Latest news with #Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MHA releases ₹25 cr for damaged houses due to Pak shelling post Op Sindoor
Three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced additional compensation to the families whose houses in the border areas were damaged in Pakistan shelling post Operation Sindoor, Union home minister Amit Shah facilitated provision of release of ₹25 crore from his ministry for as many as 2,060 houses. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) said in a statement on Monday, 'Following the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding additional compensation for houses damaged in border areas, Shah ensured swift action by facilitating an additional provision of ₹25 crore from the MHA for 2,060 houses.' While inaugurating the Chenab railway bridge, the world's highest single arch rail bridge, that completes the 272-km long Udhampur-Srinagar -Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, Modi said last Friday that stung by India's Operation Sindoor, a desperate Pakistan attacked innocent people including children in Jammu and Poonch. As a special case, Modi announced additional compensation of ₹2 lakh for each fully damaged house and ₹1 lakh for each partially damaged house. 'The MHA has ensured swift implementation of this decision. Similar compensation will also be provided in the border areas of Punjab,' the ministry said on Monday. Following operation Sindoor, several incidents of cross border shelling were reported in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. 'Hundreds of families suffered due to cross border shelling on residential areas, schools, religious structures including gurudwaras, temples, mosques and commercial properties. The administration took proactive measures to anticipate possible events and ensure effective response. A total of 3.25 lakh persons were evacuated from the border districts, out of which about 15,000 persons were accommodated in about 397 shelter sheds or accommodation centres equipped with facilities like food, water, health care, electricity etc,' MHA said. It further said that 394 ambulances were deployed in all border districts to take patients to hospitals for treatment during the shelling, out of which 62 ambulances were deployed in Poonch district alone. 'A total of 2,818 civil defence volunteers were also deployed for services related to health, fire and emergency services, livestock, essential supplies etc,' it added. Operation Sindoor was India's direct military response to the April 22 terror strike at Pahalgam in Kashmir that killed 26 people in what was the worst attack on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai strikes. Indian forces launched the operation in the early hours of May 7, bombing nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The pre-dawn strikes on May 7 --- in which at least 100 terrorists were killed --- sparked a series of attacks and counterattacks across the western border, involving fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and fierce artillery and rocket duels. In one such counterattack on the night of May 9-10, the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani air bases and military installations. After four days of fighting, military hostilities were stopped on May 10 evening as the two nations reached an understanding. Earlier, Shah visited Poonch on May 29–30, during which he handed over appointment letters on compassionate grounds to the family members of those who lost their lives due to cross-border firing. 'As per the norms, compensation for the damages caused by cross-border shelling was provided immediately,' MHA said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
'Dr. G. Madhavi Latha Garu is my #MondayMotivation': Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation is Madhavi Latha
Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation post Industrialist Anand Mahindra 's widely followed #MondayMotivation posts usually highlight excellence across diverse fields. But this time, he chose to shine a light on a woman whose dedication spanned nearly two decades and contributed to one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. A skilled geotechnical engineer and Professor at IISc Bengaluru, she was instrumental in the completion of the Chenab Railway Bridge; a promise she kept for more than 17 years," Mahindra posted, talking about Dr. G. Madhavi Latha . He ended with his now-infamous line: "Dr. G. Madhavi Latha Garu is my #MondayMotivation." Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation Meet G Madhavi Latha, IISc professor, worked on Chenab Bridge project As India marked the opening of the Chenab Railway Bridge on June 6, the world's tallest railway bridge at 359 metres above riverbed height with the limelight irresistibly turned to the imposing structure. 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, the bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) and cost Rs 1,486 crore to build, as per the reports. But beneath the shiny steel and concrete stands a story of scientific excellence, particularly from the men and women who toiled quietly in the background. Among them, Dr. Latha's work in geotechnical engineering was invaluable to the project's success. Chenab Bridge construction: Dr. Latha's vital role in ensuring stability The Chenab Bridge was one of the most challenging in Indian railway history. Building infrastructure in the rugged Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, with seismicity, unstable slopes, and harsh climate, needed more than engineering prowess, but also resilience and ingenuity. For 17 years, as a consultant, Dr. Latha gave valuable inputs on: Structural stability Slope safety Placement and reinforcement of rock anchors These choices had a direct influence on the safety and longevity of the bridge in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Dr. Latha's academic journey: From rural Andhra Pradesh to IISc Bengaluru expert Dr. Latha's inspirational journey started in a village in Andhra Pradesh. She acquired her in Civil Engineering from JNTU in 