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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still...

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still discovering their interests. By his teens, he had already announced himself on the national stage and over the years he would go on to become one of India’s most decorated shooters. His remarkable achievements at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Championships and international competitions transformed him into a household name and brought unprecedented attention to shooting in India. Yet medals alone do not define Jaspal Rana’s legacy. What truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the sport long after his competitive career ended. As a coach, mentor and guide, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation of Indian shooters. His influence can be seen in the success of numerous athletes, most notably Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, whose achievements carried the unmistakable imprint of Rana’s guidance and belief. He possessed the rare ability to identify talent, instill confidence and demand excellence without losing sight of the human being behind the athlete. To his students, he was more than a coach. He was a teacher, protector and source of strength during moments of doubt. To colleagues, he was a respected professional whose passion for Indian sport was evident in every conversation and every training session. To fans, he represented an era when dedication and hard work could elevate a niche sport into the national spotlight. His sudden departure is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. But while Jaspal Rana is no longer with us, the values he championed — discipline, courage, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence — will continue to inspire generations. India mourns a champion. The shooting fraternity mourns a mentor. His family mourns a beloved husband and father. And the nation bids farewell to a man who spent his life helping others find their aim. Jaspal Rana’s final shot may have been fired, but his legacy will echo through Indian sport for decades to come.

MMRDA budget: Rs 40,187 cr for infra

87 per cent of funds allocated for infrastructure development; momentum to metro, coastal routes, and new projects

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday presented its budget estimate for the year 2025–26 amounting to Rs 40,187.41 crore. To enhance and deliver world-class urban services and infrastructure to the citizens of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Rs 35,151.14 crore — approximately 87 per cent of the total expenditure — has been earmarked exclusively for infrastructure projects. These include metro line extensions, construction of new tunnels, coastal routes, regional water source development, and major urban infrastructure works.


Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee presented the budget approved by MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde. The estimated revenue for FY 2025–26 stands at Rs 36,938.69 crore. This budget is expected to accelerate integrated, balanced, and fast-paced development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reduce travel time and distances, and ease traffic congestion.


New Projects Initiated in FY 2025–26

Extension of Metro Line 5: Durgadi (Kalyan) to Ulhasnagar

Metro Line 10: Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road)

Metro line 13: Shivaji Chowk to Virar

Metro Line 14: Kanjurmarg to Badlapur

Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction Tunnel Road- Part 1

Design and construction of Elevated Road between Fountain Hotel to- Bhayandar

Airoli Tunnel to Katai Naka Road (Part 3) — 6.71 km road stretch

Under Extended Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (Extn. MUIP)


Allocation of funds to major projects

Metro line 2B: DN Nagar – Mandale: Rs 2,155.80

Metro line 4: Wadala – Ghatkopar – Mulund – Thane – Kasarvadavali: Rs 3,247.51

Metro line 5: Thane – Bhiwandi – Kalya: Rs 1,579.99

Metro line 6: Swami Samarth Nagar – Kanjurmarg: Rs 1,303.40

Metro line 9: Dahisar to Mira–Bhayandar& Line 7A (Andheri to CSMIA): Rs 1,182.93

Metro Line 12: Kalyan – Taloja: Rs 1,500.00

Implementation of Extended Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project: Rs 521.47

Four-lane underground tunnel: Thane to Borivali (via SGNP): Rs 2,684.00

Coastal connectivity underground tunnel: Orange Gate,

Eastern Freeway to Marine Drive: Rs 1,813.40

Uttan to Virar Coastal Project: Rs 2,000.00

Regional water source development (Surya, Kalu, Dherji Projects): Rs 1,645.00

Underground tunnel from Gaimukh to Fountain Hotel Junction

on Thane-Ghodbunder Road: Rs1,200.00

Elevated road from Fountain Hotel Junction to Bhayander: Rs 1,000.00

KSC Navi Nagar Project (Karnala–Sai–Chirner – NTDA): Rs 1,000.00


QUOTES

"The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is the backbone of Maharashtra’s economic development. The ongoing infrastructure projects across MMR are accelerating the state’s growth trajectory.”

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister


"Our top priority is the all-round and fast-paced development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This budget ensures inclusive progress across all sectors — from new metro corridors to water resource projects. MMRDA’s plans will position Mumbai as a global economic hub. The 2025–26 budget is a visionary and comprehensive document for the multidimensional growth of MMR.”

Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister


"The budget for 2025–26 is future-ready. Over `35,000 crore has been directly allocated for projects. From metro expansions and underground tunnels to water resource development and economic hubs, these initiatives are vital for MMR’s growth. This is not just a financial document — it is the blueprint for MMR’s future."

Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner

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