'He Has His Reasons...': Shashi Tharoor Reacts To Rahul Gandhi's Remark On Trump Tariffs
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The Hindu
30 minutes ago
- The Hindu
On the track towards belonging
The completion of the the Udhampur, Srinagar, Baramulla rail link project, or the Jammu–Baramulla line, nearly four decades in the making, marks not only a historic engineering achievement in one of the most formidable terrains on the planet, but also the quiet fulfilment of a long-standing promise between the Indian state and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Spanning 272 km through the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges, this railway line is more than steel and concrete; it is a bridge of belonging. Mobility equates to opportunity. The railway line connects places such as Sopore, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal to the national economy. It brings markets closer, education within reach, and jobs within possibility. Each train narrows not just physical distance but also psychological gaps. This railway line fosters the sentiment that national integration is not merely about symbolism but practical access, investment, and shared development. In a region long marked by conflict, this railway line offers a quieter story — one of shared work, patience, and steady progress. It won't resolve every issue, but it shifts the conversation towards connection and common purpose. The train carries the message that Kashmir is not peripheral to India, but central to its journey forward. SPOTLIGHT | Building bridges to Kashmir Audacity and achievement This milestone would not have been possible without the undaunted spirit of India's railway engineers. From the snow-bound tunnels of Pir Panjal to the vertiginous heights of the Chenab bridge, these professionals and workers toiled through some of the harshest natural conditions imaginable. They worked through deep winters, unpredictable landslides, and security concerns. Their courage and commitment deserve the gratitude of a nation. The Indian Railways has a proud tradition of such resolve. In the 19th century, railway engineers built a railway through the treacherous Western Ghats and delivered the Bhor Ghat section that connects Mumbai with the Deccan. During the Assam rail-link project of 1948, when newly independent India faced a logistical crisis in connecting the Northeast, the legendary railway engineer Sardar Karnil Singh (later Chairman of the Railway Board) and his team built 200 kilometres of line in record time, including more than 300 bridges. The Jammu-Baramulla line now joins this lineage of audacity and achievement. It is a reminder that while governments may change and priorities may shift, the railway engineer — anonymous and often unsung — continues to be one of the Republic's most enduring architects. Their work does not merely connect places; it connects lives, aspirations, and identities. It is they who transform maps into meanings and blueprints into belonging. The symbolism of the Jammu-Baramulla line lies not only in what it connects but also in what it overcomes. The project navigated not only geotechnical obstacles and climatic extremities, but also long periods of political uncertainty and civil unrest. Each completed tunnel and bridge, therefore, is an engineering feat and also a marker of perseverance and institutional commitment in the face of adversity. EDITORIAL | Connecting bridge: On the Chenab Rail Bridge Strategic importance The line's strategic importance is also worth underlining. By linking Kashmir's northernmost railhead with the rest of India's railway grid, it brings unparalleled logistical advantages for civilian mobility, trade, and even emergency response. The line also reduces dependence on the single Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which is vulnerable to landslides and closures during winter. In doing so, it enhances the resilience of Kashmir's connectivity and helps ensure the regular flow of essentials such as food, fuel, and medicine. For students and patients who earlier endured long road journeys over mountainous passes, the railway offers comfort, affordability, and dignity. It reduces both the cost and the emotional toll of separation, making it easier for families to stay connected. In time, it will also make the region more attractive to investors and institutions, opening the doors for industrial parks, skill development centres, and agro-logistics hubs to be developed in and around stations such as Anantnag, Awantipora, and Baramulla. Culturally too, the railway becomes a conduit for exchange. As trains bring people to and from the Valley, they also carry stories, memories, and understanding. The rail journey is a slow but steady social equaliser, allowing a common experience to emerge across geographies. For many in the Valley who had never travelled far beyond their districts, it opens a new window to the rest of the country — and vice versa. The future now depends on how we build around this backbone. The completion of the Jammu-Baramulla line must be followed by careful planning of last-mile linkages, station area development, and service frequency enhancement. Local entrepreneurs, women's groups, and artisans must be enabled to benefit from the access that this line provides. Government agencies and private players must together create ecosystems around these stations, so they become not just halts, but hubs of rural transformation. This project is a testament to what democratic development looks like in action — patient, deliberate, and deeply transformational. The tracks may be made of steel, but the promise they carry is one of trust. And that may be the most powerful foundation on which to build the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Sarabjit Arjan Singh, former general manager, Indian Railway, and former member of Central Administrative Tribunal.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hospitality boom heats up in twin cities
