Mysuru Dasara: Hundreds take part in Heritage Cycle Ride
Mysurus ultra cyclist Naveen D.S. Solanki, who has cycled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, says the city provides an ideal environment for cycling
KSRTC to take pilgrim path to accelerate revenue growth
KOCHI: Having registered windfall gains from daily services, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is now eyeing substantial rise in earnings from its Budget Tourism Cell (BTC). To this end, the corporation is set to expand its pilgrimage tours, even to interstate destinations like Velankanni. KSRTC MD Pramoj Shankar has written to commissioners of the five main devaswom boards, seeking a tie-up to boost pilgrimage tours similar to those with government agencies like the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC). Ive written to the devaswom commissioners to give certain priority to BTC groups (with regard to matters like offering prayers). It will be a win-win for both. The move is part of our target to raise average monthly revenue by four fold, from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 10 crore in another two months, Pramoj told TNIE. KSRTC has become the top client for KSINC for tour packages aboard Nefertiti, the first sea-going luxury cruise. KSINC made Rs 1.7 lakh last season, when KSRTC conducted 183 trips from depots across the state. Since the 2022 launch of the tie-up, nearly 20,000 visitors have travelled in Nefertiti via KSRTC packages, resulting in a revenue of Rs 5.2 crore for KSSINC. Two-day trips in focus While the BTC mainly operates one-day trips, it plans to focus more on two-day tour packages, especially on weekends to woo more visitors. Focus will be given on operating two-day tour packages on weekends, which will attract more visitors. A main challenge is providing good accommodation and quality food. We have formed a statewide committee, which is conducting a survey. Select accommodations (for night halts) and restaurants will be identified, Pramoj said. The BTC has already finalised plans to operate two-day trips to Kanyakumari. Weve identified a few stay facilities and restaurants there, he said. Inter-state tour packages Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar held talks with his Tamil Nadu counterpart and the TNSTC over allocating permits for interstate BTC trips to destinations like Velankanni. The KSRTC plans to operate pilgrimage trips connecting Arthunkal Church in Alappuzha to the renowned Catholic pilgrimage site of Velankanni. New double-decker buses The KSRTC is set to buy two new electric, non-AC, open double-decker buses for deployment in Kozhikode and Thrissur.
Interstate mobile phone thief nabbed near Thiruvananthapuram railway station
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A notorious mobile phone thief who operated across states and targeted railway passengers was arrested by the RPF on Saturday. The accused, Azad Mia, 22, from West Bengal, was taken into custody near the Power House Road behind the Thiruvananthapuram railway station while attempting to flee the premises. Azad Mia had been on the radar for a series of mobile phone thefts on trains operating between Thiruvananthapuram and destinations like Kanyakumari and Bengaluru. He primarily targeted passengers on daytime trains, especially in crowded general compartments. According to the police, Azad was highly skilled in lifting phones from womens handbags and mens pockets without raising suspicion. His modus operandi involved boarding the train like any other passenger, carrying out the theft, and exiting the train before it left the station. He would then leave the railway premises to avoid detection.
NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind gesture marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday , Union Ministers from his government shared lesser-known and fascinating experiences of working under his leadership. From Rajnath Singh to other senior ministers, video messages titled NaMo Story were released, offering personal insights into the Prime Ministers character and work ethic. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Modi as a blessed one, while Home Minister Amit Shah hailed him as a leader with remarkable foresight and visionary leadership. In his video message, Singh recalled the early days of Prime Minister Modis leadership when he was the national president of the BJP. He shared how PM Modi never panicked when faced with challenges. Singh reminisced about how, during an election campaign, Modi, as the party leader, returned to him and submitted a report on an assignment he had been given, presenting himself as a disciplined worker of the party. He never gets panicked with challenges. This cannot be without a divine grace, remarked Rajnath Singh. He described Modi as a truly blessed individual, possessing an innate and sharp ability to make any campaign highly effective and successful due to his brilliant, grounded, and practical suggestions. Praising the Prime Ministers knack for making sharp and effective suggestions, Singh said, Modi ji ka sujhav sangthmak drishiti se bi prasangik hota hai (Modis suggestions happen to be very much relevant from an organisational point of view). I have seen this ability during travelling with him earlier in 1718 states, and I think this ability cannot