Latest news with #Roorkee
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
The making of Chenab rail bridge captured in satellite images
The satellite images of the newly inaugurated Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, provide a visual journey through the construction of this engineering marvel over nearly a 2017, early satellite imagery captured auxiliary structures on the two mountain peaks flanking the Chenab River in Dharot, highlighting the initial stages of the bridge's construction. By 2022, images showed the steel arch—spanning 1,315 metres—almost complete, with just a small segment left to be joined. The latest image from February 2025 reveals the bridge in its final form: a fully completed structure that used 25,000 tonnes of metal—three times the amount used in the Eiffel Tower. advertisementThe Chenab Bridge is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and now seamlessly connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via rail. Its construction in the young and geologically unstable Himalayan range posed numerous challenges. Located in a high seismic zone, the site required Indian Railways to undertake extensive geological and structural studies. The design was modified multiple times to endure simulated wind speeds of up to 266 km/ Roorkee conducted earthquake response modelling, ensuring the bridge could withstand earthquakes as strong as the 2001 Gujarat quake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the toughest hurdles was simply reaching the remote site to deliver heavy construction equipment and materials. Built by Afcons Infrastructure, a part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, the bridge also meets high security standards. It was engineered to remain standing even if one of its 14 pillars collapses. 'The bridge can withstand a powerful explosion of up to 40 kg of TNT,' Afcons claims, adding that train services would continue—albeit at reduced speeds—even if the structure suffers damage or loses a Watch IN THIS STORY#Jammu and Kashmir
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
BEVs can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38% in India: study
A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reveals that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) can potentially reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions up to 38 per cent compared to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in India. The joint study focused on passenger cars in India and compared the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of BEVs, ICE vehicles, and HEVs. Three key factors affecting LCA outcomes of BEVs The research identifies three key factors influencing the lifecycle assessment (LCA) outcomes of BEVs. These are grid carbon intensity, test-cycle energy consumption, and real-world energy consumption adjustment factor. Grid carbon intensity refers to the emissions generated from the electricity used to power BEVs. Test-cycle energy consumption represents lab-based estimates of fuel and electricity use. The real-world energy consumption adjustment factor accounts for the differences between laboratory testing and actual driving conditions. The research emphasises the crucial role of India's power grid composition in the overall emissions reduction potential of BEVs. Variations in the grid mix and real-world driving conditions can lead to significant fluctuations in lifecycle emissions. Why adopt BEVs? Accurate modeling and analysis are crucial for capturing the true advantages of BEVs in terms of emissions reduction. The study's findings highlight the urgency of adopting BEVs as a critical step towards achieving broader climate and sustainability goals. The study warns against delaying BEV adoption in anticipation of a cleaner grid. It underscores that ICE vehicles purchased today will remain on the road for many years, contributing to cumulative emissions. The report stresses the importance of addressing transport-related emissions to complement efforts in restoring ecosystems and mitigating climate change impacts.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assam, Meghalaya to set up joint hydel project
The Assam and Meghalaya governments have decided to set up a 55-megawatt hydropower and irrigation project apart from addressing the issue of urban floods in Guwahati jointly. The two States, which have been trying to resolve their 52-year-old boundary dispute, also decided to erect boundary pillars in five of the six disputed sites, and target the sixth after settling some 'land adjustment' issues. The decisions were taken during a meeting between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma in Guwahati on Monday. 'The two governments will take up the 55 MW Kulsi hydropower-cum-irrigation project after consultations with the local people. The project is envisaged to generate electricity for the two States while Assam will benefit from the irrigation part of it,' Mr. Sarma told journalists. The Kulsi river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra to the west of Guwahati, flows down from the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The river is a major nesting site for the Gangetic river dolphin. Tackling Guwahati floods 'The two other important topics of discussion were resolving the long-pending boundary dispute and the issue of urban flooding in Guwahati. After our presentations, the Meghalaya government agreed that a huge volume of water floods Guwahati and adjoining areas,' Mr. Sarma said. 'We decided to let the North East Space Application Centre conduct a proper satellite mapping of the areas within three months, following which we will approach the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, for a solution that minimises flooding in Assam while safeguarding the livelihood and economic activities in Meghalaya,' Mr. Sangma said. The Assam Chief Minister has been blaming the flattening of hills in Meghalaya, specifically for a medical college run by the Assam-based Mahbubul Haque, for the floods in Guwahati. Boundary dispute On the 52-year-old boundary dispute between the two States, Mr. Sarma said an agreement on six of the 12 disputed sectors was reached in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in March 2022. 'We will continue to talk on the remaining disputed sites and try to arrive at a solution as soon as possible,' he said. 'Of the six sectors already resolved, we are confident of erecting boundary pillars in five of them by August 15. There are a couple of land adjustment issues at Tarabari and Gizang,' Mr. Sarma said. 'The Meghalaya government requested us to adjust these areas. We have decided to consider the request and respond within a week. This entails readjusting some villages in favour of Meghalaya after an equal portion of land is given to Assam,' he said.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Beauty in our backyards
