As the construction of roads and highways gathers pace across India, industry leaders have started deploying technology-based solutions to enhance service levels for passenger and freight transport, according to a recent report by global consulting firm KPMG.

The country is targeting completion of 60,000 km of national highways over the next five years at an average road construction rate of 40 km per day.

Assuming an average construction cost of Rs 30 crore per km (including land acquisition cost) and factoring in inflation for road construction cost at a conservative three per cent, the total funding requirement over five years is estimated at Rs 19 lakh crore. This amounts to an average annual fund requirement of Rs 3.8 lakh crore.

Hence the approach levers are to better costs across various phases of road development, improving existing sources of funding and exploring new avenues besides policy reforms including new PPP models, said the report.

The government's focus continues to be on Bharatmala Pariyojana with added stress on multimodal integration, road safety, increasing use of information technology applications, augmentation of existing funding sources and emphasis on green initiatives. Besides, enhanced passenger facilities and logistics efficiency are major considerations.

Global trends in infrastructure indicate increased focus on innovations, use of technology tools based on data and analytics to unlock operational efficiencies, the shift of focus to developing economies and mainstreaming of sustainability. Roads and highways sector is not an exception. The role of roads and highways sector in the overall transport sector continues to be recognized globally.

In India, according to the report, highways development for bridging the required infrastructure gap is likely to be over in the next five to six years and construction activities could reduce progressively.

So a shift is expected from highways construction and development to provision of quality service to users, enhanced use of technology applications, adoption of safety solutions, promoting sustainability and augmenting existing sources of finance.

Already, technology-based initiatives in the road sector are increasingly being adopted -- right from the initial stage of project preparation to construction and O&amp;M (operations and maintenance) phases besides in enhancing service levels for passenger and freight transport.

Road safety is another important area of application. Many such technologies have been adopted, such as the Project Management Information System which has been developed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and is currently used to monitor more than 3,000 projects.

An intelligent transport system solution enables interaction between passengers, buses, bus stops and command centres to communicate much-needed information and check for possible violations. A video surveillance system, traffic management system and alert system can reduce traffic congestion and provide various options to drivers to reach their destinations.

An electronic toll collection system aims at eliminating the delay on toll roads by collecting tolls electronically through radio frequency identification tags.

Several other significant technology interventions are being adopted for the road transport sector, said the report.

As the construction of roads and highways gathers pace across India, industry leaders have started deploying technology-based solutions to enhance service levels for passenger and freight transport, according to a recent report by global consulting firm KPMG.

As the construction of roads and highways gathers pace across India, industry leaders have started deploying technology-based solutions to enhance service levels for passenger and freight transport, according to a recent report by global consulting firm KPMG. The country is targeting completion of 60,000 km of national highways over the next five years at an average road construction rate of 40 km per day. Assuming an average construction cost of Rs 30 crore per km (including land acquisition cost) and factoring in inflation for road construction cost at a conservative three per cent, the total funding requirement over five years is estimated at Rs 19 lakh crore. This amounts to an average annual fund requirement of Rs 3.8 lakh crore. Hence the approach levers are to better costs across various phases of road development, improving existing sources of funding and exploring new avenues besides policy reforms including new PPP models, said the report. The government's focus continues to be on Bharatmala Pariyojana with added stress on multimodal integration, road safety, increasing use of information technology applications, augmentation of existing funding sources and emphasis on green initiatives. Besides, enhanced passenger facilities and logistics efficiency are major considerations. Global trends in infrastructure indicate increased focus on innovations, use of technology tools based on data and analytics to unlock operational efficiencies, the shift of focus to developing economies and mainstreaming of sustainability. Roads and highways sector is not an exception. The role of roads and highways sector in the overall transport sector continues to be recognized globally. In India, according to the report, highways development for bridging the required infrastructure gap is likely to be over in the next five to six years and construction activities could reduce progressively. So a shift is expected from highways construction and development to provision of quality service to users, enhanced use of technology applications, adoption of safety solutions, promoting sustainability and augmenting existing sources of finance. Already, technology-based initiatives in the road sector are increasingly being adopted -- right from the initial stage of project preparation to construction and O&M (operations and maintenance) phases besides in enhancing service levels for passenger and freight transport. Road safety is another important area of application. Many such technologies have been adopted, such as the Project Management Information System which has been developed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and is currently used to monitor more than 3,000 projects. An intelligent transport system solution enables interaction between passengers, buses, bus stops and command centres to communicate much-needed information and check for possible violations. A video surveillance system, traffic management system and alert system can reduce traffic congestion and provide various options to drivers to reach their destinations. An electronic toll collection system aims at eliminating the delay on toll roads by collecting tolls electronically through radio frequency identification tags. Several other significant technology interventions are being adopted for the road transport sector, said the report.

