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Culture and Heritage
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Republic Day 2024: Five Places to Revive Your Patriotism 

On 26th January, India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day. A glorious day to recall the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters. Why not take an interesting trip down the memory lane? Here’s a list of historic sites that will drown you in the well of patriotic fervour. India Gate India gate, originally known as All India War Memorial, commemorates the fortitude of soldiers martyred in World War I and Third Anglo-Afghan War. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, India Gate is a place you shouldn’t miss. It’s breathtaking to see India gate soaked in tricolour, republic parade and air blanketed with layers of patriotism. Delhi Red Fort Red Fort, an iconic fort located in the capital of India, is another historic site that will take you down the memory lane. The Fort, originally called Qila-i-Mubarak, was built during the Mughal reign of emperor Shah Jahan. This year’s ‘Bharat Parv’ conducted as a part of Republic day celebrations was launched by honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Red Fort. National War Memorial  National War Memorial, built to honour the soldiers who were martyred in India-china, India-pak, Kargil War and Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka. It stands out as a symbol of their bravery and fortitude. The Memorial has four concentric circles and an obelisk in the centre. Among these four circles, Tyag Chakra or Circle of Sacrifice contains around 25700 names of brave soldiers. Qutub Minar This 13th century monument is known for being the world’s tallest brick minaret (239 feet). The design, inscriptions, balconies and red sandstone structure are awe-striking to see. Qutub complex houses many other historic beauties like Iron pillar, tombs of Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji and Imam Zamin and Alai Darwaza gate. One interesting as well as concerning facts about Qutub Minar is “it’s slowly tilting”.  Lodhi Garden Lodhi garden, formally called Lady Wellington Park, situated in the capital city is a place brimming with breathtaking nature and intriguing architecture. The garden will take you back to the past with the marvellous tombs of Lodhi and Mughal rulers. Other artistic marvels are the statue of Lady Willingdon and Athpula Bridge. Lodhi Garden is a perfect place to explore on a special occasion like Republic Day. 

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News - Indian Railways Rail News
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Indian Railways Honors 100 Employees at 68th Railway Week