1992, proceeded with an in Geotechnical Engineering from NIT Warangal, where she stood first in her class. Her academic journey continued with a PhD from IIT Madras in 2000. She is currently a well-known professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and a renowned expert in her field. She also wrote a scholarly article describing the intricate geotechnical challenges of the Chenab Bridge, presented in the Indian Geotechnical Journal. Dr. Latha's awards and recognitions Dr. Latha's outstanding work has won her numerous awards: Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher Award (2021) Featured among India's Top 75 Women in STEAM (2022) Her achievements were also welcomed by political leaders. Chandrababu Naidu, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, welcomed her with praise, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Another Telugu daughter has made India proud." Chenab bridge site access overcoming Himalayan challenges to begin construction Access to the site itself was a gargantuan task before construction work started on the Chenab Bridge. Engineers and laborers used mules and horses to cross the rugged Himalayas initially. Only after laying down temporary tracks and subsequently constructing 11 km and 12 km of permanent access roads on both riverbanks was equipment transport possible. This feat of logistics paved the way for the building of one of the world's most famous bridges. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Chenab Bridge, striding across its characteristic steel arch waving the national flag, it was not only an engineering achievement. The bridge symbolises a connection between Kashmir and the rest of India—a dream realised by hardworking contributors such as Dr. Latha. For Anand Mahindra, this moment was a reminder of the intellectual strength, determination, and nationalism that lie behind India's greatest successes. Also read | Genshin Impact Codes | Fruit Battlegrounds Codes | Blox Fruits Codes | Peroxide Codes AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
New rail link fulfils 50-year wait for people of Kashmir
The son of a former legislator who dreamed of connecting Kashmir to India's railway network five decades ago witnessed history unfold on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar. Peer Jalaludin, a former Baramulla mayor and senior PDP leader, watched with emotion as the train that his father had envisioned more than 50 years ago finally became reality. 'My father was an assembly member from Baramulla from 1965 to 1971. He had raised this question in the then legislative assembly that Baramulla and Srinagar should get train connectivity with the rest of the country. That time it looked like an impossible thing,' said Jalaludin, now in his early 60s. The inauguration marks a watershed moment for the Kashmir Valley, providing all-weather connectivity that has eluded the region for decades. Political leaders across party lines, business communities, and residents have hailed the development as transformative. The 272-kilometre rail link, initiated in 1999 and declared a national project in 2002, features the world's highest railway arch bridge—the Chenab Bridge. The project encompasses 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, representing what the government described as 'India's boldest step yet in transforming connectivity in the Himalayas.' Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah termed Friday 'a landmark day' for the union territory. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the launch, calling it 'a long-awaited step' that 'promises ease for commuters and boosts connectivity in our region.' The railway link is expected to significantly impact Kashmir's economy, particularly its fruit industry, which contributes 8% of the union territory's GDP. Bashir Ahmad Bashir of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association described the connectivity as 'historic and transformative.' Indian Railways has already begun capitalising on the opportunity. The inaugural freight shipment—24 tonnes of fresh cherries—was dispatched from Kashmir via Katra to Mumbai on Saturday, reaching the destination in just 33 hours compared to the nearly one week it previously took by road. Dilip Kumar, executive director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, said the railways aims to transport 'Kashmiri fruits, seasonal vegetables, handlooms, and handicrafts to boost the local economy.' Officials plan to reduce transportation costs by up to 75% and increase freight train frequencies. The ambitious project was completed in phases over nearly two decades. The first section, Jammu-Udhampur (55 km), was commissioned in April 2005. The Qazigund-Baramulla section (118 km) opened in three parts between 2008 and 2009. The technically challenging Banihal-Qazigund section, featuring the 11.215-km Pir Panjal tunnel, became operational in June 2013. Modi had previously inaugurated the Udhampur-Katra section on July 4, 2014, and the Banihal-Sangaldan section (48 km) in February last year. Two Vande Bharat trains will now operate between Katra and Srinagar from Saturday. Railway officials indicated plans to extend services to Jammu from one end and to Baramulla from the other, with frequency adjustments based on passenger response. Women entrepreneur Shazia Akthar called the railway connectivity 'the biggest gift from the Government of India,' predicting it could be 'a gamechanger' for tourism, handicrafts, and horticulture sectors. Shabir Ahmad, a senior government officer who boarded the inaugural train, said passengers 'couldn't hide their emotions' and 'all praised the country's leadership for accomplishing this great task despite many impediments.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Horses and mules to the rescue: How Chenab Bridge was built in Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Long before towering cranes swung into action or steel arches touched the skies, it was the humble clip-clop of hooves that echoed through the Himalayas. To bring the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari alive, the team building the Chenab Bridge, now the world's highest railway bridge, first had to navigate a far less glamorous challenge: getting there. In the early days, the steep, unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas offered no roads, no tracks—only winding, narrow paths. The solution? Horses and mules. 