Tech-enabled solutions to dominate road and highway development: KPMG

Paris is testing out a new form of travel: an eco-friendly bubble-shaped taxi that zips along the River Seine. The so-called Seabubbles are white, oval electric hydrofoils, resembling tiny space shuttles, and organisers are holding test runs on one of them this week.

Paris tests new 'eco friendly' transport

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-of-the-states-support-new-motor-vehicle-rules-gadkari-250331">Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.</a>

A large number of public vehicles, like buses and autos are on strike against the fines, inconveniencing several commuters in Delhi and NCR who depend on these modes of transportation.

An auto-rickshaw driver, Sanjay Kumar Shah said, "The rate of the challans (fines) are very high. Earlier we paid Rs 100 fine which has now increased to Rs 25,000. So we are against this implementation. Our earnings can't meet the heights of challans."

Outlining the plight of commuters, a Delhi local Satendra told ANI, "As all the buses and autos are on strike it is getting difficult for us to manage today. I have been standing at the bus stand for more than an hour. The government should not keep such high challans. It is difficult for the auto people to pay. Their earnings are way less than the challans they are asked to pay."

Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1.

The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.&nbsp;

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.

The Delhi Transport Union has called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019. A large number of public vehicles, like buses and autos are on strike against the fines, inconveniencing several commuters in Delhi and NCR who depend on these modes of transportation. An auto-rickshaw driver, Sanjay Kumar Shah said, "The rate of the challans (fines) are very high. Earlier we paid Rs 100 fine which has now increased to Rs 25,000. So we are against this implementation. Our earnings can't meet the heights of challans." Outlining the plight of commuters, a Delhi local Satendra told ANI, "As all the buses and autos are on strike it is getting difficult for us to manage today. I have been standing at the bus stand for more than an hour. The government should not keep such high challans. It is difficult for the auto people to pay. Their earnings are way less than the challans they are asked to pay." Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1. The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.

Delhi Transport Union on strike against hefty fines under new Motor Vehicles Act

India's first underwater train project in Kolkata is almost complete. The metro will soon be operational soon, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-minister-piyush-goyal-says-no-privatisation-of-railways-targets-congress-235451">Union Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal</a> announced.

"India's first underwater train will soon get started in Kolkata under the Hubli river. An example of impeccable engineering, this train is proof of the progress made by Indian Railways. This train will bring ease to the people of Kolkata and pride to the people of India." tweeted Piyush Goyal in Hindi.

The 16-kilometre long Kolkata Metro project will connect Salt Sector 5 with Howrah Maidan.

The phase I of the project connecting Salt Lake Sector-5 to Salt Lake Stadium will soon be operational.

The tunnel is provided with four-layers of protection to shield the tunnel from the water of Hubli river.&nbsp;

Goyal, last month, had said that there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government.&nbsp;

India's first underwater train project in Kolkata is almost complete. The metro will soon be operational soon, Union Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal announced. "India's first underwater train will soon get started in Kolkata under the Hubli river.

