New Delhi: The Indian Railways on Monday said that it has completed the Arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge, which is world’s highest railway bridge being constructed over river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.

A spokesperson of Railways said the Chenab Bridge, world’s highest railway bridge, which is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project (USBRL) has set an important construction milestone today with completion of the steel arch of the iconic Bridge.

“This was one of the most difficult part of the bridge over Chenab. This achievement is a major leap towards the completion of the 111 km long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal. It is arguably the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in the recent history,” the statement reads.

It reads that the 5.6-metre last piece of metal was fitted at the highest point today and joined the two arms of the arch that currently stretch towards each other from both the banks of the river.

“This completed the shape of the arch that will then loom over the treacherous Chenab, flowing some 359 metres below. After completion of the arch work, removal of the stay cables, filling of the concrete in the arch rib, erection of the steel trestle, launching of the viaduct and track laying work will be taken up,” it reads.

The statement further reads that the completion of the historic Arch work was also seen by Shri Piyush Goyal Minister for Railways and Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Suneet Sharma, CEO-cum-Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashutosh Gangal and General Manager Northern Railway through video conferencing.

As per the statement Indian Railways is constructing the iconic Arch Bridge on River Chenab as a part of the USBRL project to connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of the nation.

“This bridge is 1315m long and is the highest Railway Bridge in the world being 359m above the river bed level. It will be 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris (France).”

It reads that the construction of Bridge involved fabrication of 28,660 MT steel, 10 Lakh Cum Earthwork, 66,000 Cum Concrete and 26 Km motorable roads.

“Arch consists of steel boxes. Concrete will be filled in boxes of the Arch to improve stability. The overall weight of Arch is 10,619 MT. Erection of the members of arch by overhead cable cranes has been done for first time on Indian Railways.

Will intensify drive to enforce guidelines in public vehicles: RTO Kashmir

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar, April 5: Public transport in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir is posing a serious threat to passengers as Covid-SoPs are going for a toss forcing the authorities to issue a serious warning for passengers and drivers. The Srinagar administration has also warned of slapping a fine on the passengers and drivers, who are found violating the Covid-guidelines.

“Simply, Covid guidelines are going for a big toss in Kashmir. People are least bothered about Covid resurgence in Valley, especially Srinagar which is worst hit. This is strange. People are travelling without face masks and there is no monitoring at all,” said Shazia Bashir, who travels regularly to her office in Srinagar from Pampore area. Other frequent travelers echoed similar views and demanded a monitoring mechanism by the transport department or the district administration.

Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Ikram-Ullah Tak said, “we have already deputed our squads to check the Covid -19 Sops violation and fines have also been imposed on the violators.”

He said the district administration Srinagar has already constituted the teams in which “our teams are also part of it and jointly with the magistrates we are doing routine checks to make sure the Covid-19 sops are adhered while using the public Transport.”

He said that in coming days, the drive for the strict enforcement of the Covid-19 SoPs in public transport will be intensified and those found violating will be dealt with strictly.

Interestingly, Covid guidelines read: “Individuals must maintain a base distance of six feet (2 Gaz ki Dori) in public places”. However, this is hardly seen on ground.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Syed Haneef Balkhi said that the Covid-19 SoPs and guidelines are already in place and they have been repeatedly asking people associated with trade or transport, to adhere to the guidelines, and before that people are being penalized for violating the Covid-19 guidelines.

“I appeal people to show a responsible approach and follow Covid-19 guidelines in spirit,” he said. “We conduct random sampling and inspection also in and around the city. People found violating the Covid-19 guidelines are being fined, wearing of masks and maintaining of physical distance at public places is what is need of the hour,” he said—(KNO)

Jammu: At least twenty structures (Jhuggis) were gutted in a fire mishap in slum area of Trikuta Nagar in Jammu district on late Sunday night.

Slum dwellers said an empty structure caught fire on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday and later the fire engulfed entire slum area causing damage to at least twenty slum structures.

They said that all their belongings including eatables were reduced to ashes within no time—(KNO)

Srinagar:  Member Parliament (Lok Sabha) Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali Monday called on Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhavan.

The MP discussed with the Lt Governor about various issues of public importance. He also shared his views on the present development scenario of the UT.

The Lt Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards a new era of development and prosperity.

J&K is witnessing a wave of positive change with the Government taking several reformative measures for socio-economic development, besides empowering the people of the UT, he added.

Jammu: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan will convene a public hearing at Convention Center, Canal Road, Jammu on April 7 (Wednesday) from 11 am onwards.

The public deputations and individuals, who wish to bring their grievances and demands into the notice of the government, can meet the Advisor at the said venue.

All such people who will be visiting the venue are requested to follow all health care guidelines and deputations should not exceed more than three members in view of the corona pandemic.