ProUI

A 11-km railway tunnel across the Pir Panjal mountain range, inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday, is not only the longest such in India but an engineering marvel and a "dream come true" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.It took seven years for thousands of men, most of them highly-trained and skilled in tunnel building, who braved geographical constraints and inclement weather to build the all-weather tunnel. Some of the tunnel boring machinery - an improved Austrian version - has been used for the first time on such a large scale in the country during the laying of the tunnel.A three-metre-wide road has also been provided inside the tunnel for maintenance and relief and rescue operations in the event of any eventuality."The tunnel has been made water-proof by providing a continuous PVC membrane between the primary and secondary lining. It is equipped with state-of-the-art air quality monitoring, communications, fire-fighting and emergency rescue systems," an engineer at the site told IANS, not wishing to be identified.Built at a cost of Rs.1,300 crores ($213 million), the tunnel has reduced the surface distance between the Qazigund town in the Valley and Banihal town in the Jammu region by 18 km, besides providing an all-weather surface link between the two regions.The over 300-km-long Srinagar-Jammu highway, till today the only surface link between the landlocked Valley and the rest of the country, would often remain closed for days without end in the winter months due to heavy snowfall on the Banihal sector of the highway.

"That experience is now a thing of the past for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Congress President Sonia Gandhi told a jubilant public rally here when an eight-coach train was flagged off from here to Qazigund.

The tunnel had been a dream for the people of the state and not many believed it would become operational in their lifetime.

"I had been hearing of a railway tunnel that would connect us with the Valley and the people there with Banihal and other parts of the country. Today, I have seen the dream come true before my own eyes," Siraj-ud-Din, 70, who was part of the jubilant crowd that saw history being made as the train cruised from here through the tunnel to the Valley, told IANS.

Others in the Valley are hopeful their horticultural produce would be carried at lower costs and without any hassles through the tunnel in the future.

"The tunnel is going to reduce the transportation cost for our fruit to terminal markets in the country and also ensure that it reaches in time , whether it is raining or snowing," Mushtaq Ahmad, who has a large apple orchard in north Kashmir's Sopore town, told IANS.

Asia’s second largest tunnel across the Pir Panjal mountain will connect the landlocked Kashmir Valley with Banihal town of the Jammu region. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Built at a cost of Rs.1,300 crore, the tunnel will reduce the distance between Qazigund town in south Kashmir's Anantnag district and Banihal town by 17 km. It will be an all-weather surface link.

उत्तराखंड येथे नैसर्गिक आपत्तीत सापडलेल्या राज्यातील २४० प्रवाशांना नवी दिल्ली येथून शनिवारी रेल्वेने महाराष्ट्रात पाठविण्यात आले आहे. आतापर्यंत २१५० यात्रेकरू व पर्यटकांशी संपर्क साधण्यात आल्याची माहिती आपत्ती व्यवस्थापन केंद्राच्या सचिव व संचालक आय.ए. कुंदन यांनी दिली. भाविकांना सुखरूप पोचविण्यासाठी आणखी ५० लाख रुपये मुख्यमंत्री पृथ्वीराज चव्हाण यांनी जाहीर केले असून भाविकांच्या सुखरूप बाहेर काढण्यासाठी दोन हेलिकॉप्टरही रवाना केली आहेत.
उत्तराखंडमध्ये अडकलेल्या राज्यातील यात्रेकरू व पर्यटकांसाठी डेहराडून, हरिद्वार, सहस्त्रधारा, ऋषिकेश आणि डेहराडून येथील जॉली ग्रँड एअरपोर्ट या पाच ठिकाणी मदत शिबीरे सुरू केली आहेत. त्यासाठी ४५ अधिकाऱ्यांची नियुक्ती केली असून प्रधान सचिव आर.ए. राजीव, राष्ट्रीय ग्रामीण आरोग्य मिशनचे संचालक विकास खारगे यांच्या मार्गदर्शनाखाली ही पथके कार्यरत आहेत.
उत्तरखंडमधील राज्यातील शेवटचा भाविक बाहेर पडेपर्यंत शासनाची मदत सुरू राहणार असून त्यांची सुखरूप सुटका करण्यासाठी दोन हेलिकॉप्टर पाठविण्यात आली आहेत. तज्ज्ञ डॉक्टरांचे पथक, प्रधान सचिव दर्जाच्या दोन अधिकाऱ्यांसह ३० अधिकारी पाठविण्यात आले आहेत. बचाव कार्यासाठी उत्तराखंड सरकारला १० कोटी रूपये देण्यात आले आहेत. विविध माध्यमातून भाविकांच्या मदतीसाठी २५ कोटी रूपयेही उपलब्ध झाले आहेत.
मदत कार्यातील अधिकाऱ्यांचे दूरध्वनी क्रमांक
आर.ए. राजीव  ९१-९१६७०८००७०, विकास खारगे ९१-९९३०१५४९९९, प्रदीप कुमार ९१-९८६८१४०६६३, जयकृष्ण पहाड (हृषिकेश) ९१-८९७५१७८१२२, नंदिनी आवडे(डेहराडून) ९१-९८६८८६८२८६, प्रशांत कापडे (हरिद्वार) ९१-९८९२२१७९५५, प्रवीण टाके (नवी दिल्ली) ९१-९७१७१४०४९५, नितीन मुंडावरे (सहस्त्रधारा सिव्हील एअरपोर्ट) ९१-९४२११०५७२६