India's first underwater train project in Kolkata is almost complete. The metro will soon be operational soon, Union Railways Minister, Piyush Goyal announced. "India's first underwater train will soon get started in Kolkata under the Hubli river. An example of impeccable engineering, this train is proof of the progress made by Indian Railways. This train will bring ease to the people of Kolkata and pride to the people of India." tweeted Piyush Goyal in Hindi. The 16-kilometre long Kolkata Metro project will connect Salt Sector 5 with Howrah Maidan. The phase I of the project connecting Salt Lake Sector-5 to Salt Lake Stadium will soon be operational. The tunnel is provided with four-layers of protection to shield the tunnel from the water of Hubli river. Goyal, last month, had said that there is "no question and no meaning" of privatising Railways, but the public-private partnership will be encouraged and there will be corporatisation of some units. Replying to the debate on the demands for grants of his ministry, in which 99 members participated, Goyal outlined the plans of the government to boost safety and technology and said its performance has been far better compared to that of the UPA government.

India's first underwater train to be launched in Kolkata soon

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics.

Three French engineering firms -- Heuliez Bus, Bollore and Alstom -- won the tender to supply the buses in deals worth up to 400 million euros ($450 million), the RATP transport operator said.

RATP will buy an equal number of buses from each supplier, it added, describing the tender as the biggest such bus purchase in Europe.

It will begin by buying 150 buses, with the first deliveries expected between the end of 2020 and 2022, it added.

Local authorities in Paris want the French capital to have 100-per cent clean buses by 2025 by using both electricity and biofuels.

"This is a major step for the RATP and a symbol of its ambition to be a key player in the energy transition in the public transport sector," said RATP chief executive Catherine Guillouard.

"To put them into service, the company is mobilised to meet an industrial challenge within a very short tight deadline," she added.

Paris already has one line -- number 341 -- fully operational with electric buses, but it will be a major task to transform its full fleet of just under 4,700 buses.

RATP currently has some 950 hybrid-powered buses, 140 bio-fuel buses and 83 electric buses in its fleet.

The use of electric buses is growing all over the world, with China the leader in employing the technology as it seeks to relieve pollution in clogged cities.

But they are becoming an increasingly familiar sight in European cities, in particular in Dutch cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Paris' Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made tackling smog a priority and is planning stricter rules aimed at phasing out diesel cars by 2024, and is also weighing the idea of making public transport free.&nbsp;

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics.

Paris' public transport operator on Tuesday said it had ordered up to 800 electric buses to take to the streets of the French capital to replace diesel versions and fight smog in the build-up to the 2024 Olympics. Three French engineering firms -- Heuliez Bus, Bollore and Alstom -- won the tender to supply the buses in deals worth up to 400 million euros ($450 million), the RATP transport operator said. RATP will buy an equal number of buses from each supplier, it added, describing the tender as the biggest such bus purchase in Europe. It will begin by buying 150 buses, with the first deliveries expected between the end of 2020 and 2022, it added. Local authorities in Paris want the French capital to have 100-per cent clean buses by 2025 by using both electricity and biofuels. "This is a major step for the RATP and a symbol of its ambition to be a key player in the energy transition in the public transport sector," said RATP chief executive Catherine Guillouard. "To put them into service, the company is mobilised to meet an industrial challenge within a very short tight deadline," she added. Paris already has one line -- number 341 -- fully operational with electric buses, but it will be a major task to transform its full fleet of just under 4,700 buses. RATP currently has some 950 hybrid-powered buses, 140 bio-fuel buses and 83 electric buses in its fleet. The use of electric buses is growing all over the world, with China the leader in employing the technology as it seeks to relieve pollution in clogged cities. But they are becoming an increasingly familiar sight in European cities, in particular in Dutch cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Paris' Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo has made tackling smog a priority and is planning stricter rules aimed at phasing out diesel cars by 2024, and is also weighing the idea of making public transport free.

Paris orders 800 new electric buses to fight smog

US: UPS launches drone service to transport medical samples

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city.

