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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Link: How Railways beat seemingly insurmountable odds to crack the Kashmir code
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated on June 6, marks a significant milestone in Indian infrastructure. This ambitious initiative aims to create seamless rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, overcoming geographical and security challenges that have plagued the region for decades. The USBRL, built at a cost of approximately ₹44,000 crore, spans 272 km and features 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, including the world's highest Chenab Bridge . This engineering feat promises to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Srinagar to under 13 hours, providing much-needed all-weather connectivity. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0.00% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutora: Truque caseiro para pescoço de peru (Tente isso hoje à noite) Revista & Saúde Saiba Mais Undo A first-hand account: From inception to completion A ToI report (by Arvind Chauhan) captured the experiences of Neetu Sapra, who saw everything from close quarters as the project progressed from inception to completion. "No quarters, peak insurgency, the Kargil War – it was a roller coaster," she told the reporter. Living in a CRPF camp in Srinagar with her young son while her husband, Suresh Kumar Sapra, worked on the USBRL project was fraught with danger. She adds, 'During a shopping trip to Lal Chowk in 1998, we narrowly escaped a bomb blast.' Neetu's life story is a testament to the resilience of families involved in this vital rail project. Live Events TNN The dream and the challenge The USBRL project began in 1997 when former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda laid its foundation in Udhampur. Many deemed the task impossible, given the challenging terrain and ongoing insurgency. The initial spirit of the project was captured by Sandeep Gupta, the executive engineer, who noted the overwhelming challenges faced by the team. Gupta recounts, 'We had no choice but to dive in. This was bigger than us.' The conditions were harsh. The team of engineers faced numerous logistical issues, including lack of housing, poor electricity supply, and inadequate transportation. Sapra recalls dodging landslides during a trip to Srinagar and the struggle for basic necessities. The state power department had not restored electricity due to unpaid bills, and the team relied on candles and water from CRPF tankers. Sapra took on the role of the cook, preparing meals with limited resources. A slow journey: Through danger and other adversities On November 12, 1997, the railway survey team arrived in Nowgam, where local residents mistook them for police and nearly escalated tensions. To ensure the team's safety, the Jammu and Kashmir government provided armed security. Gupta describes the anxiety of the situation, saying, 'I had butterflies in my stomach due to sheer anxiety and fear.' Despite these challenges, the team marked the project's first alignment, a moment Sapra described as planting a dream. The survey work continued, with the team facing harsh winters and encounters with locals, including surrendered militants. However, by October 1998, they had completed the Qazigund-Baramulla survey ahead of schedule. The next phase involved surveying the Katra-Qazigund stretch, which revealed the struggles of local residents who relied on makeshift transport due to poor infrastructure. Tragedy struck in 2004 when IRCON engineer R N Pundhir and his brother were kidnapped and killed by terrorists, causing work to pause momentarily. However, buoyed by local support, the railway personnel resumed their efforts. A trial run in October 2008 marked a significant achievement, with local communities coming together to celebrate the occasion. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link eventually turned out to be not just an infrastructure project; it represents years of determination, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who worked tirelessly against the odds. It stands as a symbol of hope for the people of Kashmir and a testament to India's efforts towards linking all regions.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Train to Kashmir: How railways beat Himalayan odds to build a marvel
Train to Kashmir: How railways beat Himalayan odds to build a marvel Arvind Chauhan TNN Jun 6, 2025, 12:57 IST IST As the rail link with Srinagar becomes a reality, here's a look at how those behind the project overcame logistical challenges and braved everything from bombs to landslides to pull off the unthinkable Neetu Sapra has bittersweet memories of the 14 years she spent in Jammu and Kashmir since 1997. 'No quarters, peak insurgency, Kargil War — it was a roller coaster,' she says of life in a CRPF camp in Srinagar with a two-year-old son and a railway officer husband handling a project as fraught with danger as it was technically daunting. 'On a shopping trip to Lal Chowk in 1998, we narrowly escaped a bomb blast. The USBRL shaped us as much as we shaped it.'
