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Srinagar: In a significant enhancement to its operational capabilities along the northern borders, the Indian Army successfully inducted tanks, artillery guns, and engineering equipment into the Kashmir Valley using a Military Special Train on Wednesday. This operation, conducted as part of a validation exercise, involved the seamless transportation of heavy assets -- including tanks, advanced artillery systems, and dozers -- from the Jammu region to Anantnag in southern Kashmir. The move demonstrated the Army's improved mobility, rapid deployment potential, and robust logistical framework in challenging terrain, officials said. The milestone was accomplished through close coordination with the Ministry of Railways, leveraging the recently completed Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project -- a 272-km engineering marvel inaugurated earlier in 2025. Featuring iconic structures like the world's highest railway arch bridge (Chenab Bridge) and extensive tunnels, the USBRL provides all-weather connectivity, reducing dependence on vulnerable road convoys prone to disruptions from snowfall, landslides, or adverse weather. As highlighted by the Army's official statement, this "achievement" underscores the transformative impact of the USBRL in enabling swift logistics build-up, reinforcing deterrence, and ensuring sustained operational readiness in high-altitude and strategically vital areas. This rail-based induction markedly shortens deployment timelines, allowing quicker reinforcement of forward positions and greater flexibility in response to evolving security dynamics along the Line of Control (LoC). It also exemplifies the dual-use potential of national infrastructure projects, blending civilian connectivity with military imperatives for a stronger, more resilient northern frontier, the Army said. It wrote on 'X', "Enhancing Capabilities Along the Borders: The Indian Army achieved a major logistics milestone on 16 December 2025 with the induction of tanks and artillery guns into the Kashmir Valley by a Military Special Train". It added, "As part of the validation exercise, tanks, artillery guns and dozers were successfully moved from the Jammu Region to Anantnag, Kashmir demonstrating enhanced mobility and logistical capability. This milestone was achieved in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways, underscoring the transformative impact of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project in enabling rapid logistics build-up and strengthening operational readiness along the Northern Borders". On August 9, J&K marked a transformative chapter in its connectivity with the arrival of the first-ever freight train at the newly commissioned Anantnag Goods Shed, approximately 55 km south of Srinagar. Loaded with cement from Rupnagar in Punjab, the train completed its nearly 600-km journey in under 18 hours, heralding a new era of seamless trade and logistics for the Himalayan region. This achievement followed the full commissioning of passenger services on the USBRL in June this year and integrated the Kashmir Valley directly into India's national freight corridor. The Anantnag station became fully equipped for both inbound and outbound cargo (excluding petroleum products), facilitating the movement of essential goods into the Valley and exports of local produce like apples, handicrafts, and horticultural items. Officials had described the event as a game-changer for regional commerce. "The arrival of this freight train reduces transportation costs, ensures reliable year-round supplies despite weather disruptions on highways, and opens new markets for Kashmiri products," one of them had stated. He had added that it is expected to accelerate infrastructure development, support industries, and enhance accessibility in this landlocked region. The 272-km USBRL project -- one of India's most challenging post-Independence engineering feats -- traverses difficult Himalayan terrain across districts including Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla. Key highlights include the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, spanning 1,315 m with a 467 m arch and standing 359 m above the riverbed, the Anji Khad Bridge-India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, with its deck 331 m above the riverbed and 193 m tall pylons. Advanced safety features, such as mechanical ventilation and firefighting systems in long tunnels, plus 66 km of escape tunnels, ensure operational reliability. Beyond infrastructure, the project has generated over 5 crore man-days of employment, constructed 215 km of approach roads (including tunnels and 320 small bridges), and fostered socio-economic growth through improved local connectivity. This rail freight breakthrough exemplifies the dual benefits of national projects, bolstering economic ties while providing all-weather logistics resilience to the scenic Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
The meteorological centre in Srinagar on Wednesday predicted a brief spell of snowfall during the night followed by a week-long spell of dry weather. The centre said that the weather will remain generally cloudy with light snow over isolated higher reaches during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. "From December 12-20, the weather will be generally dry. Overall, nothing significant till December 20, " it said in an update. The centre cautioned that cold and dry weather will gener ...Read More >
Uttarakhand (Dehradun) [India], May 19 (ANI): The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the hilly districts of Uttarakhand, effective today and tomorrow. In light of this warning, the Uttarakhand Police have issued a safety advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims are advised to exercise caution while travelling, consider the weather conditions, and call 112 in case of any emergency." Authorities are working to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions," said the police authorities. In light of the forecast, the Uttarakh ...Read More >
Aizawl, June 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) All the government and private schools in Mizoram remained closed on Monday due to heavy rains that triggered landslides, rockfalls, and waterlogging in different parts of the mountainous state, officials said. A senior official of the School Education Department said that Deputy Commissioners of all 11 districts issued separate notifications closing the schools on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the students. After the beginning of the current spell of heavy rain, earlier, schools were closed across the state for two days on May 29 a ...Read More >
