Trump denounces US court’s verdict, broadens tariff offensive

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has mounted a forceful and combative defence of his trade agenda after the Supreme Court curtailed his use of a key tariff authority, accusing unnamed “foreign interests” of influencing the justices, announcing a new 10 per cent global tariff and signalling that even steeper trade measures — including embargoes — could follow.

Speaking at a White House news conference on Friday afternoon that blended grievance, policy, and political activism, Trump called the apex court’s judgment “deeply disappointing” and said he was “ashamed of certain members of the court for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country”.

He singled out Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., and Brett M. Kavanaugh for praise, saying they showed “strength and wisdom and love of our country”, while sharply criticising the majority.

Of the two justices Trump had appointed who ruled against him, he said the court decision was “an embarrassment to their families”, though the US President declined to say whether he regretted nominating them.

The apex court’s ruling struck down the current US President’s use of a specific emergency economic authority to impose tariffs, but Trump insisted that the court decision did not undercut his broader trade programme.

“The Supreme Court did not overrule tariffs,” the US President said.

“They merely over… a particular use of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs.”

Within hours, President Trump announced a new decision after the Supreme Court’s judgment on striking down trade tariffs.

“Today, I will sign an executive order to impose a 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122,” he said, adding that national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs would “remain in place, fully in place and in full force and effect”.

Pressed on whether the new legal route would limit his flexibility, Trump suggested the opposite.

“Potentially higher,” the US President said when asked whether tariff rates could increase beyond current levels.

“It depends whatever we want them to be.”

President Trump added, “We can judge much more than I was charging.”

At several points, the US President said that the Supreme Court judgment had actually strengthened his hand by clarifying alternative powers.

“There will no longer be any doubt,” Trump said, contending that other statutes were “even stronger than our original choice” and could bring in “far greater” revenue than the “hundreds of billions of dollars” he said had already been collected.

The US President went further, emphasising the breadth of executive authority he believed the court had affirmed.

“I can embargo,” he said.

“I can do anything I want.”

The US President elaborated: “In other words, I can destroy the trade… I can destroy the country. I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo.”

In one of the most striking moments of the appearance, Trump accused the justices of being influenced by outside forces.

“It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests,” he said.

Asked whether he had evidence, the US President replied, “You’re going to find out what?”

Trump suggested that “foreign interests are represented by people that I believe have undue influence”, adding, “They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court, whether it’s through fear or respect or friendships, I don’t know.”

Beyond the legal fight, Trump cast tariffs as central to his economic and foreign policy worldview.

He said they had revived American manufacturing, citing a visit to a steel plant in Georgia where, he recounted, an executive told him, “Sir, I want to kiss you,” because foreign imports had stopped and hiring had surged.

He also tied tariffs to diplomacy.

“Tariffs have likewise been used to end five of the eight wars that I settled,” President Trump said.

The US President added that the US economy was thriving under his approach, pointing to stock market milestones and job gains.

“Our stock market has just recently broken 50,000 on the Dow… and… broken 7,000 on the S&P,” he said, describing the country as “the hottest country anywhere in the world right now”.

Yet the Supreme Court’s judgment introduced uncertainty over billions of dollars in tariff revenue already collected.

Asked about nearly $175 billion reportedly in limbo and whether companies might be entitled to refunds, Trump criticised the opinion for not addressing the issue.

“They don’t even discuss that point,” he said.

“I guess it has to get litigated for the next two years.”

The US President added, “We’ll end up being in court for the next five years.”

Despite the confrontational tone, President Trump portrayed the moment as a turning point that would bring clarity rather than chaos.

“Great certainty has been brought back to the economy of the United States and actually the economy of the world,” the US President said.

“We’re now the strongest by far.”

The clash underscored the increasingly strained relationship between President Trump and the US Judiciary, as well as the central role tariffs have assumed in his presidency.