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Lucknow unit will play key role in design, development of BrahMos NG': Former BrahMos Aerospace CEO & MD Sudhir Kumar Mishra
Distinguished scientist, former director general (BrahMos), DRDO, and former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Sudhir Kumar Mishra, in an interview with Arvind Chauhan, shared details about the BrahMos manufacturing unit in Lucknow. Excerpts: Why BrahMos manufacturing unit in Lucknow? BrahMos Aerospace already has units in Hyderabad, Nagpur and Pilani, with its headquarters in Delhi. The new Lucknow unit has been established to meet the increasing requirements of the Indian armed forces, as capacity at existing sites is already saturated. Three years ago, I met chief minister Yogi Adityanath to request land for the new unit. He asked me to survey available land and assured me that if I didn't like it, another location would be considered. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor The then additional chief secretary Awanish Kumar Awasthi, who was also head of UPIEDA, showed the land and promised swift allotment. Over 200 acres were allotted within two weeks. Present leadership of Uttar Pradesh is very progressive and proactive. If you go to other states, you will realize that there are problems of land, manpower and a quick response from the administration. What can we expect from BrahMos manufacturing unit? Will it also produce NG version? Initially, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missile to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missile. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here To Read More - micro segmentation software Expertinspector Click Here Undo The BrahMos NG will have a range of 300km, equal to the current missile, but will be significantly lighter, at 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) compared to the existing model's 2,900kg. BrahMos NG would be integrated on Sukhoi 30. Currently, Su-30 can integrate only one missile, but with NG version, five missiles can be integrated: four on Light Combat Aircraft. On land and ship versions, instead of three missiles, six or eight can be packed, thanks to the reduced size. This approach maintains effectiveness while increasing numbers and reducing costs, ensuring steady supply to the armed forces. Will the Lucknow unit also participate in the design and development of BrahMos NG before starting its mass production? The Lucknow facility will be central to producing BrahMos NG. The missile system is under development, with the Lucknow unit participating in design, development and manufacturing. The Lucknow facility will become a major integration centre for the missile and will require a robust supply chain. Tier 1, 2 & 3 suppliers are expected to move operations to Lucknow and join the defence corridor. Industries such as the PTC industry, and many more are expected to join. These industries are spread over Noida, Greater Noida, Kanpur and other places. What's the scope of employment generation at BrahMos manufacturing facility in Lucknow? The facility will require mechanical, electrical, civil and software engineers, both directly and for vendors. For every 100 jobs created at the facility, about 1,000 jobs are expected to be generated through vendors, due to the supply chain ripple effect. Each engineering job in manufacturing can create up to 20 downstream jobs in transport, communication, food and support services. We projected around 400 direct jobs at the facility, which could create employment for at least 25,000 people over five years, with an expanded impact on families. The credit goes to defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh for his support and belief in the city's capabilities. We appreciate Lucknow's culture which is soft and decent. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UIDAI rejects ‘Brajesh Pathak' Aadhaar update
Lucknow: The UIDAI's backend system has rejected a fraudulent Aadhaar demographic update made in Brajesh Pathak's name on Sunday. The rejection occurred due to invalid identity documentation and discrepancies in the update form details, reports Arvind Chauhan. This rejection follows a TOI exposé that revealed a network of intermediaries who exploit vulnerable individuals by using counterfeit documents to facilitate Aadhaar enrolment or demographic updates. The UIDAI Lucknow region's deputy director general, Prashant Kumar Singh, explained that their robust backend verification system automatically identifies and rejects any fraudulent documents or false enrolment attempts for Aadhaar demographic or biometric updates. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading gold CFDs with one of the lowest spreads? IC Markets Learn More Undo "The fake Brajesh Pathak Aadhaar enrolment was bound to be rejected by our backend system, as there was no way that iris would have matched with the Aadhaar number," he added. Besides, the Ratan Square property owner has issued an eviction notice to the café where these intermediaries operated in collaboration with a suspected Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) staff member. The ASK is managed by Smart Chip Pvt Ltd, an Indian subsidiary of the French IDEMIA group. A close associate of the Ratan Square owner told TOI that they had previously given written warning to the café owner following passport seva kendra (PSK) officials' reports about touts in the complex. "Following the TOI story on Sunday, we have promptly issued a non-negotiable eviction notice, giving the café owner time till Monday 6pm to vacate the premises, after which the Ratan Square will lock the leased property," he said.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Time of India
UP STF arrests kingpin of gang for s 4cr fraud in name of FCI tender
1 2 Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force arrested kingpin of a gang accused of defrauding people collectively of Rs 4 crore by promising fake tenders of Food Corporation of India , in Gomtinagar, on Saturday. The accused was identified as Arvind Chauhan, alias Sagar Khandelwal, native of South Delhi. Police also recovered from him two forged Aadhaar cards in the names of Arvind Chauhan and Sagar Khandelwal, two mobile phones, a wristwatch, Rs 1,500 cash, forged FCI identity card, photocopies of two fake bank drafts, photocopies of two voter ID cards under the name Najahir Hussain, PAN card under the name Najahir Hussain and 96 forged documents related to FCI tenders. The arrest was made near the Police Modern School, Vineet Khand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow. The action was initiated after one Syed Rafat Mueen, resident of Viram Khand, Gomtinagar, filed a complaint alleging he was duped of Rs 4 crore by Arvind Chauhan and his associates — Abhishek Thakur, Vishal Garg, Abhishek Jain and Prakash — under the pretext of securing a Rs 140 crore rice procurement tender of FCI. ASP Vishal Vikram Singh said that during interrogation, Arvind Chauhan revealed his real name is Najahir Hussain, native of Bareilly district and that he only studied up to Intermediate. He confessed to leading an organised gang that duped individuals promising govt contracts and tenders using forged and fabricated documents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "Chauhan created two fake Aadhaar cards under different identities and even forged an FCI identity card identifying himself as a section officer based in Lucknow. He lured Rafat Mueen and Tanveer Ziauddin Khan, promising to secure a Rs 140 crore tender for procurement of rice for Uttar Pradesh and Haryana," said ASP Singh. He told victims that an earnest noney deposit amounting to 10% of the tender value (Rs 14 crore) was required. Chauhan agreed to "waive off" the EMD for a bribe of Rs 5 crore. Showing fake documents and fabricated registration details of the M-Value Junction portal linked to FCI, he managed to extract Rs 4 crore in cash from the targets through multiple transactions. To further convince victims, Chauhan also produced fake letters purportedly bearing signature of the FCI director and fake bank drafts amounting to Rs 14,00,21,536. Chauhan admitted to committing a similar fraud of Rs 40 lakh in 2023, for which a case (Case No. 702/2023 under Sections 420, 406, and 34 of IPC) was registered against him at Kashimira Police Station in Thane, Maharashtra. He served two months in jail for that offence.
