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BLW introduces waterless urinals to enhance sanitation facilities

BLW introduces waterless urinals to enhance sanitation facilities

Time of India22-05-2025

Lucknow: Under the 'Clean and Safe Toilets' initiative, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has incorporated waterless urinals, along with new CO₂ cylinder fittings and hand brakes, in 37 WAG-9 freight locomotives and two WAP-7 passenger locomotives.
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WAP and WAG refer to types of electric locomotives. WAP stands for Wide Gauge AC Passenger, while WAG stands for Wide Gauge AC Goods.
"The installation of waterless urinals maintains the structural integrity of the locomotives. A space with a depth of 180 mm has been allocated within the cab to accommodate the urinal, thereby ensuring ease of access for the crew and adherence to design protocols. The water-free urinal system aids environmental sustainability by conserving water," said the spokesperson of BLW.
The official said this innovative step will not only enhance sanitation facilities for railway staff but also send a strong message of environmental responsibility. It marks a meaningful contribution towards the goals of the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' and 'Green Rail' initiative.
Banaras-Agra Cantt Vande Bharat to get addl carriages
Considering the demand among passengers for Vande Bharat Express service between Agra and Varanasi, the NCR has extended the trainset configuration from 8 to 16 carriages for 20175/20176 (Banaras-Agra Cantt Vande Bharat Express. The 16-carriage configuration will operate from May 29.

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Srinagar flights get more scenic as air travellers capture Chenab rail bridge photos from the sky while pilots make special announcements
Srinagar flights get more scenic as air travellers capture Chenab rail bridge photos from the sky while pilots make special announcements

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Srinagar flights get more scenic as air travellers capture Chenab rail bridge photos from the sky while pilots make special announcements

Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In the days following the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge , a remarkable shift has taken place—not just on the ground, but in the skies. Passengers flying over Jammu and Kashmir have turned into accidental aerial photographers, capturing breathtaking views of one of India's most iconic engineering achievements from 30,000 feet in the air. The world's highest railway arch bridge has not only redefined connectivity in the region but also become a moment of collective pride for travellers who spot it from their flight the air, the Chenab Bridge is a visual marvel—its sweeping arch stretches across the mighty Chenab River, seamlessly connecting two mountainous cliffs in the rugged terrain of the Reasi district. Its dramatic presence, framed by winding rivers and lush hills, creates a postcard-perfect sight that instantly inspires awe. The clarity with which the massive structure reveals itself from the sky has turned routine flights into memorable journeys. Flight crews now often announce the landmark as the aircraft approaches the region, prompting passengers to rush to their windows and capture the sight with phones and particular aerial video recently shared by a traveller flying from Srinagar to Delhi shows the bridge in full glory, cutting majestically through the landscape. The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread appreciation for the feat of Indian engineering. It has become common for claps to erupt mid-air as passengers recognize what they are seeing. In some cases, the moment has moved people to tears of bridge, which towers 359 metres above the riverbed—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower—is now more than just an infrastructure project. It is a symbol of ambition, perseverance, and the power of engineering to unite a region long cut off by geography. Built as part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the Chenab Bridge connects Katra to Sangaldan, and ultimately, will link New Delhi to the Kashmir Valley via rail for the first time in Indian railway line now allows trains, including the newly flagged Vande Bharat Express, to traverse a route that once took six to seven hours by road in just about three hours. The convenience, safety, and efficiency this brings for residents, tourists, and pilgrims is monumental—but the emotional impact of this bridge is just as construction itself is a testament to India's engineering capabilities. The region posed numerous challenges, from seismic activity and treacherous terrain to harsh weather conditions. Engineers had to innovate continuously, even employing a world-class cable-crane system—the first time Indian Railways used such technology—to span a 915-metre-wide gorge. Two massive cable cars and towering pylons over 100 metres high helped ferry materials to the heart of the construction site. Over 28,000 metric tonnes of steel were used to complete the bridge, designed to withstand wind speeds up to 266 km/ aerial views continue to flood social media platforms, the excitement is not limited to those in the air. On the ground, villagers from nearby areas are trekking to higher vantage points to catch a glimpse of the bridge and document it with mobile phones. People are live-streaming from hillsides, sharing real-time footage on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

After Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir banks on PM, trains, Chenab and trust to revive tourism
After Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir banks on PM, trains, Chenab and trust to revive tourism

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

After Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir banks on PM, trains, Chenab and trust to revive tourism

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Train to Srinagar, carrying hope
Train to Srinagar, carrying hope

Hindustan Times

time17 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Train to Srinagar, carrying hope

The launch of Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar is an event that has the potential to alter the socio-economic dynamic of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Coming in the wake of the gruesome terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the launch of train services connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India is a milestone rich in symbolism. An engineering marvel built over a high-altitude terrain with deep river valleys and gorges, the railway line offers a convenient and cost-effective avenue for trade and transit, and serves as a bridge between regions and people. First, it eases travel time between the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. The Vande Bharat speeds between Srinagar and Katra in just about three hours whereas a road journey in good weather takes at least six hours. In the harsh winter, when Pir Panjal, the mountain that divides the Jammu and Kashmir regions, receives heavy snowfall, road travel is stalled or delayed by many more hours. This puts pressure on air travel, causing spikes in fares. Vande Bharat trains, designed to beat extreme weather conditions and with two daily services one way, will make travel affordable, convenient, and comfortable, including during winter. Second, a cheaper travel option should boost tourism, a key contributor to J&K's economy. Inclement weather can disrupt air travel, and the resulting high fares can cripple tourism. In the case of railways, the journey enriches the tourism experience; it may boost winter tourism and even put towns along the train route on the tourism map. Third, horticulture contributes close to 10% of J&K's gross domestic product, with potential for more. Freight trains will help in the time-bound transport of perishables and greatly reduce the travel time for produce such as apples, plums, and cherries. The launch of the train has expanded market access has expanded for J&K's horticulture sector, which employs thousands of people. Fourth, the historic experience with railways is that it breaks down barriers between people. It makes places easy to reach and opens up spaces for communication. People-to-people interaction helps in removing prejudices and preconceived notions. Less accessible places tend to fear the outsider and develop a siege mentality. Trains enable travel and provide people with a view that is more expansive and accommodative. Finally, the railroad to Srinagar is the last piece in integrating J&K with the rest of India. Just as the abrogation of Article 370 set new terms of political integration, the railway link marks a milestone in geographical and economic integration. The Vande Bharats add a new layer of meaning to the phrase from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The train to Srinagar symbolises a journey of joy, resilience, and hope.

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