be without Gods grace in anyone, Singh added. Sharing a lesser-known facet of Modis personality, the Defence Minister further stated that Modi has an innate curiosity to understand society and other countries. Before being made CM, he had travelled to many countries, he said. PM Modi on 75th Birthday: New India undeterred by nuclear threats, calls for swadeshi surge Recalling the day he first met Modi in Jhansi in 199293, during the Kanyakumari to Srinagar Ekta Yatra led by then BJP President Murli Manohar Joshi, of which Modi was the key organiser, Singh said, There are experiences that shape the course of history. My experience with PM Narendra Modi ji was one such experience. In Jhansi, during his speech, I had seen the brilliance of future leadership. Discipline, dedication to organisation, profound knowledge, and the courage to accept every challenge - these are the qualities that have made him the leader who will take India to new heights. Praising PM Modis dedication and sense of responsibility as a party leader, Singh also recalled an instance after the conclusion of the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaigning, where Modi, as the prime ministerial candidate, visited him at his Ashoka Road residence in Delhi. Modi ji came to give me the report on the task he had been assigned, Singh said. He further highlighted Modis strong level of confidence, saying, Modi-ji is a disciplined political worker. He remains in a jolly mood, and you will not find him to be intense in any situation. He stated that he had never seen Modi become scared or worried about any issue. I think God has sent him to the world after considering all aspects to serve the people, Singh remarked. PM Modi: A Life of Resolve, A Nations Journey Home Minister Amit Shah, on PM Modis birthday, said, The hallmark of strong leadership lies in the ability to take decisions in difficult circumstances. Judged by this criterion, Modi jis leadership is exceptional. I have witnessed him maintain extraordinary patience and clarity of vision, even in the most challenging situations. He cited many examples of hard decisions made by the Prime Minister since he assumed office, such as the abrogation of Article 370, which Shah said would be remembered as a decision that demonstrated not only political courage but also an unwavering commitment to national unity and integrity. He also highlighted the erasure of the social evil of triple talaq as a bold step to protect the dignity and rights of women. Shah termed PM Modis personality as the greatest strength of India. BJP President J P Nadda also praised Modi, stating that the Prime Minister had taken numerous transformative steps to build an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, with the goal of progressing every section of society. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hailed Modi as the worlds most popular leader and wished that India, under his leadership, becomes self-reliant and a vishwaguru, eradicating terrorism and corruption. Trump wishes PM Modi on 75th birthday in first call since 50% tariffs; leaders discuss strengthening India-US ties
Internet divided : When ishowspeed said Who is Pushpa?
Hyderabad: Pushpa 2: The Rule has turned Allu Arjun into a pan-India superstar and a global style icon. The movie smashed box office records, with fans from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and beyond hooked on Pushpa Rajs swagger. From Virat Kohli celebrating on the pitch with the Thaggede Le pose to Rashid Khan shaking a leg Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Congress hails Rahuls Bharat Jodo Yatra on launch anniversary
New Delhi: On the third anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress on Sunday said it was a transformative milestone in the countrys politics and continues to resonate and reverberate. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Bharat Jodo Yatra began three years ago today at Kanyakumari, with a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
New Delhi, Sep 7: On the third anniversary of the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress on Sunday said it was a transformative milestone in the countrys politics and continues to resonate and reverberate. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Bharat Jodo Yatra began three years ago today at Kanyakumari, with a visit to the Swami Vivekananda rock memorial and other iconic places and finally a public meeting. The Yatra was undertaken to highlight the [] The post Transformative Milestone In Countrys Politics: Cong Hails RahulS Bharat Jodo Yatra On Launch Anniversary appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Karnatakas guarantee schemes now a model from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, says MLC
Khelo India Water Sports: Charting a Pan-India Voyage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
From serene lakes to majestic rivers, Indias youth are poised to make waves on the Olympic stage Dr. Shahid Ali Khan India is steadily making its mark on the global sports map and water sports are emerging as a key avenue for nurturing talent and achieving Olympic glory. The recent Khelo India Water Sports [] The post Khelo India Water Sports: Charting a Pan-India Voyage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari appeared first on Northlines .
