Latest news with #MataVaishnoDevi
The Print
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
RPF's Commandos for Railway Security to protect J-K Vande Bharat trains
'The RPF's Commandos for Railway Security (CORAS) have been deployed on Vande Bharat trains on USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) between Katra and Kashmir,' an official told PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar in J-K — the first train connection between the Kashmir valley and the Jammu region. Salgandan (Ramban), Jun 6 (PTI) Commando forces of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), popularly known as CORAS, have been deployed for the security of Vande Bharat trains on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, ferrying passengers between the Kashmir Valley and Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The commandos made their presence felt on the inaugural trains flagged off by the prime minister. Each of the two Vande Bharat trains will have 15 commandos and a supervisor each on board to ensure the security and safety of train travel, officials said. The units have been recently brought from outside and will be based in the Budgam area of the Kashmir valley and the Katra belt of Reasi district. After focusing on high-risk security operations, especially in areas with threats like Naxalite insurgency, this is the first time CORAS has been deployed in J-K. With the official flag-off by the prime minister, the Indian Railways will commence regular operations of the two new Vande Bharat trains on June 7. The trains will run six days a week, with Tuesdays reserved for maintenance, Railway officials said. To begin with, the trains will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, as the Jammu Tawi station is currently under redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, they added. These trains are not only fast but also tailored for Kashmir's challenging climate. Equipped with advanced heating systems, frost-proof windshields and comfortable interiors, they offer year-round travel, even in harsh winter conditions, the officials said. This step has been taken in view of the sensitive nature of travel in J-K. The prime minister dedicated the USBRL project to the nation by inaugurating the world's highest railway bridge on the Chenab River. The 272-km-long USBRL project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, the officials said. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration, they added. PTI AB KSS KSS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
World's Highest Rail Bridge Opens to Reshape Nuclear Rivals' Power Map
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. High in the Himalayas, where winds slice through conflict-hit Kashmir at 160 mph and temperatures swing from -20°F to 113°F, India has unveiled the world's highest rail bridge, remaking the power map of Asia. Why It Matters Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, a 1,178-foot-tall steel construction that is nearly 100 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower, finally connects the Kashmir Valley to other railways in the world's most populous country. It underlines India's hold on Kashmir just weeks after an insurgent attack on tourists in Pahalgam killed 26 people and prompted the biggest confrontation in decades with Pakistan, which India blamed for the attack despite its denials. The railway also strengthens India's transport links to the disputed region where it is also at odds with China, which has strong links to Pakistan. All three countries are nuclear powers. What To Know The bridge completes the 200 mile Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). "With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Valley of Kashmir is now connected to India's vast railway network," declared PM Modi at the ceremony which was live-casted on X. "We have always invoked Maa Bharati (Mother India) with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari' – today, this has become a reality even in our railway network." A general view of Chenab bridge, the world's highest rail arch bridge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir on July 6, 2024 A general view of Chenab bridge, the world's highest rail arch bridge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir on July 6, 2024 Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP The bridge is built with 28,000 tonnes of steel and 66,000 cubic meters of concrete to withstand earthquakes and blizzards, completing a railway that had proven beyond the reach of the British colonizers who established much of India's rail network. "Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British couldn't do, you made a reality. Now, the Kashmir Valley is finally connected to the rest of India by rail," posted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X. The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It's a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India's growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 The bridge and railway have major geostrategic implications, linking Indian-controlled Kashmir, whose ownership is contested by Pakistan, with other parts of India. It slashes military deployment time to the Pakistan border from days to hours. Tension remains high between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the Pahalgam attack. The railway also strengthens the economic links. Kashmir's ski slopes, apple orchards, and tech hubs are now accessible year-round. Modi's government calls the region "India's crown jewel." While India also has a border dispute with China in Kashmir, the bigger message of the new railway may be India's growing ability to carry out major infrastructure projects – showing China that it is not alone in this. As China builds the $60B China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, it is also a demonstration of Indian sovereignty in the Himalayas, where India's challenge to China also serves U.S. strategic interests. What People Are Saying Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on his X post called June 6, 2025, a "momentous day" that would "go down in history," noting the simultaneous inauguration of India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed it as "a historic day," attributing the achievement to Prime Minister Modi's "steely determination," in his statement. What Happens Next India can be expected to continue to reinforce its economic, political and strategic links to Kashmir. While the latest round of conflict with Pakistan has died down since the ceasefire, there is every possibility that further confrontation could be triggered.