1 2 Ahmedabad: The twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, positioning as a strategic business and tourism hub, are all set to add about 1,000 new branded room keys with global hotel chains expanding their presence and several properties being rebranded or revamped in this region. Ahmedabad – a potential host city for the 2036 Olympics, if India secures the bid – is seeing its skyline change. Leading the change is Marriott International, which recently unveiled a revamped Le Méridien hotel in Ramdevnagar, offering 164 keys. Formerly operating as Courtyard by Marriott, the property has been redesigned with an upscale aesthetic and renewed focus on guest experience. Another Courtyard property on Sindhu Bhawan Road has been deflagged and is reportedly undergoing a complete transformation under a new brand, sources told TOI. "The Ahmedabad market is maturing fast. We're seeing demand from not only business travellers but also lifestyle-conscious guests. That's pushing owners to rethink brand positioning," said an industry insider. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Sindhu Bhawan Road, in particular, is emerging as a hospitality hotspot. With office towers, luxury residences, and retail zones rapidly developing, hotel brands are moving in. Hyatt is likely to launch a Hyatt Place on this stretch, adding to its existing pipeline of projects in Sanand and the fast-growing GIFT City, as is learnt from source. "This rise in activity comes as Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar is being reshaped into a major business district. If India wins the 2036 Olympic bid, the region will likely see accelerated infrastructure investments and increased global visibility. There's a long-term view now: developers, brands, and investors are aligning to ensure that the region meets international hospitality standards," said travel industry expert Ankit Bajaj. TOI has also learnt that Marriott is in talks to add another property in the city along SG Highway under its MHRS (Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites) portfolio, as part of a broader push into high-growth Indian cities. Similarly, Hilton is exploring a second project in Ahmedabad following the success of its DoubleTree by Hilton at Bopal-Ambli Road. The group has already announced expansion plans across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar under its Hampton brand. Email queries to Marriott and Hilton seeking specific details on their expansion plans went unanswered. In another sign of momentum, luxury hospitality player Atmosphere Core is considering entering Ahmedabad, claim industry insiders. Known for its experiential properties across South Asia, its arrival would further diversify the city's offerings. As Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar emerge as a business and administrative capital with GIFT City rising as a fintech nucleus, the hospitality sector in this market is redefining urban development and the scale of luxury offerings here. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Har Ghar Tiranga'awakening patrioticfervour, says Yogi
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday described the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign as a nationwide movement to awaken patriotic spirit, not just a symbolic act of flag hoisting. Addressing the BJP 's organisational meeting at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, the CM said, "This is the fourth consecutive year of the campaign under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, and it has become a powerful expression of national consciousness. " Calling upon party workers to join the campaign by hoisting the national flag at their homes and encouraging others to do the same, the CM said that promoting indigenous products through ODOP scheme alongside this initiative would help build an economically self-reliant India and counter external pressures. Lashing out at the Congress and opposition parties, he said that the truth in the Malegaon case had exposed conspiracies against Hindu beliefs. Criticising the opposition for spreading misinformation around 'Operation Sindoor', he accused them of shielding anti-national forces. On the voter list revision drive, Yogi said it was not merely an administrative task but a political responsibility. He urged BJP workers to ensure no eligible voter was left out. State BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary called 'Har Ghar Tiranga' a reflection of national pride and civic responsibility inspired by PM Modi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said the flag campaign was a national celebration symbolising India's unity and identity. He encouraged workers to strengthen their booths as centres of public trust and organisation. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said the campaign had become an expression of public sentiment. BJP's state general secretary (organisation) Dharampal Singh announced a series of programmes from Aug 10–15. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