The Honourable Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, has formally bestowed the “Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar” (AVRSP) upon a hundred employees from different zones, divisions, production units, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) associated with the Indian Railways in recognition of their exemplary service. In addition, he awarded twenty-one Shields intended to foster the adoption of best practices among the staff of the Railways. The ceremony for the distribution of these Awards and Shields took place during the 68th Railway Week Central Function, which was held at Bharat Mandapam, located within Pragati Maidan in the capital city of New Delhi. The event was attended by the Chairperson & CEO, Members of the Railway Board, General Managers from various Zonal Railways, and the leaders of the Production Units and PSUs under the Railways. During the opening address, the Chair of the Railway Board, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, emphasised the recent advancements of Indian Railways. She highlighted the introduction of 34 additional Vande Bharat trains, aimed at enhancing passenger transport, and the redevelopment of 1309 stations as a part of the Amrit Bharat initiative, which promises to better the passenger experience and reduce travel times. Ms. Sinha addressed the topic of railway safety and noted the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as ‘Kavach’, to bolster overall safety measures, which are being executed rapidly and extensively. Looking ahead, Ms. Sinha outlined various innovative projects, including the ambitious goal of transporting 3000 million tonnes of freight, increasing speeds along the Golden Quadrilateral and Diagonals (GQGD) network, and connecting all previously unreachable regions, with a specific mention of the north-east and Jammu & Kashmir. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Sinha lauded the awardees for their exceptional dedication, asserting that their efforts are elevating the railways to unprecedented levels. She concluded by affirming the integral role of the railways in propelling India towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ or a developed nation. Upon presenting the awards, the Minister of Railways, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the attendees and praised the recipients for their outstanding contributions. He remarked on the rapid progress of reforms within the Railways, guided by the direction of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He highlighted that the past nine and a half years have witnessed more railway electrification than the previous four decades combined. He attributed this acceleration to the strategic 2015 integration of the railway budget with the general budget by the Prime Minister, which eliminated the interest/capital charge previously levied on railway grants and resolved financial barriers that had constrained the sector. He noted that what was once the Railways’ most significant hurdle—insufficient investment—has now been surmounted. The Union Minister asserted that the public’s anticipations regarding the railways are currently being satisfied. The Prime Minister frequently remarks that we are in the railways’ golden era, attributing this success to the workforce’s collective efforts. The dedication of the railway staff instils a sense of national pride, as they contribute significantly to the country. The enhancement of railway facilities is advancing at an unprecedented pace and magnitude. Numerous fresh initiatives are underway, contributing to the realisation of a strategic objective. Discussing the significant potential reductions in logistics expenses, Minister Shri Vaishnaw remarked, “Transportation via roadways incurs increased expenditure due to fuel costs. Based on current evaluations, there is an expectation of 3000 million tonnes of additional cargo becoming available. Should the railways succeed in capturing half of this cargo volume, it could lead to a conservative fuel saving of 16,000 crore litres. This would, in turn, translate into a financial saving of approximately Rs. 1,28,000 crore, representing a substantial economic benefit and cost-efficiency for the country.” Speaking about the country’s economic expansion, the Union Minister emphasised that in 2014, India held the 10th position among worldwide economies, identical to its standing in 2004, indicating a stagnant period. Presently, India has advanced to the 5th position. Looking ahead, the Minister expressed confidence that under the guidance and foresightedness of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is poised to reach the 3rd spot in the foreseeable future. Southern Railway: Shields & Awards Southern Railway has been acknowledged as the recipient of the overall Commercial Efficiency Shield. Additionally, it shares the distinction of being awarded the overall Safety Shield in conjunction with East Coast Railway and North East Frontier Railway. Mr. R.N. Singh, the General Manager, along with Ms. Neenu Ittyerah, the Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Southern Railway, was honoured with the Commercial Efficiency Shield presented by the Honourable Minister of Railways. The award ceremony was attended by Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, who serves as the Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board. Moreover, the General Manager also accepted the Safety Efficiency Shield, this time accompanied by Mr. Somesh Kumar, the Principal Chief Safety Officer of Southern Railway. The following individuals were formally recognized for their exceptional service and honored with awards by the Honourable Minister: The recipients expressed their gratitude and a sense of honour for receiving the railway’s most prestigious acknowledgment for its employees. Text: B. Guganesan, Chief Public Relations Officer, Southern Railways

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News - Indian Railways Rail News
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Southern Railway Shines: 9 Heroes Earn Top Awards, Station Efficiency Soars (2024)