NDTV
19 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Kashmir Gets Mega Rail Link: A Look At Key Stations And Their Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two engineering marvels - the world's highest railway arch bridge over Chenab and India's maiden cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji - on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. These will cut the travel time between the two regions to about three hours. The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been constructed at Rs 43,780 crore. It has a total of 36 tunnels, spanning 119 km, and 943 bridges. The project aims to establish an all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and other regions. USBRL Project: Key Station Details Under this initiative, railway stations have emerged as the new economic cluster of development, aiming to provide new impetus to the economy. These will provide easy transportation facilities in the region, with stations Reasi, Katra, Banihal, Qazigund, Sangaldan, and Budgam stations forming part of the Kashmir economy. Reasi This station is situated between Katra and Bakkal stations amid the lush green mountains. The natural beauty of the Chenab River, dense forests, and high mountains would touch the hearts of the tourists. Its multi-level structure has been built by cutting the mountains. Facilities like parking are also available here. The Reasi station will make it easier for locals to reach markets. Handicrafts and farming goods from here will now be able to easily reach across the country, increasing trade and job opportunities. Katra: Gateway of Vaishno Devi The Katra station is the first stop for devotees visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple. It has four lines and three large platforms, lifts, a foot-over bridge, and solar energy infrastructure. With the all-new Vande Bharat Express trains, the number of pilgrims coming to Katra from North Kashmir is likely to increase. Trade will also grow rapidly and create employment opportunities. Banihal: Welcome to Kashmir Valley Snowy mountains, valleys, and the Jawahar Tunnel give a marvellous look to this station built in the shadow of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Said to be a game-changer for tourism and trade, the all-weather network here will help locals transport apples, rice, and handicrafts to big cities. Passengers at this station can enjoy the natural beauty of snowy peaks and valleys. Qazigund: Bridge to South Kashmir The Qazigund station is called the "Gateway to the Kashmir Valley". The green fields, apple orchards, and old temples here give it a mythical look. The station connects South Kashmir with the rest of the region. Thanks to the uninterrupted rail service, products like apples and rice from Qazigund will reach other parts of the country. With this, farmers will get better prices, boosting the local business. Sangaldan: New stop in the mountains Sangaldan, built in the middle of high mountains, is part of the Katra-Banihal section. Rocks as tall as 50 metres and dense forests give this station a distinct identity. It has four lines, three big platforms, lifts, and a steel footover bridge that makes it a stand-out station. Sangaldan station connects the rural areas to the rail network and helps local traders deliver their products to the market. Budgam: Heartbeat of Central Kashmir Budgam Railway Station is an important stop in central Kashmir. It is close to the district headquarters and Srinagar airport. Maintenance of trains takes place at this station. It connects the villages in central Kashmir to a large trade network, promoting local business and the movement of people. Budgam is also famous for its beauty and old Kashmiri buildings. More than two dozen railway stations, including Reasi, Katra, Banihal, Qazigund, Sangaldan and Budgam, are serving as the strong pillars of the USBRL project. Its stations are not just built for easy transportation, but are the basic infrastructure for a better future.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
All eyes on Kashmir railway connect
KATRA/SRINAGAR: Festive cheer filled Katra, the base city for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, ahead of a grand railway inauguration ceremony to be led by Prime Minister Modi on Friday, marking a new era of connectivity for Kashmir and the country. The PM will flag off two new Kashmir-specific, specially designed Vande Bharat trains and inaugurate two engineering marvels: the Chenab Bridge (the world's highest railway bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower) and the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge. 'We are fortunate to witness a new rise in rail services which were earlier not even being thought out by us,' said Nadeem, a young taxi driver, adding, 'Development doesn't disseminate on caste or religion.' The local population expressed immense pride not only in the inauguration of the world's tallest single-arch rail bridge – taller than both the Eiffel Tower and the Qutub Minar – but also in the newly designed Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat trains, which are set to begin commercial operations from June 7. 'I had read in books that a train will ply from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. But it is now going to happen in reality. This is a dream come true. Better late than never,' said a university student, Riyaz Ahmad. Meanwhile, on the eve of the grand inauguration, Modi posted, 'Tomorrow, June 6, is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore are being inaugurated,' he said.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
PM Modi to inaugurate Chenab bridge, flag off Vande Bharat trains in J&K on June 6
A PMO statement said Modi will launch multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, the home to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