HYDERABAD: Even as tenders are being finalised for the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) Phase II, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is in a dilemma over releasing funds for the Rs 642 crore-project.The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), which has been given the task of executing the work, has sought Rs 60 crore as the state government's share for the project in the current financial year. However, the GHMC has released only Rs 10 crore, which may not take the project much further. South Central Railway (SCR) officials are reportedly unhappy with the lukewarm response from the state government over release of funds.The MMTS Phase II works are being taken up jointly by the railways and GHMC at a cost of Rs 642 crore. The project would be completed in three years. The state government (GHMC) would bear 66% (2/3rd) of the project cost, while the remaining would be borne by the railways. The project has been entrusted to RVNL, which has conducted a detailed survey of the available land and required for new railway lines, stations and workshops.RVNL had issued a notification a couple of months ago inviting tenders for the project package worth Rs 360 crore. The Phase-II works would be carried out in two stages. In stage I, work worth Rs 317 crore would be taken up, including track doubling between Falaknuma-RGIA (20 km), electrification between Falaknuma and Umdanagar, doubling and electrification between Secunderabad-Bolarum (14 km) and track restoration between Tellapur-Patancheru (9 km). In stage II, doubling and electrification on the stretches between Moula Ali-Malkajgiri-Sitaphalmandi (10 km), Bolarum-Medchal (14 km) and Sanatnagar-Moula Ali would be taken up. Other works like quadrupling tracks and electrification between Moula Ali and Ghatkesar (14 km) and restoration and electrification on the Tellapur-Patancheru stretch would also be taken up. Another Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for passenger amenities and Rs 85 crore for rakes (MMTS coaches).

Later, it has been decided to put on hold Umdanagar-Shamshabad airport connectivity covering a distance of 11 kms due to land acquisition and other issues.

For speeding up works, the Union railway ministry has already released Rs 30 crore. When RVNL officials approached the GHMC for its share, the corporation released only Rs 10 crore a couple of days ago. "Since there are no funds, the corporation is planning to release funds in a phased manner. This year, RVNL is targeting to complete at least Rs 100 crore worth works. We sought a copy of the ministry of railways' release of funds. Along with the copy, the corporation would write to the state government for release of balance funds," GHMC additional chief city planner (T&T) V Narender Rao told TOI.

RVNL is hopeful of getting funds from the state government before ground works begin. "Tenders are under finalisation to identify the project developer. It may take three months to start ground works as approvals, designing, planning and land acquisition have to be completed," RVNL chief project manager P Srinivas told TOI.

You can no longer cancel your ticket 24 hours before the journey and claim a full refund. A full refund now needs a cancellation at least 48 hours before the train’s departure.
    The railways claimed the move was aimed at stopping touts from selling cancelled tickets at high prices at the last moment and at giving waitlisted passengers more time to find out whether they can undertake their journeys.
    The railways has also reduced the time window for a passenger to claim back 75% of the booking amount — you now need to cancel your tickets at least six hours prior to departure.
    The railway ministry on Tuesday revised its refund rules comprehensively. The new rules will come into effect from July 1.
    The railways is already deducting a minimum per-passenger cancellation fee of Rs 120 for AC first class/executive class, Rs 100 for AC-II tier/first class, Rs 90 for AC III-tier, economy and chair car, Rs 60 for sleeper class and Rs 30 for second class. These charges had come into effect from April 1.
    If the ticket is presented for cancellation less than six hours before the train’s scheduled departure or up to two hours after its actual departure, the cancellation charge would be 50% of the fare, subject to a minimum charge. The existing rules had this window set at 12 hours post the train’s departure if the distance was 500 km or more.
    Now, no refund will be granted on the ticket if it is surrendered for cancellation beyond two hours after the train’s departure.
    The time for filing refund claims has also been reduced from 90 days to 10 days after the train’s departure in case of unforeseen circumstances.
    According to the new rules, even those with waitlisted or RAC tickets will have to cancel their tickets three hours before the train’s departure to get the refund.
    The new rules will not entail a refund if the cancellation is two hours after the departure. Existing rules permit cancellation till within three hours of after the train’s departure.
    Justifying the revision, the railway ministry said “railway passengers (cancellation of ticket and refund of fare) Rules, 1998, have not been substantially revised in the last 15 years during which a large number of changes have taken place in the ticketing system of Indian Railways.”
TIME IS MONEY
    To claim 75% of booking amount, you need to cancel your tickets at least six hours prior to departure
    If the ticket is cancelled less than six hours before the train’s departure or up to two hours after its departure, cancellation charge would be 50% of the fare
    From July 1, a full refund will need cancellation at least 48 hours before the train’s departure