While Presidents of both parties (Democratic Party and the Republican Party) have relied on trade statutes tied to national security and unfair trade practices, Trump has pushed those authorities more aggressively, often testing the boundaries of executive power and prompting legal challenges that have reshaped the terrain of American trade policy.(Agency)

BJP protests outside Cong HQ over Youth Congress demonstration at India AI Impact Summit

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026

Workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday, condemning the demonstration by Youth Congress members during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam.

The protest followed an announcement made on Friday by Virendra Sachdeva, who said he would lead a march from Man Singh Road roundabout to the Congress office at 24 Akbar Road to denounce what he termed as hooliganism by Youth Congress workers at the summit venue.

Addressing media persons at the protest site, Delhi BJP Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor said, “Today, Bharatiya Janata Party workers have gathered here. All of them have assembled here voluntarily, and you will see them in thousands. The entire country feels proud.

“Despite facing traffic issues, the people of Delhi were enthusiastic that such a big summit was being held in the country. In the end, it will bring benefits worth crores of rupees to the nation and generate thousands of jobs. However, Rahul Gandhi displayed his frustration during the summit by organising a protest to show his political disappointment. The country will not forgive him for this.”

Earlier, Sachdeva alleged that the 10 individuals detained by police for their “shirtless” protest at the Summit venue were not genuine Congress workers but hired goons. “At a time when India’s youth are showcasing their innovations at the AI Summit and saluting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these individuals created disruption,” he said.

He further added, “If they believe that such actions will damage the nation’s image, they should dispel this misconception. These people claim to be workers of the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, who goes abroad and speaks in a manner that harms India’s image.”

Meanwhile, speaking in Karnataka, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the protest and said, “I demand, I already demanded, AICC president should apologise to the country.”

In Uttar Pradesh, Minister Anil Rajbhar also condemned the incident. “Now you tell me, what can be done? Yesterday, the way the Congress party behaved at Bharat Mandapam was highly irresponsible. Is this in the interest of the nation? On Indian soil, when heads of state from 20 countries were present, when representatives from across the world had gathered, and when India demonstrated leadership in the field of AI, which has been acknowledged globally, at such a prestigious event, what does this kind of behaviour prove?…” he said.

The protest marks a sharp escalation in the political exchange between the BJP and the Congress over the events that unfolded during the high-profile AI summit in the national Capital.(Agency)

Neal Katyal, Indian-American lawyer who stopped Trump’s tariffs

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

The son of Indian immigrants who once served as America’s top courtroom advocate has emerged as the face of a landmark Supreme Court judgement that overthrew President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Neal Katyal, a former Acting Solicitor General of the United States, argued against Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose what he described as “unjust, unconstitutional taxes” on imports from nearly every trading partner.

Moments after the ruling, Katyal said: “Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law, and Americans everywhere. Its message was simple: Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still. In America, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people.”

The case was brought by small businesses and supported by the Liberty Justice Center. Trump had defended the tariffs as vital to national security and economic leverage, citing trade deficits and fentanyl overdoses as national emergencies.

Katyal framed the ruling as a constitutional milestone. “The US Supreme Court gave us everything we asked for in our legal case. Everything,” he said.

“This case has always been about the presidency, not any one president. It has always been about the separation of powers, and not the politics of the moment. I’m gratified to see our Supreme Court, which has been the bedrock of our government for 250 years, protect our most fundamental values,” Katyal said.

Born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents — a doctor and an engineer — Katyal has built a career around high-stakes constitutional battles. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School and clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the US Supreme Court.

Appointed Acting Solicitor General by President Barack Obama in 2010, Katyal represented the federal government before the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals nationwide. He has argued more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court, breaking records for minority advocates.

Currently a partner at Milbank LLP and the Paul Saunders Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, Katyal specialises in constitutional and complex appellate litigation. His past cases include defending the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, challenging Trump’s 2017 travel ban, and winning unanimous rulings in major environmental and national security disputes.

He has also served as Special Prosecutor for the State of Minnesota in the murder case of George Floyd and is the author of the book Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump.

