the speed limit set for the bridge to ensure safety.

In the first 'Khelo India Tribal Games' held in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, Mukesh Vasava, a skilled wrestler from the Swarnim Gujarat Sports University in Vadodara, made history by winning a silver medal. This prestigious competition was organized by the Sports Authority of India and featured talented athletes from across the country.

Mukesh Vasava showcased his exceptional wrestling skills, securing second place nationally and earning the silver medal. His achievement is regarded not only as a personal success but also as a historic milestone for the state of Gujarat.

The Director of Physical Education and Sports at Swarnim Gujarat Sports University, Professor (Dr.) Ranchhod Rathavi, noted that winning a medal in wrestling at a national-level event like the 'Khelo India Tribal Games' is a first for Gujarat. He mentioned that Mukesh's success has elevated the prestige of both the university and the state on a national platform.

The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Manish Rawal, along with Professor (Dr.) Ranchhod Rathavi and the entire university family, congratulated Mukesh Vasava on this achievement. Mukesh's coach, Gautambhai Desai, was also acknowledged for his significant role in this success. The university administration expressed hope that Mukesh's accomplishment would inspire other athletes in the state and wished him a bright future.

Vadodara, March 29. In a significant move to enhance passenger amenities, the Vadodara Division of Western Railway has developed a digital lounge and co-working space at Vadodara Railway Station. The facility was inaugurated on Saturday by Member of Parliament Dr. Hemang Joshi and Member of Legislative Assembly Keyur Rokadia. This development marks the first such facility at a railway station in Gujarat and the second across the Indian Railways network, following the one at Mumbai Central.

As per agency report, the new lounge aims to elevate the travel experience by providing modern amenities similar to those found at airports. During the inauguration, Dr. Hemang Joshi remarked that the facility reflects the vision of a developed India and offers passengers a single point for meetings, refreshments, and relaxation. He also highlighted the availability of affordable shower and washroom facilities, describing the project as a proud milestone for the city. MLA Keyur Rokadia noted that the station is beginning to offer airport-grade services and mentioned that future developments would include bullet train connectivity, advanced features, and dedicated decks for cargo.

Divisional Railway Manager Raju Bhadke stated that under the guidance of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, efforts are ongoing to transform Vadodara into a world-class station. He emphasized that the digital lounge, designed around the theme of a banyan tree, was planned under the Non-Fare Revenue initiative to maintain high standards of cleanliness and service. The DRM further explained that Vadodara serves as a major commercial and industrial hub, as well as a gateway for tourists visiting Ekta Nagar and various religious sites. Over the next 18 months, the station is expected to see further improvements, including the construction of four new foot overbridges, enhanced facilities for persons with disabilities, and high-speed rail connectivity.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Narendra Kumar provided details on the technical offerings of the lounge, which include high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workstations, charging points, and conference rooms. Passengers can also access printing, scanning, and photocopying services alongside a variety of snacks and beverages. The facility will operate 24x7 and features flexible usage plans, such as hourly rates, short-term seating, and extended packages. To ensure a comfortable and secure environment, the lounge is equipped with recliner seating, real-time train information displays, CCTV surveillance, controlled entry, and a cashless payment system. This initiative is expected to provide a productive and modern travel experience, setting a new benchmark for passenger-centric services in the region.

Vadodara - Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghavi inaugurated a newly constructed modern building for the Public Trust Registration Office and the Joint Charity Commissioner Office under the Law Department of the Gujarat government on Saturday. Situated opposite the Polo Ground in the city, the facility has been constructed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 4.12 crore.

Following the inauguration ceremony, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the new building and participated in a tree plantation drive on the premises, as per agency report. The event witnessed the special presence of Minister of State Dr Manishaben Vakil and Law Department Secretary Upendra M Bhatt.

The structure, comprising a ground floor and two additional floors, has been developed over a total area of 1211.21 square meters. The ground floor is dedicated to a parking facility and a reception area, while the first floor houses the office of the Assistant Charity Commissioner. The office of the Joint Charity Commissioner has been established on the second floor. Additionally, the building is equipped with modern facilities including office cabins, a courtroom, a staff room, a record room, a waiting lounge, and a conference room.

Keeping public convenience in mind, the premises provide essential amenities such as separate washrooms for men and women, dedicated restrooms for differently-abled individuals, elevators, and a water cooler room. The building also features modern arrangements like a fire safety system and a rainwater harvesting setup. As part of the overall campus development, a garden area, cement concrete roads, a pump and sump room, a security cabin, a main entrance gate, and a compound wall are also being constructed.

The inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including Joint Charity Commissioner Yoginiben Simpi, senior officer Vanrajsinh Jebaliya, Deputy Secretary Amit Gohil, Divisional Officer Sudhanshu Acharya, and various senior officials from different charity offices across the state.