सीनी स्टेशन पर लगाई गई विज्ञान प्रदर्शनी छोटे-बड़े एवं छात्र-छात्राओं के लिये आकर्षण का केंद्र बनी है। हर रोज दर्शकों की भीड़ उमड़ रही है। बुधवार को कुल 6331 दर्शकों ने साइंस एक्सप्रेस का परिभ्रमण किया, जबकि प्रथम दिन मंगलवार को 3891 दर्शक पहुंचे थे। जानकारी हो कि साइंस एक्सप्रेस एक विशेष रूप से डिजाइन की गई 16 एसी कोच ट्रेन में स्थापित एक अभिनव मोबाइल प्रदर्शनी है, जो अक्तुबर 2007 से पूरे भारत में भ्रमण कर रही है। देश में चार सफल चरणों के बाद 2012 से यह ट्रेन साइंस एक्सप्रेस-जैव विविधता स्पेशल के रूप में चल रही है। यह ट्रेन 9अप्रैल 2013 को दिल्ली से चली और वर्तमान चरण में यह ट्रेन 9 अप्रैल से 28 अक्टूबर 2013 तक के अपने सफर के दौरान भारत में 67 स्थलों की यात्रा करेगी। प्रत्येक स्थान पर 3-4 दिनों के लिये रुकेगी और प्रदर्शनी खुली रहेगी। साइंस एक्सप्रेस में प्रदर्शनी का मुख्य उद्देश्य भारत की अद्वितीय जैव-विविधता, जलवायु परिवर्तन और समाज के विभिन्न वर्गो के बीच संबंधित मुद्दों पर विशेष रूप से छात्रों में जागरूकता पैदा करना है। सीनी में यह ट्रेन मंगलवार को पहुंची और जिले के पुलिस अधीक्षक इंद्रजीत माहथा एवं अपर उपायुक्त सीके सिंह ने इसका उद्घाटन किया। सीनी में यह ट्रेन गुरुवार तक रहेगी।

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday that the newly opened rail tunnel linking the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region will better the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing a rally in Urdu in Banihal town of Jammu region after inaugurating the rail link earlier, Manmohan Singh said: "Today we are dedicating a marvellous and wonderful feat of engineering crafted across the Himalayas by our engineers."He added: "Despite difficult geographical conditions and adverse weather, this longest tunnel in the country has been completed within seven years.

"This is not just an engineering marvel, but an all weather link between the valley and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.

"This will usher in a new era in the development of the state, providing welfare and employment to the people here."

The prime minister said the products of the Kashmir Valley, including handicrafts and fruits, would reach the rest of India through this railway link as will products from the rest of the country to the valley.

The railway bridge between Udhampur and Banihal would be the highest railway bridge in the World.

He said the rail tunnel was a part of his UPA government's commitment to develop Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the state had got in recent times 14 new colleges, nine ITIs and five India Reserve Police battalions, providing employment to locals.

"I want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the (central) government will extend all possible support for the development of the people here."

As he spoke in Urdu, Manmohan Singh struck a chord with the people at the rally. He was cheered each time he spoke about ushering development in the troubled state.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi told the rally that the "hardships faced by the people of the state during the winter months are now a thing of the past.

"Today's inauguration of the all weather link between Jammu and the valley is a part of the UPA's commitment to the peace and progress of the people here."

Gandhi said the National Conference-Congress government in the state had done commendable work in the last five years.

"The people in Kashmir are fed up with violence. They want peace and development.

"The large turnout of people during the Panchayat elections in the state is a proof of the people's desire for peace and development.

"I know very well that painful incidents happen here occasionally, but our democracy has enough scope to sort out issues through dialogue and negotiations."