Katyal has received the US Justice Department’s highest civilian honour, the Edmund Randolph Award, and has been named Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer in 2017 and 2023. Forbes listed him among the top 200 lawyers in the United States in 2024 and 2025.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s tariff is expected to limit a president’s ability to use emergency economic powers to impose sweeping tariffs without explicit congressional authorization.

“Just think about it like that. The son of immigrants was able to go to court and say on behalf of American small businesses, hey, this president is acting illegally. And I was able to present my case, have them ask really hard questions at me. It was a really intense oral argument. And at the end of it, they voted and we won,” he told MS Now in an interview.

“That is something so extraordinary about this country, the idea that we have a system that self-corrects, that allows us to say you might be the most powerful man in the world, but you still can’t break the Constitution. I mean, that to me is what today is about,” Katyal said.

“Today, the United States Supreme Court stood up for the rule of law, stood up for Americans everywhere. Its message was simple. Presidents are powerful, but our constitution is more powerful still,” he told MSNBC in another interview.

“In America, only Congress, the chief justice writing for six justices said, only Congress can impose taxes on the American people. And that’s what tariffs are. Tariffs are taxes,” he said, standing outside the Supreme Court.(Agency)

Tariffs on India to drop to 10 pc temporarily, says White House

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

The White House has clarified that India will face a 10 per cent tariff temporarily following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new global tariff order, replacing the earlier International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)-based duties that were struck down by the Supreme Court.

“The 10 per cent would replace the IEEPA tariffs (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) that were just struck down,” a White House official told IANS on Friday afternoon.

Early this month, Trump reduced the reciprocal tariff on India from 25 to 18 per cent after the two countries reached a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal trade.

Asked whether the new “global tariff” meant India’s tariff rate would now stand at 10 per cent instead of the existing 18 per cent, the White House official said: “Temporarily, yes. Until another tariff authority can be invoked to implement a more appropriate tariff rate.”

The White House official spoke on condition of anonymity.

The clarification by the White House indicates that the newly announced 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122 is not in addition to previously imposed IEEPA tariffs on India, but replaces them for now.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, President Trump had told reporters that “nothing changes” with respect to the India trade framework and that “they’ll be paying tariffs and we will not be paying tariffs”.

He described the Us-India trade deal as “a fair deal now”, adding, “we did a little flip.”

However, the US Supreme Court judgment struck down President Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose certain tariffs, prompting questions about how India’s previously reported 18 per cent tariff rate would be affected.

The White House response confirms that, at least temporarily, the applicable rate for India would fall to 10 per cent under the new Section 122 authority.

The Trump administration has indicated that additional tariff authorities may be invoked in the coming weeks.

During the press conference, Trump signalled that other statutes — including Sections 232 and 301 — remain available and could support further action.

“Potentially higher,” Trump said when asked whether tariff rates could increase.

“It depends whatever we want them to be.”

The US President added that alternative authorities were “even stronger than our original choice” and suggested the new structure could ultimately allow higher trade duties than before.

Trade relations between India and the US have been marked by periodic tensions over tariffs and market access, even as strategic ties have deepened in defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Successive administrations have used a mix of negotiations and tariff measures to address trade imbalances and sector-specific concerns.

The current adjustment reflects both legal constraints imposed by the US court and the administration’s stated intent to continue pursuing, through alternative statutory mechanisms, what Trump has described as “fair” trade terms.(Agency)

Trump alleges ‘foreign sway’, signals tariff escalation after US Supreme Court verdict

Washington, Feb 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has accused the Supreme Court of being “swayed by foreign interests”, suggested tariffs could be raised beyond current levels, and warned that he has the power to embargo countries altogether after a court judgment curbed his use of a particular tariff authority.

At a combative White House news conference on Friday afternoon, Trump said: “It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think.”

Pressed on whether he had evidence of foreign influence over the Supreme Court judges, the US President responded: “You’re going to find out what?”

He alleged that “foreign interests are represented by people that I believe have undue influence” and said, “They have a lot of influence over the Supreme Court, whether it’s through fear or respect or friendships, I don’t know.”