According to the order, the charges will now range between Rs 6,000 to Rs 75,000.

An order issued by outgoing Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi on Friday said the new parking charges will be applicable from January 1, 2019.

The transport department collects the parking charges on behalf of the MCDs, which claim that it is meant for creating parking infrastructure in Delhi. The proposal by the three MCDs to hike the charges was pending for quite some time and was cleared by the transport commissioner on her last day in office, an official said.

The order angered bus and taxi operators as the annual parking fee for different categories of commercial vehicles will rise from the existing Rs 2,500-Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000-Rs 25,000.

According to the order, based on the cost of a vehicle, the one-time parking charge for private cars and SUVs will range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 75,000 18 times the existing rate of Rs 4,000.

The process of charging the money during vehicle registration is prescribed through notification of Union Urban Affairs Ministry, not by the transport department, Joshi, who has taken charge as North Delhi Municipal Corporation's commissioner, told PTI.

The transport department only acts as the post office in the process, she said.

The parking charges mechanism will be replaced by spot parking fees after new parking regulations are notified by the Delhi government, she said. 
"Till then this mechanism will be applicable. So we followed an urban affairs ministry notification and issued these orders," she added.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, however, denied having any information about the hike.

"I am not aware of any such decision," he told PTI.

Displeased by the government order, transporters in the city threatened to stage a protest against the hike.

"We will meet the chief minister and the transport minister on Monday against the hike because it will impact us negatively. If need be, we will resort to a strike also," said Shyam Lal Gola, spokesperson of State Transport Authority Operators Ekta Manch.

It's a very bad move that will pose hardships for all, including the commuters, president of Delhi Tourist Taxi Transport Association Sanjay Samrat said. 
"We will protest against the Delhi government," he said.

He added that they will meet the Lt Governor to appeal for a rollback of the hike.

The hike, which will boost finances of the civic bodies, may hit the transport department as it is likely that the sale of vehicles may shift to the neighbouring states because there will be a huge variation of rates in Delhi and other parts of the country, an official claimed.&nbsp;

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city.

Car buyers will have to pay higher one-time parking charges in 2019 as the Delhi Transport Department has approved a recommendation for a hike by three municipal corporations of the city. According to the order, the charges will now range between Rs 6,000 to Rs 75,000. An order issued by outgoing Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi on Friday said the new parking charges will be applicable from January 1, 2019. The transport department collects the parking charges on behalf of the MCDs, which claim that it is meant for creating parking infrastructure in Delhi. The proposal by the three MCDs to hike the charges was pending for quite some time and was cleared by the transport commissioner on her last day in office, an official said. The order angered bus and taxi operators as the annual parking fee for different categories of commercial vehicles will rise from the existing Rs 2,500-Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000-Rs 25,000. According to the order, based on the cost of a vehicle, the one-time parking charge for private cars and SUVs will range between Rs 6,000 and Rs 75,000 18 times the existing rate of Rs 4,000. The process of charging the money during vehicle registration is prescribed through notification of Union Urban Affairs Ministry, not by the transport department, Joshi, who has taken charge as North Delhi Municipal Corporation's commissioner, told PTI. The transport department only acts as the post office in the process, she said. The parking charges mechanism will be replaced by spot parking fees after new parking regulations are notified by the Delhi government, she said. "Till then this mechanism will be applicable. So we followed an urban affairs ministry notification and issued these orders," she added. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, however, denied having any information about the hike. "I am not aware of any such decision," he told PTI. Displeased by the government order, transporters in the city threatened to stage a protest against the hike. "We will meet the chief minister and the transport minister on Monday against the hike because it will impact us negatively. If need be, we will resort to a strike also," said Shyam Lal Gola, spokesperson of State Transport Authority Operators Ekta Manch. It's a very bad move that will pose hardships for all, including the commuters, president of Delhi Tourist Taxi Transport Association Sanjay Samrat said. "We will protest against the Delhi government," he said. He added that they will meet the Lt Governor to appeal for a rollback of the hike. The hike, which will boost finances of the civic bodies, may hit the transport department as it is likely that the sale of vehicles may shift to the neighbouring states because there will be a huge variation of rates in Delhi and other parts of the country, an official claimed.

