Bihar

• 30 Jun 2022

The First Female Cyclist to Reach the World's Highest Road 'Umlingala'

Why in News?

• On June 28, 2022, Sabita Mahato of Chhapra district of Bihar has become the first woman cyclist in the world to travel on the world's highest road Umlingala.

Key Points

• Sabita has crossed Rothan La, Baralachala, Nakila, Lachhunla, Tanlangala and Norbula to reach Umlingla.
• India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built the world's highest road Umlingala in Ladakh near the China border in 2020, which was included in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2021. The road is located in the Umelana Pass in eastern Ladakh. Its height is 19,300 feet above sea level.
• Sabita Mahato started her journey from New Delhi on June 5 and ended her journey on June 28 by reaching Umlingla. This trip was sponsored by Roddick. Sabita will soon apply for the Guinness Book of Records.
• It is known that Sabita left her job in Tata Steel and made up her mind to do cycling. He has covered a distance of 12,500 kms during All India Traveling. She is the first Indian girl who has got the title of traveling 12,500 km. Apart from different states, she has toured the whole country including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal. So far, he has covered a total distance of 35,000 km by cycle.

Twelve Railway Stations will Become World Class in Bihar

Why in News?

• Recently, East Central Railway's CPRO Birend Kumar has informed about the identification of 12 stations of East Central Railway to be developed as a world class station under the station redevelopment project in the state of Bihar.

Key Points

• These 12 stations include Muzaffarpur, Begusarai and Barauni of Sonpur Division, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Bapudham Motihari of Samastipur Division, Rajendranagar and Buxar of Danapur Division, Gaya and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Junction of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Division and Dhanbad and Singrauli Junction of Dhanbad Division, has been selected.
• The process of redevelopment of all these identified stations has been initiated. It is targeted to be completed by the end of 2024. After the completion of the redevelopment work, passengers will get world-class facilities like airports.
• Under this scheme, Muzaffarpur Junction will be constructed with an amount of Rs.400 crore.
• Post redevelopment, Muzaffarpur station will be an attractive amalgamation of technology, local culture and rich heritage with advanced passenger amenities. After the redevelopment, the capacity to serve passengers will increase three times. This will increase the number of tourists as well as indirectly create employment, which will benefit the local people.
• Giving the station a world-class look and equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities, the station will be given the form of a green building, where there will be adequate arrangements for ventilation etc. Access control gates will be installed at the station and escalators and lifts will be installed at each platform, so that passengers get convenience in moving from one platform to another. The essential facilities to be provided to the passengers will include catering, washroom, drinking water, ATM, internet etc. This will especially benefit senior citizens along with common passengers.
• After redevelopment as a world class station, a separate building will be constructed for the arrival and departure building under separate arrangements for the arrival and departure of railway passengers at the station.
• The entry and exit gates of the station shall be such that passengers do not face congestion. 2.35 times more space will be available for main station building and 4.9 times more space for parking area as compared to present.
• Apart from this, there will be provision for ticketing facility, handicap friendly facilities, provision of solar panels on station building for green energy, provision of rain water harvesting, water recycling plant, solid waste management and fire fighting etc.