The remarks came after the US apex court rejected his use of a specific tariff mechanism.

Trump called the Supreme Court’s judgment “deeply disappointing” and said it was “a ridiculous decision”, but added that it would not weaken his trade agenda.

Instead, the US President suggested the decision clarified his authority under other statutes and could even result in higher tariff duties.

“Potentially higher,” Trump said when asked whether tariff rates could rise.

“It depends on what we want them to be.”

He added: “We can judge much more than I was charging.”

Trump said that while the court limited his ability to impose what he described as a fee under one law, it affirmed broader powers.

“I can embargo,” he said.

“I can do anything I want.”

The US President said: “In other words, I can destroy the trade, I can destroy the country. I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo.”

Trump added that the Supreme Court’s judgment ultimately strengthened his hand.

“There will no longer be any doubt,” he said, adding that the numbers “could be far greater than the hundreds of billions we’ve already taken in”.

Trump also returned to a recurring claim that tariffs were instrumental in defusing international conflicts.

“Tariffs have likewise been used to end five of the eight wars that I settled,” he said.

He asserted: “I did it largely with tariffs.”

Trump framed tariffs not only as economic tools but as instruments of national security and diplomatic leverage.

“This was an important case to me more as a symbol of economic, national security,” he said.

While sharply criticising some justices, Trump praised others who dissented, saying they showed “strength and wisdom and love of our country”.

The Supreme Court’s judgment in the US addressed a specific statutory basis for tariffs, but did not eliminate the President’s ability to use other trade laws passed by the US Congress.

Over decades, US Presidents of both parties (Democratic Party and the Republican Party) have relied on provisions tied to national security, unfair trade practices and emergency powers to impose duties, embargoes and trade restrictions, often triggering legal challenges.(Agency)

NIA chargesheets two more in Vizianagaram terror conspiracy case

Visakhapatnam, Feb 20, 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday charge sheeted two more accused in the 2025 Vizianagaram ISIS terror conspiracy case.

One of the accused charge-sheeted is absconding,

In a supplementary chargesheet filed on Friday before the NIA Special Court, Visakhapatnam, the agency has charged Arif Hussain alias Abu Talib and Imran Akram under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, BNS, Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Arms Act.

The case was initially registered at the Vizianagaram Police Station, and the accused Siraz Ur Rahiman and Syed Sameer were apprehended.

The NIA charge-sheeted these two in November 2025, soon after taking over the investigation in the case.

NIA found during the investigation that Imran Akram, who is still absconding, was involved in providing terror funding to Siraz Ur Rahiman and Syed Sameer for the procurement of explosive materials.

Arif was arrested by NIA officials on August 27, 2025, while attempting to flee the country from New Delhi Airport.

Investigations revealed that Arif Hussain, a native of Bihar, had also conspired with Siraz to supply weapons for carrying out terrorist acts. He was involved in the illegal transportation of weapons across borders and had been using social media platforms to propagate the extremist jihadi ideology.

NIA is continuing with its investigation into the case.

Siraz Ur Rahiman of Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) and Syed Sameer of Hyderabad (Telangana) were arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Police on May 16 and May 17, 2025, respectively.

The chargesheet filed in November 2025 named them for their involvement in radicalising and preparing gullible youth across India through social media platforms to carry out terrorist attacks at various places in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and across the country.

Siraz Ur Rahiman and Syed Sameer have been charged under various sections of the BNS, Explosive Substances Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The NIA, which took over the case from Andhra Pradesh Police, collected sufficient evidence establishing that the accused were inspired by ISIS ideology and were actively involved in spreading radical content through various social media groups and channels, targeting hundreds of gullible youths across India with the intent to incite them towards violent jihad and anti-national activities.(Agency)

Heartbreak behind the heroics: Indian cricketers and their toughest battles

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2026

Under the glare of stadium lights, they appear invincible — soaking in the applause, delivering match-winning performances, winning matches, and lifting trophies. But when the cheers fade, and the cameras turn away, some of India’s cricket stars have found themselves fighting far more personal battles — ones that test the heart more than on-field skills.