Katra/Jammu, Jun 5 (PTI) Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring a speedy completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project after taking office in 2014 and said it marks the beginning of a historic journey in setting up the world's highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river and the Anji Khad bridge, India's first cable-stayed bridge, before flagging off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completio ...Read More >
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], January 17 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu while addressing the Deputy Commissioners from across the state on Friday at the two-day Sashakt Arunachal Conference of Deputy Commissioners (DC), asserted that shying away from problems was not the way forward but finding a solution to problems and moving ahead was the solution. Giving his concluding remarks at the event held in Itanagar, he said, "There will be problems faced by the deputy commissioners, yes. But we need to find solutions and move forward. It is said that we humans use at t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Veteran journalist and writer Humra Quraishi, who died due to heart failure and diabetic complications, was known as an advocate for truth, justice and as a champion for the marginalised. Quraishi breathed her last at a hospital in Gurugram on Thursday, her daughter Sarah Quraishi told PTI. She was 70. Also Read | Indian Army's 'Sambhav' Smart Phone Used During China Border Talks for Secure Communication. Born in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh on April 25, 1956, Quraishi worked as a Delhi-based writer and columnist. Also Read | Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: 'Bring a S ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has completed the deployment of two fresh battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, in the Jammu region to better plug infiltration from across the Pakistan front and check the recent spurt of terrorist activities in the area. Officials in the security establishment told PTI that the new troops of these units have been deployed "in depth areas" as the "second line of defence" just behind the BSF border deployment along the international border (IB) with Pakistan. These two BSF battalions were recently withdrawn from the anti-Naxal operations ...Read More >
Bihar's infrastructure has seen a 15-fold increase in data consumption over the past five years. Road density is now the third highest in India, electricity generation has increased tenfold, and IT parks and data centers are being developed. Numerous bridges and expanded rail lines are improving connectivity and boosting trade.Bihar has seen a 15-fold jump in data consumption in the last five years as the state goes big on developing infrastructure, investing in connectivity and building rail and ...Read More >
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term project by the Indian Railways aimed at transforming more than 1,300 railway stations across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating 103 redeveloped Amrit stations across India on Thursday via video conferencing from Bikaner. The redeveloped stations are spread across 86 districts in 18 States and Union Territories and have been built at a cumulative cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, according to a release by the ministry of railways. ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
The gunfight continued between security forces and terrorists in the upper mountain belt of Harwan. In a major breakthrough, the security forces killed a wanted terrorist, who was responsible for terror attack in Ganderbal, during an ongoing encounter in the upper reaches of Dachigam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The Kashmir Zone Police in a social media post announced the killing of the terrorist, identified as Junail Ahmed Bhat. The Police said that Bhat was an A category terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit and was involved in the killing of civilians in Ganderbal, Gagangir and o ...Read More >
India's Indigenous Light Tank: A Key Weapon System For High-Altitude Combat Friday, December 13, 2024 by Indian Defence News India's indigenous light tank, Zorawar, represents a significant advancement in the country's defence capabilities, particularly for operations in high-altitude regions. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and supported by various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Zorawar is designed to meet the operational demands highlighted during the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Lada ...Read More >
A severe cold wave, comparable to the intensity of summer heat, is expected to sweep across West Bengal. How long will these frigid conditions persist? A severe winter is approaching, with temperatures expected to drop sharply across West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has forecast a cold wave from December 13 to 15, marking the onset of intense winter conditions. Dry weather is likely to persist until December 18, accompanied by northerly winds sweeping across the state. Light fog is ex ...Read More >
Jammu, Jan 14 (VOICE) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the BJP government at the Centre treats Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir equally.Addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, the Defence Minister praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his effort to reduce the distance between the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally. "Kashmir was treated differently (by previous governments) in the past. As a result, our brothers and s ...Read More >