On A Bike From Kashmir To Kanyakumari, Two Women Engineers Ride To Champion Nari Shakti
Their inspiration came from an outreach marking 'Operation Sindoor', in which 26 women visited war memorials in J&K, Ladakh, and Kargil to honour the fallen heroes
Cabinet approves construction of 4-lane MarakkanamPuducherry (NH-332A) on HAM mode
The project, that will be part of the ChennaiPuducherryNagapattinam-Tuticorin-Kanyakumari Economic Corridor, will be developed on hybrid annuity mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of 2,157 crore
PM Modi to visit TN, inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Tamil Nadu on July 26 to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate, and dedicate to the nation various development projects valued at over Rs 4,800 crore. PM Modi will be travelling to Tamil Nadu immediately after returning to India from his visit to the UK and Maldives. He will also participate in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival on 27 July at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. According to an official statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Friday, Prime Minister will directly arrive in Tuticorin and will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation a series of landmark projects across multiple sectors. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance regional connectivity, boost logistics efficiency, strengthen clean energy infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for citizens across Tamil Nadu. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore, and designed to meet the increasing aviation demands of the southern region. He will also undertake a walkthrough of the new terminal building. As per official sources, the terminal spans 17,340 square metres and is equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with a future expansion capacity of up to 1,800 peak hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. Featuring 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been constructed to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This modern facility is expected to enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu. In the road infrastructure sector, the Prime Minister will dedicate two strategically important highway projects to the nation. The first is the four-laning of the 50 km SethiyathopeCholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at over Rs 2,350 crore under the VikravandiThanjavur corridor. It includes three bypasses, a 1-km four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and several underpasses. This development will reduce travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope and Cholapuram and enhance connectivity to the Delta regions cultural and agricultural centres. The second project involves the six-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, constructed at a cost of around Rs 200 crore. With underpasses and bridges, this project will streamline cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, and support port-led industrial growth in the region surrounding V.O. Chidambaranar Port. In a significant step to improve port infrastructure and advance clean energy efforts, the Prime Minister will inaugurate North Cargo BerthIII at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 285 crore. With a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA, this new berth will meet the regions rising demand for dry bulk cargo handling, enhance port efficiency, and optimise cargo logistics. The Prime Minister will also dedicate three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu, aimed at bolstering sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90 km MaduraiBodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport while supporting tourism and daily commuting in Madurai and Theni. The Rs 650 crore doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil TownKanniyakumari sectionpart of the ThiruvananthapuramKanniyakumari projectwill reinforce transport links between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In addition, the doubling of the AralvaymozhiNagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and TirunelveliMelappalayam (3.6 km) sections will reduce travel time along major southern routes such as ChennaiKanyakumari, boosting both passenger and freight capacity and enhancing regional economic integration. To further strengthen Tamil Nadus power infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a major power transmission projectan Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for the evacuation of electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 (2x1000 MW). This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore, includes a 400 kV (quad) double-circuit transmission line from Kudankulam to the Tuticorin-II GIS substation, along with associated terminal equipment. It will play a crucial role in reinforcing the national grid, enabling reliable clean energy distribution, and meeting growing electricity demands in Tamil Nadu and other beneficiary states. As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also release a commemorative coin in honour of one of Indias greatest emperors, Rajendra Chola I, during the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple on 27 July. This special occasion also marks the 1,000-year anniversary of Rajendra Chola Is legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the beginning of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram templean architectural masterpiece of the Chola era. Sources added that Rajendra Chola I (10141044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital following his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there stood as a symbol of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative brilliance for over 250 years. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently championed by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmarsthe saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Significantly, Rajendra Cholas birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on 23 July, making this years festival especially meaningful.
What Indian Scientists Discovered About The Sun
The breakthrough reveals the dazzling world of miniature plasma loops, or tiny loops, which stretch almost as long as the distance between Kashmir and Kanyakumari.The breakthrough reveals the dazzling world of miniature plasma loops, or tiny loops, which stretch almost as long as the distance between Kashmir and Kanyakumari.
Several districts in Tamil Nadu will observe local holidays for schools in late July 2025. These closures accommodate important regional festivals and commemorative events, including Aadi Thiruvathirai, Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary in Ariyalur, Aadi Amavasai in Kanyakumari, and the Aadipura festival in Chengalpattu. To compensate for the holidays, some districts have scheduled working days on Saturdays or Fridays.
Road To The Sea In Kanyakumari: How The Churchs Intolerance Disrupted This Hindu Ritual
A remarkable scene unfolded earlier this month at the revered shrine of Mandaikaadu in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, during the sacred kumbhabhisheka ritual that marked the temples symbolic rebirth following a devastating fire in 2021. The ceremony, which traditionally involves water drawn from the sacred sea, required an elephant to carry the head priest of the Continue reading Road To The Sea In Kanyakumari: How The Churchs Intolerance Disrupted This Hindu Ritual The post Road To The Sea In Kanyakumari: How The Churchs Intolerance Disrupted This Hindu Ritual appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Dal-Chawal diaries: Tracing India's comfort food from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Across India, dal transcends regional boundaries, yet transforms with local flavors and ingredients. From the creamy dal makhani of the North to the tangy sambars of the South, lentils are prepared with unique spices, vegetables, and cooking techniques. Chefs and food experts highlight the diverse dal preparations, showcasing the culinary heritage and traditions embedded in each region's lentil-based dishes.