Delhi transport department approves hike in one-time parking charges

The Delhi government&#39;s decision to allow free rides on DTC buses during the five days of the odd-even scheme in the city could lead to losses of about Rs 9.5 crore, officials said today.

Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has announced that the Delhi government will allow free travel for commuters in all DTC and cluster buses from November 13-17, when the odd-even scheme will be implemented, to promote public transport.

According to latest data from June this year, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which has a fleet of nearly 4,000 buses, carries around 28 lakh passengers daily and earns Rs 1.88 crore per day.

Five days of free rides would amount to DTC losing about Rs 9.5 crore. &quot;This will an added burden on us as we are already making losses,&quot; a DTC official said on the condition of anonymity.

According to CAG reports, the national capital&#39;s public transporter has been steadily making losses with no addition of new buses.

The total loss for DTC in 2014-2015 was Rs.2,917.75 crore, the highest in the previous five financial years. The operational loss of Rs 1,273.19 crore in 2014-2015 was also the highest in the previous five financial years.

From 2010-2011 till 2014-2015, DTC accumulated losses to the tune of Rs 11,962.09 crore, while operational losses in that period were Rs 5,022.05 crore, CAG said.

Over 1,600 buses operate under the cluster bus scheme, run by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Agency (DIMTS), a joint venture between the Delhi government and the non-profit organisation IDFC Foundation.

Though exact figures were not available, government figures show the cluster scheme also suffered losses in 2015- 16.

The cluster scheme buses earned Rs 283 crore as revenue in 2015-16. However, the expenditure was Rs 544.35 crore and the difference of Rs 260 crore was paid by the government.

According to latest data from June this year, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which has a fleet of nearly 4,000 buses, carries around 28 lakh passengers daily and earns Rs 1.88 crore per day

The Delhi government's decision to allow free rides on DTC buses during the five days of the odd-even scheme in the city could lead to losses of about Rs 9.5 crore, officials said today. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot has announced that the Delhi government will allow free travel for commuters in all DTC and cluster buses from November 13-17, when the odd-even scheme will be implemented, to promote public transport. According to latest data from June this year, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which has a fleet of nearly 4,000 buses, carries around 28 lakh passengers daily and earns Rs 1.88 crore per day. Five days of free rides would amount to DTC losing about Rs 9.5 crore. "This will an added burden on us as we are already making losses," a DTC official said on the condition of anonymity. According to CAG reports, the national capital's public transporter has been steadily making losses with no addition of new buses. The total loss for DTC in 2014-2015 was Rs.2,917.75 crore, the highest in the previous five financial years. The operational loss of Rs 1,273.19 crore in 2014-2015 was also the highest in the previous five financial years. From 2010-2011 till 2014-2015, DTC accumulated losses to the tune of Rs 11,962.09 crore, while operational losses in that period were Rs 5,022.05 crore, CAG said. Over 1,600 buses operate under the cluster bus scheme, run by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Agency (DIMTS), a joint venture between the Delhi government and the non-profit organisation IDFC Foundation. Though exact figures were not available, government figures show the cluster scheme also suffered losses in 2015- 16. The cluster scheme buses earned Rs 283 crore as revenue in 2015-16. However, the expenditure was Rs 544.35 crore and the difference of Rs 260 crore was paid by the government.

Free rides on odd-even week to cost DTC a loss of 9.5 crores

Rio&#39;s top security official vowed yesterday to review security for the Olympic torch after rioting protesters blocked the relay ceremony and apparently extinguished the flame. 
 
The violent clashes on late Wednesday in Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort south of Rio, cast a shadow over final preparations for South America`s first Olympics, which start August 5. 
 