Vadodara: To mark the occasion of International Women's Day, a special music program titled Swar Shakti is being organized in the city to provide a platform for the talent of female artists. The event is scheduled to take place on March 8 at the Faculty of Performing Arts of Maharaja Sayajirao University and will be open to the general public free of cost.

This initiative is being viewed as a significant step towards the formation of a professional all-women musician group in the city. As per agency report, the program will feature diverse performances ranging from classical vocals, ghazals, and folk music to soft music, instrumental pieces, and modern musical styles, all while honoring the contribution of women to the Indian musical tradition.

The musical ensemble comprises talented women from Vadodara aged between 15 and 50 years and above. The group includes students, homemakers, and working professionals who have received training in both Indian classical and modern music. During the event, the artists are set to perform using traditional instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, dhol, and violin.

The initiative is being led by Ashita Limaye and Sachin Limaye, whose objective is to prepare a professional female music band from Vadodara that can represent the city by performing on larger stages. According to the organizers, Swar Shakti is not merely a musical program but an initiative to empower the voices and talent of women. Special gratitude has also been expressed to Kinnari Hariyani for the support received from ChargeZone in making the program a success.

A special performance by Kavya Limaye, a finalist of the popular reality show Indian Idol and an emerging singer from Vadodara, will be a key attraction of the event. The organizers believe that her presence will serve as an inspiration for new artists and convey the message that local talents can establish their identity at the national level if given the right platform.

Vadodara : The Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) board examinations conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board are scheduled to be held in Vadodara city from February 26 to March 18, 2026, across 176 examination centers. To ensure the peaceful and fair conduct of the examinations, the City Police Commissioner has issued a special notification implementing strict restrictions.

According to the notification, no person will be permitted to carry mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, walkie-talkies, or other electronic gadgets inside the examination center from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm during the examination period. As per agency report, there will also be a prohibition on the gathering of four or more people within a 100-meter radius of the examination centers.

Instructions have been issued to keep Xerox, photocopy, and printing shops located around the centers temporarily closed to prevent copying or any form of malpractice during the exams. The use of loudspeakers will also be banned to ensure a quiet environment for the students. Additionally, directions have been given to stop digging works during the exam days to ensure that the power supply remains uninterrupted.

No individual will be allowed entry into the examination center without permission. A warning has been issued that action will be taken against those violating the order under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. However, officers and employees deployed on examination duty will be allowed to use phones as required during their official work. The administration has appealed to students and parents to cooperate in conducting the exams peacefully by adhering to the rules.

Vadodara : Players from Vadodara delivered an outstanding performance at the fifth edition of the President's Cup 2025 by winning the maximum number of medals and securing the team trophy. The Open State Kickboxing Championship was successfully organized by WAKO Gujarat at the Sama Sports Complex in Vadodara. This event marked the fifth consecutive year that WAKO Gujarat has hosted the state-level championship on a grand scale, further strengthening the popularity and reach of kickboxing across the state of Gujarat.

Approximately 150 players participated with great enthusiasm across various events and weight categories during the competition. As per agency report, teams from several districts including Vadodara, Valsad, Banaskantha, Junagadh, Surat, Bharuch, and Panchmahal took part, making the matches highly competitive and exciting. At the conclusion of the tournament, the Vadodara team emerged victorious with the highest medal count to claim the team trophy. The team from Valsad secured the second position, while Panchmahal finished third to take home the team trophy for that rank.

Several athletes showcased exceptional skills during the championship, with the Grand Point Fight Champion Trophy being awarded to players who demonstrated superior technique and consistency. The winning teams in the girls' point fight team event also displayed remarkable talent, reflecting the growing participation and empowerment of women in the field of kickboxing. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vadodara Municipal Corporation Commissioner and IAS officer Arun Mahesh Babu, District Sports Officer Dinesh Kadam, and Dr. Vijay Shah.

The successful organization of the President's Cup 2025 highlights the commitment of WAKO Gujarat to promoting kickboxing from the grassroots to the competitive level. This platform provides young athletes with a strong foundation to develop their skills, achieve their personal goals, and progress toward representing the region at national and international levels.

Vadodara: An Ayush Mela was organized on Thursday at Kumar School in Waghodia under the chairmanship of District Panchayat President Gayatriben Mahida. The event was held under the joint auspices of the Ayurveda Branch of the Vadodara District Panchayat and the Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Limda. On this occasion, a significant Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two institutions with the objective of freeing children registered in the Anganwadis of Waghodia taluka from malnutrition.

Under the terms of this agreement, children registered in all Anganwadis of Waghodia taluka will be provided with Ayurvedic treatment, nutritional guidance, and regular supervision to effectively control the issue of malnutrition. As per agency report, this initiative is designed to ensure comprehensive care and monitoring for the affected children.

In the inaugural session of the program, District Panchayat President Gayatriben Mahida stated that the Ayush Mela serves as a powerful medium to increase awareness about Ayurveda. She provided information on the benefits of traditional home remedies and various Ayurvedic treatment methods, describing the MoU as a historic step towards making Waghodia taluka malnutrition-free. She expressed confidence that the number of approximately 400 children currently suffering from malnutrition would be brought down to zero in the future, positioning the taluka as a leader in the field of nutrition.

