Jagannath Rath Yatra will be monitored by helium surveillance balloons, Gujarat's first Vande metro train proposed between A'bad and Dholera, delayed monsoons, and more. Catch up with what's happening in your city with this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

To enhance security for this year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, helium surveillance balloons will be deployed from Kashmir to monitor the Yatra route. Generally used at Indo-Pak borders, these balloons will oversee activities along a 5 km stretch during the procession. The cameras on these balloons will connect to a Control Room, allowing the police to monitor activities and respond quickly, particularly in sensitive areas.

The Metro Rail Corporation has proposed Gujarat’s first-ever Vande Metro train, connecting Ahmedabad and Dholera. The proposal has been submitted to the Railway Ministry, and a feasibility study is currently underway.

As Dholera develops into India's semiconductor industrial hub, the region will require improved and faster commuting options. Many companies are establishing operations in the area, increasing the need for efficient transportation.

The Ahmedabad School Van Association has announced a 20% fare hike for auto rickshaws and vans transporting school children. This increase comes as parents and schools prepare for the upcoming academic year.

The association attributes the hike to rising expenses related to RTO requirements for fitness certificates and fire safety standards. Parents will now pay Rs 1,200 per kilometer for school vans and Rs 750 for school rickshaws.

Monsoon has officially arrived in parts of the state as of Tuesday. However, weather experts report that the monsoon system has weakened after reaching South Gujarat, potentially delaying its arrival in Ahmedabad until the last week of June.

Recent showers over the past two days have been part of pre-monsoon activity, bringing an average of 6 mm of rain. The weather is expected to remain cloudy for the next two to three days, but significant rainfall is unlikely.

AMC is considering a policy shift to mandate EV charging stations in the building plans of all new constructions. This initiative aims to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the city, facilitating private entities to establish charging facilities at 81 locations across Ahmedabad.

These charging stations will be strategically placed, including key areas such as Kankaria Kids City, Navrangpura Multilevel Parking, and under flyovers.

Starting today, Automated Testing Stations (ATS) will conduct fitness tests for all state transport vehicles. The Transport Department has issued a notification stating that Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) with ATS facilities under their jurisdiction will no longer perform these tests.

However, this transition has sparked concerns due to a recent scam involving bogus fitness certificates for heavy vehicles. Critics fear that corruption could worsen if private ATS facilities handle the issuance of these certificates.