'Initially, mules and horses were used by the project team to reach the location,' said a spokesperson from Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the engineering firm that executed the mega project. 'Gradually, temporary access roads were built, finally leading to more permanent routes,' he told PTI. It took grit and persistence to tame the landscape. On the north bank of the Chenab, an 11-km road was carved out; on the south, 12 km more followed - routes that would eventually bring in machinery, steel, and hope. On Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked across the bridge waving the tricolour, what unfolded was not just the inauguration of a piece of infrastructure, but the realisation of a nation's engineering audacity. Along with the Chenab Bridge, the PM also flagged off the Anji Rail Bridge, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), and Vande Bharat trains—bringing Kashmir a rail heartbeat closer to the rest of India. Taming the Himalayas wasn't easy. Using the world's tallest crossbar cable cranes and heavy-duty machines, engineers performed consolidation grouting on ancient, brittle slopes, fortifying them to bear the massive arch foundations. The real magic unfolded on April 5, 2021. As cantilevered arches extended from either bank of the Chenab, they met in mid-air like clasped hands—a moment of triumph after years of calculations, courage and concrete. And the feats didn't stop there. For the first time in Indian Railways' history, incremental launching was executed on a transition curve and a longitudinal gradient at the same location,. It wasn't just engineering excellence but also scientific precision that held the bridge together. A lab accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) was set up on-site, another Indian Railways first, to ensure uncompromising quality at every stage. Standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, 35 metres taller than Paris' Eiffel Tower, the bridge is now the world's tallest railway structure. A marvel in steel and spirit.
Scroll.in
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Kashmir rail link example of continuity in governance that PM Modi never acknowledges: Congress
The Congress on Friday described the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line as an example of continuity in governance, which it claimed had not been acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'perennial desire for self-glory'. This statement came ahead of Modi inaugurating the Chenab Bridge on Friday. The world's highest railway arch bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link. In a social media post, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said governance involves 'great continuity', a fact he claimed is 'consistently denied' by the prime minister. 'This is especially true when it comes to the implementation of extraordinarily challenging developmental projects,' he added. The 272-km railway project, cutting through the Himalayas, was sanctioned in March 1995 when the Congress' PV Narasimha Rao was the prime minister, Ramesh said. It was declared a national project in 2002 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he added. Ramesh also listed a series of rail link inaugurations carried out by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh between 2005 to 2013 during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, including stretches between Jammu-Udhampur, Anantnag-Mazhom, Mazhom-Baramulla, Anantnag-Qazigund and Qazigund-Banihal. 'This meant that by June 26, 2013 the 135 km rail link between Baramulla and Qazigund had become operational,' Ramesh said. Since 2014, the 111-km Katra-Banihal stretch has been completed, though most of the key contracts, including for the Chenab Bridge, were awarded as early as 2005, the Congress leader added. As the PM visits J&K today, here is our statement on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) that, like Brahmos, is a powerful example of continuity in governance which he never acknowledges but cannot run away from. — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 6, 2025 Lieutenant governor got promoted, I got demoted: CM Omar Abdullah Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday raised the issue of restoring statehood to the Union Territory in the presence of Modi at the inauguration ceremony of several development projects, including the Chenab Bridge and the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. 'The same four people were present here in 2014 when the Katra railway station was inaugurated,' Abdullah said. 'While the then Minister of State for Railway, Manoj Sinha, got promoted to the post of Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor, I got demoted from chief minister of a state to chief minister of a Union Territory.' The chief minister added that he believed that Jammu and Kashmir will 'again get the statehood under your [Modi's] watch only'. #WATCH | Katra, J&K | CM Omar Abdullah says, "... I have been fortunate to be associated with the Prime Minister in all railway projects in J&K. First, when Anantnag Railway Station was inaugurated. Second, when the Banihal Railway Tunnel was inaugurated... The same four people… — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025 The BJP-led Centre had abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state, in August 2019. It also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the 2019 order abrogating Article 370 and ordered the Centre to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference-Congress alliance won the Assembly polls in the Union Territory in October and Abdullah became the chief minister. The elections were the first in Jammu and Kashmir in 10 years, and the first since the abrogation of Article 370.