In another worry for organisers, Rio metro employees threatened yesterday to go on strike on the eve of the Games if they do not get a 9.83 per cent salary raise, raising the possibility of transport chaos for some 500,000 tourists expected to attend.&nbsp;Rio de Janeiro state security secretary Jose Mariano Beltrame said that policing during the torch relay - which will have visited more than 300 Brazilian cities by the time of the opening ceremony in Rio`s Maracana stadium - needs improving. 
 
&quot;There has never been a problem,&quot; he was quoted as saying by G1 news site. &quot;Yesterday there was one. This needs to be reevaluated and we will be paying more attention to this question.&quot; 
 
&quot;Extinguishing the torch is a crime,&quot; he warned.The crowd, protesting a lack of public transport and the late payment of salaries by the nearly bankrupt Rio state, attacked the procession in Angra dos Reis before being driven off by police using tear gas and rubber bullets. 
 
In footage of the clashes shared online and on Globo television, someone can be heard shouting triumphantly: &quot;The torch has been put out!&quot; as the torch bearer, carrying an unlit torch, is hustled into the safety of a bus. 
 
The Rio organising committee said in a statement that the torch relay &quot;had to be temporarily interrupted&quot;.&nbsp;However, &quot;out of consideration to the inhabitants of the city who wanted to attend the relay,&quot; it was restarted at the next stage &quot;after an evaluation by the security team.&quot; 
 
Organisers portray the torch`s nationwide journey as a chance to ignite public enthusiasm for the Olympics.&nbsp;But repeated security incidents have turned the torch into a symbol of organisational glitches and social discontent. 
 
Highlight reels of torch mishaps have gone viral online, including several attempts to extinguish the flame, runners falling over, a police motorbike crashing into the parade, a man attempting to seize the torch, and political protests. 
 
In June, a rare, captive jaguar - the same animal chosen as Brazil`s Olympic mascot - was shot dead after escaping handlers at a torch ceremony.There was better news for Rio organizers in the arrival overnight of Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, who hopes to defend his multiple gold medals. 
 
Wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes, sunglasses and headphones, Bolt was in a hurry to leave the airport. &quot;I didn`t sleep on the flight,&quot; he told a welcoming committee of journalists and officials. 
 
A more controversial set of arrivals were expected later in the day, with some 70 Russian athletes due to arrive in the early evening, their team slashed by bans in a scandal over state-sponsored doping. 
 
Rio organizers were also still racing to complete emergency repairs to the athletes` Village, where some 19,000 team members will live. 
 
Half of the buildings had problems ranging from blocked toilets to faulty wiring when teams began moving in over the weekend. 
 
Although these glitches were expected to be ironed out by the end of yesterday, new controversy was brewing over allegations by government labor inspectors that the approximately 600 workers are being made to work nearly around the clock without legal contracts. Meanwhile, officials said that a Brazilian man was arrested at his home in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro state, on terrorism charges. However, no details of the allegations were given. 
 
The justice department said the indictment against Chaer Kalaun, 28, a Brazilian of Lebanese descent, was sealed, but had been filed under anti-terrorism laws. 
 
His lawyer, Edson Ferreira, said the allegations lacked substance.&nbsp;&quot;There`s nothing more than suspicions that he put posts on Facebook,&quot; the lawyer said.&nbsp;&quot;He did not pledge allegiance, he was not recruiting, or bringing people or collaborating or encouraging any projects of the Islamic State.&quot; 
 
Ferreira said his client is a Muslim and lived in Lebanon when he was an adolescent. 
 
Unconfirmed Brazilian media reports said police suspect Kalaun of recruiting for extremist organisations in Brazil. He was also arrested during the 2014 World Cup on charges of illegal firearms possession. 
 