A. Kanyakumaris online programme Ekaika Raga Kritis of Tyagaraja turns into a live concert series
The inaugural episode of the series was held recently in Chennai. It featured Kanyakumari playing 12 compositions
Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Paradise NH44 Kebab Festival To Celebrate Kebabs Of India
The Paradise NH44 Kebab Festival will kick off on 1st July this year and will be available at all Paradise outlets as dine-in, takeaway and delivery options across the country.
India under the leadership of PM Modi is set to become third-largest economy by 2027: UP CM Yogi
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated today that India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, propelled by its unprecedented growth in the last decade. Speaking on the 11th anniversary of the Modi government , CM Yogi highlighted that India was the only major economy to have doubled in size within a decade, and the first country to more than double its per capita income, rising from Rs 79,000 in 2013-14 to approximately Rs 2.5 lakh currently. Interacting with media persons, CM Yogi congratulated Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the UP government and the people of the state for ushering in a golden era of development. He presented a report card on the Centre's good governance and welfare initiatives. CM Yogi stated that India's economy, unstable and lacking public confidence before 2014, was the world's 11th largest despite decades of independence. However, under Prime Minister Modis leadership of a decade, the country has risen to become the fourth largest economy, surpassing Britainits former colonial rulerand now overtaking Japan, he added. He emphasised the transformative impact on infrastructure over the past 11 years, calling it the ackbone of a strong economy. He noted that The pace of highway construction has tripledfrom 11 km/day during the UPA era to over 35 km/day today. About 3.8 lakh km of rural roads have been built, connecting 99% of villages under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, he claimed adding that 3,600 km of high-speed corridors were developed, and Indias first rapid rail was now operational between Delhi and Meerut. Indias growth story remains resilient as global economy lags: RBI governor Shaktikanta Das India became a global identity under PM Modi: CM yogi Adityanath The Chief Minister further detailed infrastructure development, stating, Since 2014, over 55,000 km of highways have been expanded. Metro services, earlier limited to 5 cities, are now running in 23 cities, including six in Uttar Pradesh. World-class trains like the Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat Express are redefining rail travel. Airport infrastructure has also doubledfrom 74 airports built in 67 years to 160 airports today. In Uttar Pradesh alone, operational airports have increased from 2 in 2017 to 16 of which four are international airports, while the fifth at Jewar will be operational soon, said the UP CM. CM Yogi credited Prime Minister Modi for giving India a global identity and transforming service into a pledge, governance into a culture, and security into a prioritymarking the rise of a developed, self-reliant New India. He stated that PM Modi believed where there was technology, there was progressand where there was a BJP government, there was also welfare of the poor. He added that PM Modi had redefined governance as a medium of service and partnership with the people. In the last 11 years, service has become a resolution, good governance a culture, and security the highest priority. This is the new Indiaan India the world trusts, said CM Yogi. The Chief Minister criticised previous Congress-led governments for breaking public trust and damaging India's global image in the 65 years after independence. In contrast, he said, the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi have provided a corruption-free, nepotism-free, and appeasement-free leadership. He added that Modi ji had realised the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, turned India into a symbol of trust, laid the foundation of a developed and self-reliant nation, and presented a clear roadmap for the next 25 years. CM Yogi reiterated that in the last 11 years, India has carved a distinct identity not just socially and culturally, but also in security, governance, and economy. Governance today is defined by policy clarity, transparency, and accountability. Development is no longer just a sloganit now reflects inclusive progress that balances heritage with growth. Every citizen now benefits from government schemes based on eligibility, not identity. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas has become the foundation of governance, driven by citizen satisfaction rather than appeasement. The country has witnessed a strong model of zero tolerance for corruption, Minimum Government, Maximum Governance through Digital India, and unwavering commitment to national unity and internal security, said CM Yogi. Referring to India's military strength, the UP CM noted that the 11 years of PM Modis government are being marked at a time when Indias military strength had been both tested and trusted globallyas seen through Operation Sindoor. He observed that before 2014, India was perceived as a nation that spoke of peace even when provoked. But under PM Modi, a new doctrinethe New Normalhad emerged. While India prefers peaceful development with like-minded nations, any breach of security or promotion of terrorism will be met with decisive action like surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor , said the CM. He also commended the abrogation of Article 370, stating it brought Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh fully into the constitutional fold, establishing a new model of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. CM Yogi concluded by saying that during the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, PM Modi gave the nation the mantra of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), rooted in the Panch Pran (Five Pledges): building a developed India, freeing the country from the mentality of slavery, pride in heritage, strengthening unity and integrity, and fulfilling civic duties.