Young leg-spinner Rahul Chahar recently offered a deeply personal account of his divorce from Ishani Johar. The couple, who got engaged in 2019 and married in March 2022 in Goa after being together since their early twenties, had shared years of companionship before deciding to part ways.

After nearly 15 months of courtroom proceedings, Chahar chose transparency over silence. There were no dramatic allegations — only an honest admission of how emotionally draining the process had been. Importantly, he emphasised that he harbours no ill feelings.

Support poured in almost immediately. Fans flooded his social media with words of encouragement, praising his grace and maturity. Many called him “brave” for speaking openly, while others reminded him that a new chapter awaits.

In a country where cricketers are often placed on pedestals, the empathy reflected a growing understanding that heroes, too, are human.

Professionally, Chahar now looks ahead to a fresh challenge. The leg-spinner is set to represent Chennai Super Kings after being bought for Rs 5.20 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction — a new record for him both on and off the field.

He isn’t alone in navigating personal upheaval. In 2025, Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma ended their marriage, asking fans to honour their privacy. A year earlier, Hardik Pandya confirmed his separation, drawing mixed but largely supportive reactions online.

For Shikhar Dhawan, the emotional weight of divorce extended to fatherhood, with supporters frequently expressing solidarity.

Earlier generations — from Dinesh Karthik to Mohammad Azharuddin, Ravi Shastri, Javagal Srinath, and Manoj Prabhakar — have also endured similar storms.

Cricket may immortalise their heroics, but these moments reveal something deeper: resilience. Because sometimes, the bravest innings are played not before thousands, but in the quiet spaces where healing begins.

Separation pangs — Top cricketers in divorce battles:

Rahul Chahar – 2026

Yuzvendra Chahal – 2025

Hardik Pandya – 2024

Shikhar Dhawan – 2023

Dinesh Karthik – 2012

Mohammad Azharuddin – 1996 & 2010

Ravi Shastri – 2012

Javagal Srinath – 2007

Manoj Prabhakar – 2013(Agency)

Ayesha Meera case: Court directs CBI to hand over remains to parents

Vijayawada, Feb 20, 2026

Nearly nineteen years after the rape and murder of B Pharmacy student Ayesha Meera in Vijayawada, a CBI Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to hand over her remains to her family for performing the last rites.

The court directed that the last rites be performed as per the religious customs in Tenali on February 27. It asked the government to provide the necessary facilities and security for the last rites.

The court also directed that the entire process be video recorded in the presence of government officials.

The court accepted the final report submitted by the CBI. As part of the CBI investigation into the sensational case, a postmortem examination was conducted twice on the victim’s body.

The CBI had deposited the remains with the court after taking the opinion of the forensic experts from the government-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad.

Ayesha’s mother, Shamshad Begum and father, Syed Iqbal, had filed a petition in the CBI court, seeking direction to handover her remains to them. The court, while admitting their petition, issued orders to the CBI.

The CBI had submitted a report in June, declaring the probe closed.

Ayesha (17) was found murdered in her hostel bathroom on December 27, 2007, at Ibrahimpatnam near Vijayawada. Nine months later, police arrested Pidathala Satyam Babu.

The women’s sessions court, which held a hearing in the case, declared him the culprit and sentenced him to life in 2010. However, when he approached the high court, it held a hearing and acquitted him in 2017, citing a lack of evidence.

Following PILs and a petition by her parents, the court handed the case to the CBI in 2018.

However, the murder mystery remained unsolved for nearly 19 years after the ghastly crime.(Agency)

Assam: Gaurav Gogoi dislikes Akhil Gogoi, claims Bhupen Borah

Guwahati, Feb 20, 2026

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah on Friday launched a sharp attack on the party’s state leadership, alleging internal discord and a breakdown of unity within the state unit.