She further appealed to Anganwadi workers and parents to play an active role in the nutrition campaign and encouraged the increased use of millets in daily diets. She also remarked that in the current stressful lifestyle, Ayush practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy are extremely useful for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

District Vice President Ashwinbhai Patel addressed the gathering by calling for the adoption of Ayurveda for a healthy lifestyle, noting that malnutrition is one of the country's serious problems for which the government is making continuous efforts. He shared his personal experiences to highlight the benefits of Ayurveda. Parul Institute Ayush Center Chairman Komalben Patel provided details about the various Ayush services offered by the institute. Chief District Ayurveda Officer Dr. Dahima, in his welcome speech, emphasized the importance of Ayurveda and termed the collaboration between the Ayush Department, ICDS Department, and Parul Institute as a new chapter in the health sector. Dr. Sarika presented the outline of the Ayush Mela and gave information regarding daily routines, Panchakarma, and other Ayurvedic treatments.

During the Ayush Mela, nutrition kits were distributed to healthy children from Anganwadis, and awards were presented to Anganwadi workers for outstanding performance, as well as to winners of the Healthy Child competition and Health Quiz. The fair featured yoga demonstrations, health quizzes, and consultation services related to Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, which were utilized by a large number of citizens.

This is the first MoU in the history of the Vadodara District Panchayat specifically aimed at the eradication of malnutrition. Waghodia taluka has a total of 175 Anganwadis with approximately 400 malnourished children. Under this initiative, all children will undergo screening, with primary treatment provided at two Ayush hospitals. Furthermore, necessary advanced treatment, medicines, transportation, accommodation, and nutrition kits will be made available at the Parul Institute Ayush Center to ensure the children are completely freed from malnutrition.

The program was attended by District Panchayat Executive Chairman Nareshbhai Purani, Health Committee Chairman Narendrabhai Rohit, the CDPO, TDO, senior officials from the district administration, health department officers, THOs, Ayush experts, and a large number of student volunteers.

International Conference on Resilience (ICR 2026)

International Conference on Resilience (ICR 2026)

Gandhinagar, January 5; The Chief Minister's public outreach initiative, the Swagat grievance redressal program, is scheduled to be held on January 22, 2026. The event will commence at 11 am on the fourth Thursday of the month and will continue until all complaints are disposed of. According to the information provided by the district administration, applicants wishing to participate in this program must mandatorily submit their applications related to their grievances by January 10, 2026. It is necessary to clearly write District Swagat Grievance Redressal Program on the application form.

As per report, applications received after the prescribed date will not be included in this month's program. Matters related to service issues, court cases, compassionate appointments, and pensions can be presented during the Swagat program, provided they meet specific criteria. Applications will only be accepted for long-pending cases where the applicant has previously submitted a representation to the concerned office but no decision has been taken so far. For district-level matters, the applicant must submit the application along with a copy of the representation previously made to the responsible district officer.

Only those questions that can be resolved at the district level and are not pending in court will be taken up during the program. The applicant is required to present their grievance personally along with necessary evidence. No representation through a lawyer or any other person will be accepted. Each applicant is permitted to make a presentation related to only one subject, and collective presentations will not be valid. The district administration has appealed to citizens to submit their applications within the time limit while following the prescribed guidelines to ensure effective resolution of their grievances.

Vadodara, January 1. It is a moment of pride for the city of Vadodara as renowned healthcare professional Dr. C.S. Buch has been appointed as the Vice President of the India Chapter of the International Society for Precision Health (ISPH). Dr. Buch currently serves as the Executive Director of Technology-Enabled Healthcare for India and is associated with approximately 0.5 lakh IITians. The ISPH is a global initiative that works in collaboration with the United Nations in the field of precision health.

Health is considered one of the fundamental needs of human life, and precision health focuses on personalized, preventive, and technology-based healthcare solutions. As per agency report, with rapid advancements in health technology, data analytics, genomics, and digital health tools, precision health is expected to improve patient treatment outcomes and make the healthcare system more robust.

Adding to the significance of this achievement is the fact that Professor Ramchandran, a member of the International Advisory Committee, will play an active role as the Chair of the ISPH India Chapter in Vadodara. The appointment of Dr. Buch is expected to advance initiatives related to precision health in India, encourage innovation and collaboration, and promote the effective use of new health technologies for the benefit of the general public.

The formal announcement regarding the ISPH India Chapter will be made by relevant officials in the month of January during an international conference on Metabolism, Toxicology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics to be held at Navrachana University in Vadodara. This appointment of Dr. C.S. Buch not only reflects the growing contribution of Vadodara to global healthcare leadership but also highlights the strengthening role of India in shaping the future of modern and technology-enabled healthcare.