Kashmir rail link a step towards bridging 'Dil ki doori and Delhi ki doori': Farooq Abdullah
SRINAGAR: National Conference president and three-time former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday hailed the newly inaugurated train connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country as a significant step towards reducing both Dil Ki Doori (emotional distance) and Delhi Ki Doori (political distance). Speaking to reporters while travelling on the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar to Katra, Abdullah said, The train connectivity to Kashmir will not only increase tourism but also boost trade. Our fruits can now easily reach markets in Kanyakumari, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna and beyond. On June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kashmir rail link and flagged off the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar, marking a milestone in the integration of the region with the national railway network. In response to questions about the political implications, Abdullah stated, It is the first step, and more steps are needed to reduce Dil Ki Doori and Delhi Ki Doori. On the issue of statehood, the NC president reiterated, Jammu and Kashmir will get its statehood back, and that will further reduce the emotional and political distance from Delhi. The Omar Abdullah-led National Conference has been actively advocating for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. In October last year, the newly formed cabinet passed a resolution calling for its restoration. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah subsequently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other central leaders, handing over copies of the resolution and urging early action. Even during the inauguration of the rail link on June 6, CM Omar Abdullah raised the demand for restoration of statehood. The central government had abrogated Article 370 on August 5 2019, stripping J&K of its special status and bifurcating the erstwhile state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Farooq Abdullah welcomed the completion of the rail project, saying, Our dream that one day J&K would be connected to the national rail network has been fulfilled. I want to thank everyone involved in this prestigious project. Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee also played important roles Vajpayee dreamt of coming to Kashmir by train. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Modis role in completing the project and praised the engineers responsible for constructing the Chenab bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world. Now we can travel anywhere in the country by train. This provides all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. Its more accessible and also more affordable, Abdullah added.
Chenab bridge: How project team navigated through steep slopes on horses and mules
KATRA: To realise the vision of travelling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail, the project team behind the construction of the Chenab bridge faced several challenges. Among them was how to reach the location surrounded by the steep slopes of the Himalayas. The team had only one option -- horses and mules. According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the top infrastructure company that constructed the bridge, one of the main and earliest challenges was access to the bridge location, to transport equipment and construction materials. Initially, mules and horses were used by the project team to reach the location. Slowly over a period, temporary roads were created and access was made available to the site, a spokesperson from the company said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge , Anji Rail Bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project and flagged off Vande Bharat trains, connecting Katra to Srinagar. The spokesperson added that eventually, on the North side of the river bank, an 11-km road was constructed and a 12-km road on the South side. Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice Chairman, Afcons, said the Chenab Railway Bridge is more than just a marvel of engineering. It is a symbol of India's resolve to conquer the most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage, he told PTI. The company used the world's tallest crossbar cable cranes and specialised heavy machinery as tools for this ambitious project. The ancient and steep slopes of the Himalayas were tamed using massive consolidation grouting, making them sturdy for the colossal arch foundations, the company said, highlighting challenges it faced. With the foundations set, the erection of the arch from both sides was planned by the cantilever construction technique. The first big moment of triumph came on April 5, 2021, when a single majestic arch approaching steadily from both banks met at the crown, it added. The viaduct construction was another unique challenge. There were multiple transition areas. Keeping this in mind, the launching sequence was meticulously planned in four sections, the spokesperson said. Giridhar Rajagopalan, Deputy Managing Director, Afcons, told PTI that for the first time in Indian Railways, incremental launching was done on a transition curve and a longitudinal gradient, both occurring at the same location, for the deck launching of the viaduct portion of the Chenab Bridge. S Paramasivan, Managing Director, Afcons, For Afcons, it represents our unwavering commitment to nation-building and our ability to reimagine infrastructure in the toughest terrains. This bridge will inspire generations of engineers and stands as a tribute to the power of Indian engineering and teamwork. For the first time in the Indian Railways' history, a laboratory accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration (NABL) was set up to ensure that quality was being monitored at every stage of the project. Situated at a height of 359 metres above the river, the Chenab bridge is 35 metres higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris and the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river. After inaugurating the Chenab bridge, PM Modi walked on it holding the Tricolour high. He travelled in a rail engine coach to reach the spot. Chenab bridge: Kashmir's century-old dream comes true as the mountain territory gets rail link to mainland
