Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the first train connecting Jammu to Kashmir in either the first or second week of February. The date for the inauguration has yet to be confirmed as the Railways is still awaiting approval from the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister is expected to flag off the train from Katra and also visit the world's highest railway bridge, the Chenab bridge, during his visit. He will then address a public rally after the inauguration.
After successfully conducting a trial run of the Vande Bharat train on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the interest of other countries in getting similar semi-high-speed trains from India. The Vande Bharat trains are equipped with advanced features to ensure comfort and safety for passengers, even in extreme weather conditions as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. This new addition to India's railway network is expected to boost tourism, trade, and education in the Kashmir valley.
In a major achievement for the 'Make In India' initiative, Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run of the Vande Bharat train on the world's highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. The train, designed to operate in extreme temperatures of up to minus 30 degrees Celsius, will provide comfortable and all-weather transportation for the people of the valley. With features like Kavach technology and accessible toilets for persons with disabilities, the Vande Bharat train is expected to boost tourism, horticulture, trade, travel, and education in the region. This marks a significant step towards fulfilling the long-held dream of a train to Kashmir.
In response to the controversial Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, hundreds of people took to the streets of Katra to rally against the shrine board. Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma joined the protest and called for a complete strike in the town on December 18. The protesters are opposing the project due to concerns over loss of livelihood and impact on the pilgrimage route.
A group of terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple to Katra in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. Nine people lost their lives, with 33 others getting injured in the tragic incident. The security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the perpetrators, with the support of an Army helicopter. The district administration has set up a helpline for the victims and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has assured that those behind the attack will be punished. The Home and Defense Ministers have also condemned the attack and offered their condolences.
In a tragic incident, a bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. The bus, en route to Katra from the Shiv Khori temple, fell into a gorge after being fired upon by the assailants. Nine people have lost their lives and 33 others have been injured. This attack is a significant escalation of violence in the relatively peaceful Reasi district and has left the local community in shock.
Popular Youtuber and Big Boss OTT season 2 winner Elvish Yadav reacted to news claiming that he was beaten by a mob in Jammu's Katra while offering prayers in Vaishnodevi. After his reaction, social media was abuzz with comments from his fans expressing their disappointment over the article. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the news is true or not.
Mir Mohammed Farooq Nazki, a pioneering figure in TV media in Kashmir, passed away at the age of 83 after suffering a massive heart attack. He started as a journalist and casual news reader and eventually became the Director of Radio Kashmir and Deputy Director General of Doordarshan. He was also a renowned poet and received multiple awards for his work. He had been unwell for some time and was undergoing regular dialysis. He passed away at a hospital in Katra, where he was living with his son, who is a doctor.
A bus carrying pilgrims from Amritsar to Katra plunged into a ditch on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, resulting in 10 fatalities and 20 injuries.Rescue operations are underway to locate any individuals trapped beneath the bus.Authorities suspect the driver may have taken a wrong turn, leading to the accident.