Nine Southern Railway personnel, comprising two officers and seven staff members, have been selected for the esteemed Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar for the year 2023. This award represents the most distinguished accolade for individuals working in the railway sector. The recipients of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar are set to receive their honours in a ceremony presided over by the Railway Minister on December 15, 2023, in New Delhi. The event coincides with the celebration of the 68th Railway Week Central Function. Additionally, Southern Railway has been recognized for exceptional Commercial efficiency, earning the overall Commercial efficiency shield. It has also achieved distinction in Safety, sharing the overall Safety shield with East Coast Railway and North East Frontier Railway. The esteemed Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, serving as the Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, is scheduled to confer the awards upon the recipients. This prestigious ceremony will also witness the presence of Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and Smt Darshana Jardosh, the Honourable Ministers of State for Railways, who will be joining in to present the awards. The list of Southern Railway officials selected for 68th Railway Week Ati vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2023 are: Sr. No Name Designation 1. Shri. K. Veera Perumal Track Maintainer GR II 2. Shri. M.K. Sudheesh Kumar  Loco Pilot 3. Shri. T. Selva Kumar Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector 4. Shri. Deshidi Madhusudhan Reddy RPF Inspector 5. Shri. A Selvaraja Sr. Section Engineer 6. Smt. Durgadevi Vijayakumar Chief Nursing Superintendent 7. Shri. E. Hari Krishnan Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager 8. Shri. S. Mayileri  Sr. Divisional Engineer 9. Shri. S. Mariappan Asst. Signal & Telecommunication Engineer KNOW THE TEAM ACHIEVING THIS REMARKABLE FEAT:  COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH THE MAN: Shri. E. Hari Krishnan: Mr. E. Hari Krishnan was instrumental in the inception of the first Bharat Gaurav Train, launched on June 14, 2022. He proactively interacted with key participants and conducted effective promotional activities. As a result of these actions, the Salem Division and the Southern Railway emerged as frontrunners in the Railway Board’s campaign to integrate private sector investment into the rail industry. The initial Bharat Gaurav Train culminated in a revenue of INR 4.30 crore from six journeys over a period from June to December 2023. Due to Mr. Krishnan’s dedicated efforts, three additional firms have enrolled in the Bharat Gaurav Train scheme via the Southern Railway’s designated portal.  The awards and accolades of course would not be possible without the vital contribution of the following employees: Shri. K. Veera Perumal, Track Maintainer GR II, Manamadurai: While conducting his patrol duties in Manamadurai, he identified a track weld defect and promptly took action to halt the incoming Train No. 16851, known as the Boat Mail Express, by signaling the locomotive engineers with a red hand sign. His commitment to his responsibilities, awareness of safety measures, and quick thinking were crucial in protecting the lives of numerous passengers and preventing a potentially significant accident. Shri. M.K. Sudheesh Kumar, Loco Pilot, Erode: On October 26, 2022, during the operation of Train No.22837, Hatia – Ernakulam Jn AC Express, an incident occurred wherein an elephant was detected stationary on the railway tracks within the Walayar-Kanjikode sector. The train operator executed an immediate application of the emergency braking system. This timely intervention not only conserved the life of the endangered elephant but also prevented a potential derailment situation. Shri. T. Selva Kumar, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, Southern Railway: His diligent and outstanding efforts have successfully uncovered instances of counterfeit Aadhar card usage to facilitate ‘Ticket Transfers’ and exploit the Senior Citizen quota for securing lower berth allocations on trains. In the fiscal year 2022-23, he imposed penalties on 13,281 cases, resulting in the accumulation of fines totalling INR 91.92 lakh from those who violated the regulations. Shri. Deshidi Madhusudhan Reddy, Dy. Chief Ticket Inspector, SRHQ: He demonstrated his capability by solving significant offences stipulated under the Railways Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). His accomplishments include the resolution of 57 cases related to the Railways Act and the apprehension of 117 individuals. Additionally, he succeeded in reclaiming Railway assets valued at INR 8.7 lakhs, which encompassed 162 metres of copper wire estimated at INR 2.08 crores. Moreover, he intercepted 10.7 kilograms of illicitly trafficked gold, valued at INR 5.02 crores, leading to the arrest of 7 suspects. He also confiscated 46,390 packets of foreign cigarettes, worth INR 92.78 lakhs, and 189 kilograms of cannabis, valued at INR 38.74 lakhs, culminating in the detention of 15 individuals. Beyond these, he seized unreported cash amounting to INR 1.10 crores and detained 6 persons, in addition to impounding 112 kilograms of tobacco products. Shri. A. Selvaraja, Sr. Section Engineer, Avadi EMU Car Shed: He provided an exemplary service by proficiently finalising the transformation of the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) 3-phase motor coaches, numbered 188438 and 188439, into steam heritage locomotives, while incorporating modern, advanced features. Smt. Durgadevi Vijayakumar, Chief Nursing Superintendent, Perambur Railway Hospital: For over two decades, specifically 26 years, she has rendered unwavering service in the Intensive Care Unit, providing substantial aid to both Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists. Additionally, her readiness to offer support during emergencies around the clock is noteworthy. Her dedication to treating heart patients has enabled countless individuals to return home in good spirits. Her performance during the COVID-19 pandemic was notably commendable. Shri S. Mayileri, Sr. Divisional Engineer: He played a significant role in overseeing the timely execution of the Through Turnout renewal, which facilitated the enhancement of the Arakkonam-Renigunta Section’s sectional speed from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. Numerous track upgrades have been implemented in the Arakkonam-Jolarpettai Section to raise the sectional speed from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. Under his guidance, urgent repair operations on Bridge No. 299, an arch bridge, were expedited. Shri. S. Mariappan, Asst. Signal & Telecommunication Engineer: His contributions were outstanding in ensuring the work was completed on schedule, with an emphasis on enhancing reliability and operational efficiency. Notable accomplishments include the installation,