Manmohan Singh and Gandhi will fly to Udhampur army base on their way to New Delhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday that the new rail tunnel linking the troubled Kashmir Valley and Jammu region will help develop Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing hundreds in Urdu here in Jammu region after inaugurating the rail link, Manmohan Singh said: “Today, we are dedicating a marvellous and wonderful feat of engineering crafted across the Himalayas.”He added: “Despite difficult geographical conditions and adverse weather, this longest tunnel in the country has been completed within seven years.

“This is not just an engineering marvel, but an all weather link between the valley and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This will usher in a new era in the development of the state, providing welfare and employment to the people here.”

The Prime Minister said the products of the Kashmir Valley, including handicrafts and fruits, would reach the rest of India through this railway link as will products from the rest of the country to the valley.

The rail bridge between Udhampur and Banihal would be the highest railway bridge in the world.

He said the rail tunnel was a part of his UPA government’s commitment to develop Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the state had got in recent times 14 new colleges, nine ITIs and five India Reserve Police battalions, providing employment to locals.

“I want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that (my) government will extend all possible support for the development of the people here.”

As he spoke in Urdu, Manmohan Singh struck a chord with the people at the rally. He was cheered each time he spoke about ushering development in the state.

'Hardships a thing

of the past'

Congress president Sonia Gandhi told the rally that the “hardships faced by the people of the state during the winter months are now a thing of the past.

“Today’s inauguration of the all weather link between Jammu and the valley is a part of the UPA’s commitment to the peace and progress of the people here.”

Gandhi said the National Conference-Congress government in the state had done commendable work in the last five years.

“The people in Kashmir are fed up with violence. They want peace and development.

“The large turnout of people during the Panchayat elections in the state is a proof of the people{gt}s desire for peace and development.

“I know very well that painful incidents happen here occasionally, but our democracy has enough scope to sort out issues through dialogue and negotiations.”

Manmohan Singh and Gandhi will fly to Udhampur army base on their way to New Delhi.

The Pir Panjal railway tunnel is the longest transportation tunnel in India

The Kashmir Valley railway (Qazigund-Baramula section) is a 119-km-long modern railway line that became fully operational in October 2009.

It connects Baramula in the western part of Kashmir to Qazigund at the other end of the Valley, via Srinagar.

With today’s inauguration, the extension of this railway line beyond the Pir Panjal Mountains to the Jammu region has been achieved

The new 17.7 km long rail link paves way for the railway link-up of the Kashmir region with the national railway network.

The rail bridge between Udhampur and Banihal will be the highest railway bridge in the world.

Srinagar : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday that the newly opened rail tunnel linking the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region will better the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir.Addressing a rally in Urdu in Banihal town of Jammu region after inaugurating the rail link earlier, Manmohan Singh said: “Today we are dedicating a marvellous and wonderful feat of engineering crafted across the Himalayas by our engineers."He added: “Despite difficult geographical conditions and adverse weather, this longest tunnel in the country has been completed within seven years."This is not just an engineering marvel, but an all weather link between the valley and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir."This will usher in a new era in the development of the state, providing welfare and employment to the people here."The prime minister said the products of the Kashmir Valley, including handicrafts and fruits, would reach the rest of India through this railway link as will products from the rest of the country to the valley.The railway bridge between Udhampur and Banihal would be the highest railway bridge in the World.He said the rail tunnel was a part of his UPA government's commitment to develop Jammu and Kashmir.He said the state had got in recent times 14 new colleges, nine ITIs and five India Reserve Police battalions, providing employment to locals.

“I want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the (central) government will extend all possible support for the development of the people here."

As he spoke in Urdu, Manmohan Singh struck a chord with the people at the rally. He was cheered each time he spoke about ushering development in the troubled state.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi told the rally that the “hardships faced by the people of the state during the winter months are now a thing of the past.

"Today’s inauguration of the all weather link between Jammu and the valley is a part of the UPA’s commitment to the peace and progress of the people here."

Gandhi said the National Conference-Congress government in the state had done commendable work in the last five years.

“The people in Kashmir are fed up with violence. They want peace and development.

"The large turnout of people during the Panchayat elections in the state is a proof of the people’s desire for peace and development.

“I know very well that painful incidents happen here occasionally, but our democracy has enough scope to sort out issues through dialogue and negotiations."

Manmohan Singh and Gandhi will fly to Udhampur army base on their way to New Delhi.

Policemen guard near the first train before it was flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to dedicate the Banihal - Qazigund railway line to the nation, at Banihal on Wednesday.