Speaking to reporters, Borah claimed that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has long harboured differences with Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi.

“Gaurav Gogoi never liked Akhil Gogoi from the beginning. Although Akhil Gogoi has been demanding 15 seats for the assembly polls, Congress can hardly give it two to three seats,” Borah alleged.

He further claimed that the Congress in Assam has “psychologically collapsed”, pointing to infighting and lack of cohesion among senior leaders.

According to Borah, the absence of a collective vision and mutual trust has weakened the party’s ability to challenge the ruling BJP in the state.

Referring to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s two-day visit to Assam, Borah questioned the morale within the party leadership.

“When Priyanka Gandhi was in Assam, did anyone see even a smile on her face?” he asked, suggesting that the atmosphere within the party reflected despair and uncertainty.

Borah said such developments had demoralised grassroots workers and confused voters, ultimately benefiting the BJP.

He added that instead of introspection and course correction, the party leadership continued to ignore ground realities and suppress dissenting voices.

Former senior Congress leader’s remarks came at the backdrop of Akhil Gogoi expressing strong dissatisfaction over the outcome of the recent meeting between the Congress and Raijor Dal, particularly over the issue of seat-sharing for the upcoming elections in the state.

Gogoi said the Congress leadership had changed its stand on the seat-sharing arrangement, which, according to him, had caused confusion and mistrust among alliance partners.

He said he would be sending a letter to the Congress leadership to formally convey his dissatisfaction over the developments.

“We have asked for only 15 seats. But even within that, the Congress has changed seats involving important candidates,” Akhil Gogoi said, alleging that the decisions taken were unilateral and did not reflect the spirit of alliance politics.

He added that such changes could adversely affect the collective objective of defeating the BJP. Akhil Gogoi further said that seat-sharing should be finalised immediately instead of being delayed repeatedly.

“This cannot be ‘date after date’. There must be an immediate and clear seat-sharing arrangement,” he said, warning that prolonged indecision would only benefit the BJP.(Agency)

Maha: MMRDA to restart Monorail services soon as it secures mandatory safety certification

Mumbai, Feb 20, 2026

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will soon restart Monorail services in both directions between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk as it secured mandatory safety certification.

The services were suspended from September 20 last year for system upgradation and future-ready operations.

This planned block aimed to allow faster integration of new Rolling Stock, advanced Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling upgrades, and refurbishment of the existing fleet – ensuring safer, smoother, and more reliable operations for Mumbaikars.
The MMRDA in its post on X released on Friday said, “Mumbai, the wait is almost over. A brand-new, safer, smarter, and smoother Monorail will soon be at your service.We’re proud to share that the Monorail has secured the mandatory safety certification for its new rolling stock and the CBTC-based signalling system from the Independent Safety Assessor, Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. This is a massive milestone and brings us one step closer to opening the upgraded Monorail for public use.”

MMRDA further said that the next step will be the appointment of a retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety official to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the entire 19.54 km Monorail corridor and to grant the final statutory clearance to resume passenger operations.

It added that this process is also expected to be completed soon, after which the new, improved Monorail will be back in action for Mumbai.

The MMRDA pointed out that the ISA certification was granted after the successful completion of several critical milestones, including detailed inspection of the new rolling stock at the manufacturing facility, rigorous testing across sections of the Monorail corridor over two months to assess operational readiness, extensive static and dynamic testing to ensure full compliance with design specifications and the highest safety standards, completion of oscillation trials and installation and interface-level testing of the advanced CBTC-based signalling system.

It added that the new ‘Made In India’ Monorail rakes come with 21 modern upgrades, including CCTV cameras inside every train, Divyang-friendly seats, mobile and laptop charging points, dynamic route maps, improved suspension for smoother rides, fire-safety compliant design, modern metro-style interiors, and real-time monitoring and surveillance systems.

“We remain committed to delivering a safer, smarter, and more reliable Monorail service to Mumbaikars very soon,” said MMRDA.(Agency)

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