The arrest came a week after 12 other Brazilian men were arrested for allegedly trying to form a terrorism cell. Officials downplayed the seriousness of the group, calling them &quot;amateur&quot; and &quot;disorganised.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The crowd protested late payment of salaries by the Rio state. Employees also threatened metro strike for a 9.83% salary raise yesterday

Rio's top security official vowed yesterday to review security for the Olympic torch after rioting protesters blocked the relay ceremony and apparently extinguished the flame. The violent clashes on late Wednesday in Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort south of Rio, cast a shadow over final preparations for South America`s first Olympics, which start August 5. In another worry for organisers, Rio metro employees threatened yesterday to go on strike on the eve of the Games if they do not get a 9.83 per cent salary raise, raising the possibility of transport chaos for some 500,000 tourists expected to attend. Rio de Janeiro state security secretary Jose Mariano Beltrame said that policing during the torch relay - which will have visited more than 300 Brazilian cities by the time of the opening ceremony in Rio`s Maracana stadium - needs improving. "There has never been a problem," he was quoted as saying by G1 news site. "Yesterday there was one. This needs to be reevaluated and we will be paying more attention to this question." "Extinguishing the torch is a crime," he warned.The crowd, protesting a lack of public transport and the late payment of salaries by the nearly bankrupt Rio state, attacked the procession in Angra dos Reis before being driven off by police using tear gas and rubber bullets. In footage of the clashes shared online and on Globo television, someone can be heard shouting triumphantly: "The torch has been put out!" as the torch bearer, carrying an unlit torch, is hustled into the safety of a bus. The Rio organising committee said in a statement that the torch relay "had to be temporarily interrupted". However, "out of consideration to the inhabitants of the city who wanted to attend the relay," it was restarted at the next stage "after an evaluation by the security team." Organisers portray the torch`s nationwide journey as a chance to ignite public enthusiasm for the Olympics. But repeated security incidents have turned the torch into a symbol of organisational glitches and social discontent. Highlight reels of torch mishaps have gone viral online, including several attempts to extinguish the flame, runners falling over, a police motorbike crashing into the parade, a man attempting to seize the torch, and political protests. In June, a rare, captive jaguar - the same animal chosen as Brazil`s Olympic mascot - was shot dead after escaping handlers at a torch ceremony.There was better news for Rio organizers in the arrival overnight of Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, who hopes to defend his multiple gold medals. Wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes, sunglasses and headphones, Bolt was in a hurry to leave the airport. "I didn`t sleep on the flight," he told a welcoming committee of journalists and officials. A more controversial set of arrivals were expected later in the day, with some 70 Russian athletes due to arrive in the early evening, their team slashed by bans in a scandal over state-sponsored doping. Rio organizers were also still racing to complete emergency repairs to the athletes` Village, where some 19,000 team members will live. Half of the buildings had problems ranging from blocked toilets to faulty wiring when teams began moving in over the weekend. Although these glitches were expected to be ironed out by the end of yesterday, new controversy was brewing over allegations by government labor inspectors that the approximately 600 workers are being made to work nearly around the clock without legal contracts. Meanwhile, officials said that a Brazilian man was arrested at his home in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro state, on terrorism charges. However, no details of the allegations were given. The justice department said the indictment against Chaer Kalaun, 28, a Brazilian of Lebanese descent, was sealed, but had been filed under anti-terrorism laws. His lawyer, Edson Ferreira, said the allegations lacked substance. "There`s nothing more than suspicions that he put posts on Facebook," the lawyer said. "He did not pledge allegiance, he was not recruiting, or bringing people or collaborating or encouraging any projects of the Islamic State." Ferreira said his client is a Muslim and lived in Lebanon when he was an adolescent. Unconfirmed Brazilian media reports said police suspect Kalaun of recruiting for extremist organisations in Brazil. He was also arrested during the 2014 World Cup on charges of illegal firearms possession. The arrest came a week after 12 other Brazilian men were arrested for allegedly trying to form a terrorism cell. Officials downplayed the seriousness of the group, calling them "amateur" and "disorganised." (AFP)

Brazil reviews Olympic torch security after protesters extinguish flame

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