Gulmarg (JK), May 28 (PTI) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the April 22 Pahalgam attack has not stalled the conversation around restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and that he had raised the issue at the recent meeting of NITI Aayog governing council. "No, not at all. If you were to take out the formal speech that circulated in the NITI Aayog meeting, you will find a categorical mention for return of statehood in that ... which was given to the Honourable Prime Minister and all the members of the governing council of the NITI Aayog," Abdullah told reporters in this to ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 05: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that June 6 is indeed a special day for my sisters and brother of Jammu and Kashmir as key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore are being inaugurated including Udhampur-Baramulla-Srinagar Rail Link (USBRL) project. The PM Modi said USBRL project will ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi said: "Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Maharashtra police along with Military Intelligence and Army have arrested nine persons hailing from the border district of Rajouri for taking up jobs as security guards in different cities in Maharashtra and carrying weapons with fake licenses. Nine 12-bore rifles and 58 bullets have been recovered from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrests were made during a joint operation of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) police in Maharashtra, Southern Command and Military Intelligence on the basis of tip off that some persons from Rajouri distric ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 4 (VOICE) The earthquake that hit Telangana on Wednesday morning was the second earthquake of over 5 magnitude on the Richter Scale in the region in the last 55 years.According to the National Center for Seismology, an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude was felt at 7.27 a.m. on Wednesday with Medaram in Mulugu district of Telangana as the epicentre. The region experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on April 13, 1969, with Bhadrachalam as the epicentre. According to scientists, both earthquakes were linked to the Godavari rift valley, which is a fault zone. The tremors on ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: To achieve the goal of 2047 and make India a global phenomenon, we need to follow global strategies and parameters, said Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh at the "India Economic Conclave" organised by a media house in New Delhi on Saturday. India's space, marine and Himalayan resources, which remained inadequately explored before PM Narendra Modi took over, will contribute substantially to India's future economic growth. While answering to a question on how India can unleash benefits out of its natural resources in future in terms of creative growth, the minister said that Prime Mi ...Read More >
Credit: AP | The Vande Bharat Express train arrives at Srinagar railway station during a trial run ahead of its inauguration, which will connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, on the outskirts of Srinagar Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: The upcoming Katra to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express is set to revolutionise travel in Jammu and Kashmir. This semi-high-speed train service will offer faster, more efficient connectivity between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar, reducing the travel time drastically compared to road journeys. The Vande Bharat Express will co ...Read More >
Census 2027: India's largest data exercise returns with digital tools and caste focus | Illustration: Binay Sinha After a nearly six-year delay, India's decennial census is finally back on the agenda. It would be conducted in two phases along with the enumeration of castes. India's population census is expected to be released on March 1, 2027. Here is everything known so far. What is the census and why it matters India's census is the largest population count in the world, conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Aff ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday described the Chenab Bridge built on the Jammu and Srinagar railway line as an engineering marvel, saying that it has been designed to tackle winds up to 260 kilometres per hour and falls in Seismic Zone 5. Talking to reporters about the unique features of the bridge, the Union Minister said its design is very complicated and its foundation is equal to half a football field. About 30,000 tonnes of steel have been used to build this bridge, which is now touted as the world's highest railway arch bridge. Prime Mini ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 26 (VOICE) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday, paid his final respects to the mortal remains of the soldiers in Belagavi who died in an accident in Jammu and Kashmir. At the War Memorial in Belagavi, the CM offered floral tributes to the mortal remains of Subedar Dayanand Tirukannavar and Mahesh Marigond. Speaking to the media afterwards, the Chief Minister said, "The lives and careers of soldiers are of the highest honour. It is deeply saddening that soldiers from our state have been martyred in an accident. I pray for the peace of the souls of the f ...Read More >
Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir as "war-impacted zones" and give the status of martyr to those who lost lives in the skirmishes. Addressing a press conference here, the former chief minister said she visited several areas near the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border to get a first-hand account of the impact on the lives of the people in the wake of shelling from across. "I request that all these areas be declared as war-impacted zones, so that the work on their rehabilitation is taken up on war footing," the PDP president said. She also demanded that the families whose houses were de ...Read More >
JAMMU, Nov 17: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting of senior civil, police officials and DCs, SSPs of Jammu Division to review the progress of development projects and security situation in the region. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary, Home, Chandraker Bharti; ADGP (Law & Order) Vijay Kumar; ADGP, Jammu, Anand Jain; ADGP, CID, Nitish Kumar; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Shri Mandeep Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; DIGs ...Read More >
The project will help develop a state-wide WHS master plan considering micro catchment areas and disaster risk management. This will guide the creation of water security plans at the village level to be managed by the village employment councils, watershed management committees and water users' associations. The project will support the construction of 532 small water-storage facilities across 12 districts. These facilities will incorporate climate-resilient designs to capture and manage heavy r ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 20 (ANI): Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have demanded a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples into India, citing Turkey's political stance during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. A joint delegation of fruit growers and farmers, led by Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch Convener Harish Chauhan, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Also Read | SC on Law Graduates: Supreme Court Bars Fresh Law Graduates From Judicial Services Examination, Mandates 3-Year Legal Pract ...Read More >