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Destination Travel
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Reasons why you NEED to visit the HIGHEST bridge in Asia!

Spiti Valley – One of the unknown and hidden gems of India. Living up to the standards and exceeding the expectations of its visitors and tourists, the Spiti Valley is nothing short of an astounding spectacle that makes you question reality and your own eyes. This enchanting and bewitching spot has become the go-to spot for all the nature lovers who seek to get away from the tiring and polluted everyday urban life. One such wonder in the Spiti Valley is not a part of nature’s construct, rather, an extreme effort and build of man. The Chicham Bridge in Spiti Valley currently holds the record for being THE highest bridge ever to be constructed in Asia, towering the ridges and the cloudy hills at a height of 13,596 feet! This colossal construction connects the villages of Chicham and Kibber, and is surrounded by eye-soothing the Chandratal Lake, the mountainous villages Kaza, Komic, Langza, Dhankar, Tabo and Nako which are the cherry on the top! The Chicham bridge looks over a whopping 1,000 feet drop into the Samba Lamba Nallah gorge, making it one of THE scariest and yet a uniquely picturesque location for all the travel buffs and nature romantics. Do visit the highest bridge in Asia with your gang and loved ones and make your Instagram and Social Media handles sparkle with the overflowing aesthetic views of nature.

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The Golden Chariot yourplatform
Destination Travel
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Luxury on wheels

As we all know, Indian Railways is the world’s 4th largest railway network, owns 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world’s longest platform and has a 169-year-old heritage and pride for our nation. To encourage tourism, the Ministry of Railways also sends luxury trains to different places all over the country. Luxury trains in India The Golden Chariot Palace on wheels Royal Rajasthan on wheels Maharaja Express The Deccan Odyssey The Royal Orient Fairy Queen The Mahaparinirvan Express The Golden Chariot is the pride of Southern Railways. The Golden Chariot – The Golden Chariot is the best luxury train in South India, launched in 2008. It is known for its exemplary hospitality and splendid interiors. It is also equipped with multi-cuisine restaurants, a gym, a spa, and many more facilities. The Golden Chariot was awarded as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in 2013. The Golden Chariot is an effort to draw connections between some of the significant places that have formed South India’s history over many centuries. The locations along the Golden Chariot path have been selected to highlight the history, culture, and architecture of the Southern region. With their patronage of the arts and crafts, these dynasties have left a lasting impression on the landscape via elaborately carved temples and other monuments that depict the illustrious history of the nation. The Train: The Golden Chariot train’s guest carriages have the names of the dynasties who governed south India for numerous centuries. There is a mixture of twin and double cabins in each of the four guest carriages. Thirteen double-bed cabins, thirty twin-bed cabins, and one special cabin for the specially abled make up the guest accommodations. The two eateries, Ruchi and Nalapaka, provide a variety of delicious Indian dishes along with cuisines from across the globe. The bar Madira offers only the best wines, beers, and spirits. Traditional Ayurvedic spa treatments are combined with cutting-edge exercise equipment at Arogya the Spa and Fitness Center. Jewel of South, Pride of Karnataka, and Glimpse of Karnataka are the available packages for 6 nights and 7 days or lesser. Ranging from USD 3900 to USD 5250 for foreigners and INR 1,80,000 to INR 4,20,000 for Indians.

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