Centre Approves Rs 2,093 Cr Outlay For Highway, Ropeway Projects In J&K

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Friday that an allocation of Rs 2,093.92 crore has been approved for widening two highways and a ropeway project in Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi, Mar 8: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Friday that an allocation of Rs 2,093.92 crore has been approved for widening two highways and a ropeway project in Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister said an outlay of Rs 1404.94 crore has been approved for the widening and strengthening of the Rafiabad - Kupwara - Chowkibal - Tangdhar - Chamkot section of National Highway-701 in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said this initiative, executed under Project Beacon in Baramulla and Kupwara districts on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode under Package I, aims to transform the 51 km route into two-lanes. The highway is critical for logistics in the region as it forms a part of the strategic route connecting Baramulla and Kupwara districts. It plays a pivotal role and is integral to the development of the tourism sector in North Kashmir near the International Border

Gadkari said that an allocation of Rs 126.58 crore has been approved for the development, operation, and maintenance of a 1.5 km ropeway from SDA Parking (Near Zabarwan Park) to Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar district.

The initiative operates on the Hybrid Annuity Model, utilizing monocable detachable gondola (MDG) technology with a capacity to transport 700 persons per hour per direction. This project is designed to offer a panoramic view of Srinagar city and Dal Lake, providing a safe and convenient transportation means. It ensures easy access for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens to visit the temple, reducing travel time from approximately 30 minutes to about 5 minutes. Additionally, it serves as an eco-friendly mode for transport, creates employment opportunities for the local populace, and brings economic benefits to the region by enhancing tourism, the minister added.

He said an allocation of Rs 562.40 crore has also been approved for the upgradation and strengthening project of the Nashri- Chenani section of National Highway-244. Spanning 39.1 km in districts Udhampur and Ramban, this initiative operates on the EPC mode under National Highway (O).

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The road’s enhancement is poised to offer improved connectivity to Patnitop, a tourist hotspot in Jammu, fostering economic development of the region.

IANS

People Of Odisha Will Repose Their Trust In PM Modi: EAM S Jaishankar

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhubaneswar, Mar 4: External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Dr S Jaishankar, who reached Bhubaneswar on a two-day Odisha visit today, said Odisha is a very significant State for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We all appreciate the history, culture, and talent of Odisha. In the last 10 years, Rs 18 lakh crore Central allocation was provided to Odisha. People of Odisha will vote to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for a BJP Govt in Odisha for the first time," said Jaishankar

Jaishankar said the iconic Konark Sun Temple wheel took centre stage at the G20 Summit in Delhi. This shows how much respect the Prime Minister has for the State of Odisha and its culture, pointed out he.

"Odisha is a State which has an enormous resource base. It has a tremendous culture which is widely admired across the world. By branding the Konark wheel at the G20 summit, we have paved the way for international interest to come to Odisha. We hope there will be many more opportunities to boost the tourism industry here," added Jaishankar.

He said, as a Foreign Minister, he had an opportunity to appreciate the talent and skills of citizens of Odisha abroad. This visit of mine is to add my voice to those of my colleagues that the people of Odisha make the right choice when they go to vote. They will vote to strengthen the hands of PM Modi helping us to pass the 400-mark. The people of Odisha will repose their trust in PM Modi this time, he said.

Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, starting from Phase one on May 13, Phase two on May 20, Phase three on May 25 and the final Phase on June 1.

The results will be announced on June 4.

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President Murmu Reaches Shimla For Five-Day Visit

by Hemanta Pande

Shimla, May 4: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday reached Shimla for a five-day visit. She was received by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu at Kalyani helipad in Charabra, near here, during her arrival.

President Droupadi Murmu reaches Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra, Shimla for the summer retreat. Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu received President Murmu on her arrival. pic.twitter.com/CKSAMnwAWM — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 4, 2024

The President will be staying at Rashtrapati Niwas in Charabra.

On May 6, she will attend the seventh convocation of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Dharamsala.

On May 7, she will witness a cultural programme at the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex here. Later, she will also be attending a dinner hosted by the Governor at Raj Bhawan. (IANS)

PM Modi To Visit Odisha Twice Before 1st Phase Poll; Tight Security Planned

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhubaneswar, May 4: To boost the 'possibility of the BJP being voted to power' in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to the State two times in the next seven days, ahead of the first phase of polls in the State on May 13.

According to the information, the Prime Minister will reach Bhubaneswar on Sunday evening and halt the night at Raj Bhawan. He would address massive rallies at Berhampur and Nawarangpur the next day.

Similarly, the Prime Minister will lead a massive roadshow in Bhubaneswar on May 10. He will address a large public meeting at Balangir on May 11.

"Prime Minister's planned visit to Odisha ahead of the first phase of polls in the State on 13 will boost the morale of the BJP workers and have a big influence on voters. The Modi wave will change Odisha's governance this election," said a political analyst.

It may be noted that, recently, in an interview, the Prime Minister stated that Odisha's self-identity, language, and culture were at risk. A BJP-led double-engine government will ensure this in this election.

Odisha will go to votes in four phases on May 13, 20, 25 and June 1.

Keeping in view the visit of Prime Minister, the State police have tightened the security arrangements for him in the city. There will be tight security from the airport to the Raj Bhawan during evening hours as the PM will reach the airport at around 9.30 pm. SPG, CISF, and State police will be deployed for this purpose.

There will be a three-tier security system at Raj Bhawan. The entire area will be declared a no-drone flying zone.

A carcade rehearsal will be conducted by security personnel this evening.

As many as three DCPs, 10 ACPs, 17 IICs, and 90 SI/ASIs will be keeping vigil. As many as 20 platoons of police force will be deployed. The traffic system in the city will be streamlined.