Amit Kumar was trained as a Mechanical Engineer with specialization in thermal engineering from the University of Roorkee (now Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) where he was awarded the University Gold Medal. Post his graduation, he decided to pursue a career in renewable energy, a novelty in the early eighties. He had retired from TERI in July 2021 whereas Senior Director, Social Transformation, was responsible for initiatives focusing on energy access, holistic rural development, and community engagement. There he had also led research activities in the fields of renewable energy and resource-efficient process technology applications. As Dean (Distance & Short-Term Education), TERI University between 2014 and 2016, he was responsible for the development and outreach of the University's online courses, management & faculty development programmes, and skill enhancement initiatives. LESS ... MORE While scorching heatwaves are par the course during this time of the year, April to June is also a period when several places in India, including Delhi NCR, get awash with colours deep chrome yellow and scarlet. It is joy to watch ordinary streets transforming in to tunnels framed by golden chandeliers that the Amaltas flowers look like or by flaming flamboyance of Gulmohar. Almost as if by magic, the neibhourhoods turn fairytale like. Yet, we hardly take a pause to savour these things of beauty that come free of cost. Or perhaps that is why we do not attach much of a value to them. While we cross seven seas and cover long distances to be able to witness cherry blossoms, our indifference to equally compelling, if not more, local spectacles around us remain a mystery. Maybe it's the difference between holidaying and passing by as a matter of routine that blunts our sense of appreciating local beauty. Or maybe it's a case of `ghar ki murgi daal barabar' (meaning we don't value what we have even if it is so valuable). But it is not a failure at an individual level alone. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Washington DC, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, etc. celebrate flowering of cherry blossoms with the cultural events, pageants, food and picnics. And that's how over time these have become `must visit' places for witnessing cherry blossoms. The closest we come to that are the cherry blossom festivals in our north-eastern states like Meghalaya and Sikkim. On the other side, in the northern plains we steadfast remain immune to the natural beauty being proffered to us to enjoy. The harsh weather around these months, at best, could be an excuse. But certainly, our cities must put in efforts to make things conducive for the citizens to be encouraged to absorb such colourful phenomenon. How about to start with roads that are pedestrian-friendly and footpaths that are walkable? Reminds me of now popular tulip season of our own in an around New Delhi and my dread to cross-over to those very beautifully decorated roundabouts among never-ending traffic of vehicles zipping around. As an American musician, Queen Latifah said very aptly, `I don't have to take a trip around the world or be on a yacht in the Mediterranean to have happiness. I can find it in the little things, like looking out into my backyard and seeing deer in the fields.' What it takes is just a brief pause from the humdrum of life and instead colour it up with nature's wizardry. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Senior citizen: Scourge of airlines?
Amit Kumar was trained as a Mechanical Engineer with specialization in thermal engineering from the University of Roorkee (now Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee) where he was awarded the University Gold Medal. Post his graduation, he decided to pursue a career in renewable energy, a novelty in the early eighties. He had retired from TERI in July 2021 whereas Senior Director, Social Transformation, was responsible for initiatives focusing on energy access, holistic rural development, and community engagement. There he had also led research activities in the fields of renewable energy and resource-efficient process technology applications. As Dean (Distance & Short-Term Education), TERI University between 2014 and 2016, he was responsible for the development and outreach of the University's online courses, management & faculty development programmes, and skill enhancement initiatives. LESS ... MORE Very recently when I boarded a non-stop flight to the land of liberty, I was surprised by extra suffusive welcome being accorded by the flight attendants to a senior citizen like me, which even by their standards appeared phoney. But it was just the beginning. Unlike the earlier journeys, this time an attendant came promptly to put my carry-on in the overhead bin. I sensed as if she gave a once over to my bag. But I brushed that aside as a figment of my imagination. However, one thing could not have been more conspicuous. The crew was extra attentive in tucking me in my blanket with focus on the blanket, naturally. As I had to visit lavatory a number of times on due to my age; this time whenever I got up, one of the crew would silently come and accost me there and in guise of helping me out, would open up the door and be there till I locked it from the inside. I was really touched by this level of courtesy unheard of in the economy class. So impressed was I that upon reaching the destination I must have narrated it a number of times. At home as I was glancing through the old newspapers, I noticed a news item about the return of a flight on account of the choked toilets. Tucked away in that new article was some quotes, which read like: 'A former pilot requesting anonymity said, 'Flights that have more senior citizens and kids are the ones that encounter such issues.' Now the reality dawned on me. I recollected those strange sightings that I ignored during my earlier long-distance flights. At times I noticed – particularly when the cabin lights were dim and most of the passengers were either dozing off or busy with their inflight entertainment systems, if they were working, that is – that some senior citizens would get up and surreptitiously take out some clothe-like items (some distinctly looked like rags) from their carry-on bags and shuffle to lavatories. Some rather old passengers actually were going to toilets very frequently, always with their hands full while going but coming back empty-handed. Only now, after reading the observations of that former pilot, I realised that those senior citizens were paying through their nose just so that they could undertake long flights to dispose off their old clothing and rags that they must be collecting for such journeys. What was thought off as old-age issue took a sinister turn all of a sudden. Or perhaps they were showing their appreciation for airline's 'notch apart passenger experience' by shoving such articles down the toilet. Or could there be a simple explanation? Considering that such an act would require quite a bit of physical exertion for a senior citizen, was it a way to let the body do some in-flight cardio? Whatever maybe the real reason, the outcome was fast and furious. On one hand, senior citizens are now required to fill-in a self-declaration form at the time of booking that they will not undertake such an unlawful activity while aboard; some of the airlines have already started retrofitting the aircrafts such that senior citizens sit in clusters under constant electronic surveillance. If they want to go to lavatory, they must request a flight attendant to escort them. In addition, blankets are now being firmly secured to the seats. Rather than the concessional fares, it's time now to charge more from the senior citizens for all their mile-high follies! The only mystery is that why, statistically speaking, most of such incidents are happening on long-duration flights coming to India and not in the outgoing ones (repercussions of jet lag?), that too in the Indian carriers (too homely?)? And presumably those who emptied their bladders on their co-passengers too must have been the senior citizens. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
