KD NEWS SERVICE

Delhi, Jan 24: Cadet Arpandeep Kour, hailing from village Gohan in Baramulla district and the daughter of Jaipal Singh, has brought immense pride to her family, village, and the entire region by being conferred with the prestigious Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister’s) Award for her courageous, dedicated, and exemplary service to the nation.

A cadet of the 3 Jammu & Kashmir NCC Battalion, Baramulla, and a student of Government Degree College, Baramulla, Cadet Arpandeep Kour is widely recognised as a highly disciplined, honest, and committed NCC cadet. Throughout her NCC journey, she has consistently displayed outstanding moral values, and unwavering dedication to national service.

With a strong objective of motivating school and college students to join the NCC and actively serve society, she has made sustained efforts towards youth empowerment and nation building. Her leadership qualities, sense of responsibility, and commitment have earned her deep respect among fellow cadets, instructors, and officers.

During the impact of Operation Sindoor in Kashmir, Cadet Arpandeep Kour played a vital role in relief and assistance operations across the Baramulla district. She rendered selfless service to the residents of border villages in North Kashmir, extending timely assistance and support with full dedication during challenging circumstances.

Through her actions, she has not only upheld the dignity and values of the National Cadet Corps but has further enhanced its prestige. Serving as an inspiration and role model for young cadets, her journey reflects courage, discipline, and service to humanity.

The conferment of the Raksha Mantri Award stands as a testament to her exemplary contribution, making Cadet Arpandeep Kour a true symbol of pride.

KD NEWS SERVICE

JAMMU, Jan 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded Cabinet Minister rank and status to Advisor to the Chief Minister, Shri Nasir Aslam Wani, along with formally notifying the terms and conditions of his appointment.

According to a Government Order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Shri Nasir Aslam Wani, who is serving as Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, shall enjoy the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister. The order, issued under Government Order No. 109-JK (GAD) of 2026, is dated January 24, 2026.

The government order has been issued in continuation of an earlier notification—Government Order No. 1783-JK (GAD) of 2024, dated October 16, 2024—which initially governed his appointment as Advisor to the Chief Minister. The latest order clearly outlines the service conditions, entitlements and facilities that will be available to him during his tenure.

As per the notification, Shri Nasir Aslam Wani will draw a consolidated monthly salary of ₹80,000 (Rupees eighty thousand only). The order further states that transport facilities will be provided to him by the Motor Garages Department, in line with the protocol applicable to senior functionaries of the government.

In terms of residential arrangements, the Estates Department will provide rent-free accommodation to the Advisor at both Jammu and Srinagar, enabling him to discharge his official responsibilities smoothly during the biannual Darbar Move and throughout the year.

The order also specifies that the feeding arrangements for the Advisor will be managed by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, underscoring his close working role within the Chief Minister’s office.

The government order has been issued by the General Administration Department with the approval of the competent authority and has been signed by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, GAD, M. Raju, IAS. The order has been issued “By Order of the Lieutenant Governor,” reflecting the formal administrative process followed in such high-level appointments.

Copies of the order have been circulated to all Financial Commissioners (Additional Chief Secretaries), the Director General of Police, all Principal Secretaries, the Chief Electoral Officer, senior officers in the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Home Affairs, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and heads of departments, among others, for information and necessary action.

The notification formalises Shri Nasir Aslam Wani’s position within the administrative hierarchy of Jammu and Kashmir and places him at par with Cabinet Ministers in terms of rank, protocol and official facilities, reinforcing his role in advising the Chief Minister on governance and policy matters.

“Our entire Kashmir package felt recovered in the train ride itself,” say tourists

“Earlier snowfall meant isolation; now rail connectivity is reviving winter tourism,” say stakeholders

TAUSEEF AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Jan 24: As fresh and intense snowfall crippled road and air connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, the Vande Bharat Express has emerged as a dependable lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted access to the region even amid harsh winter conditions. Unlike earlier years, when heavy snowfall often meant prolonged isolation, the Valley this winter has remained connected with the rest of the country through rail—offering rare relief to tourists, locals and stakeholders alike.

For the second consecutive day, the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway remained closed due to snow accumulation and icy conditions, while several flights were cancelled owing to poor visibility. In this scenario, the Vande Bharat Express stood out as the only reliable mode of transport, ferrying passengers safely and comfortably through snowbound landscapes.

Tourists arriving in Kashmir over the past two days described their journey aboard the Vande Bharat as an experience in itself—one that rivalled, and in some cases surpassed, the rest of their travel itinerary.

“Vande Bharat’s journey through Kashmir felt unreal. Everything was wrapped in white and the views were absolutely unforgettable,” said Ajay, a Bengaluru-based tourist, moments after reaching Srinagar.

Another tourist travelling to the Valley echoed similar sentiments, saying the train ride alone justified the entire trip. “Honestly, our whole Kashmir trip package felt recovered in the train journey itself. The comfort, speed and the scenic beauty outside the windows made the ride unforgettable. Even before reaching our hotel, we felt the trip was already worth it,” he said.

Passengers were particularly awestruck as the train crossed some of the world’s most remarkable railway engineering feats. “When the train crossed the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge standing 359 metres above the river—it was breathtaking,” said one tourist. “Snow-covered mountains, frozen streams, pine forests and silent villages passed right outside our windows. It felt like postcard scenes coming alive, and we couldn’t stop filming the entire ride.”

Rakesh Mehta, a tourist from Mumbai, told Kashmir Despatch that the experience was unlike anything he had witnessed before. “It felt like travelling through Switzerland, but this is our own Kashmir. From the window, everything looked magical—white mountains, deep valleys and snowfall following the train. Kashmir truly feels like heaven on earth,” he said.

Neha Sharma from Delhi said the journey itself became the highlight of her winter vacation. “We were worried because flights were uncertain and roads were closed, but the Vande Bharat made travel safe and comfortable. Watching snowfall while crossing high bridges and long tunnels was thrilling. The train ride alone is worth coming to Kashmir in winter,” she said.

Local tourism stakeholders say the impact of the all-weather rail connectivity is already visible. Altad Ahmad, a tourist guide in Gulmarg, said that winters—once considered an off-season due to frequent disruptions—are now witnessing renewed interest.

“Earlier, snowfall meant isolation. Highways would shut down and flights would get cancelled, leaving tourists stranded or forcing them to cancel their plans,” said a Srinagar-based hotelier. “Now, even during heavy snowfall, tourists can still reach the Valley. This has completely changed the winter tourism landscape.”

Railway authorities, meanwhile, have underlined that the Kashmir rail link has been specifically designed to operate under extreme weather conditions, making it a dependable option during harsh winters. Apart from passenger movement, the service also ensures the steady transportation of essential supplies when road and air routes fail.

Officials pointed out that the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat is distinctly different from the other 163 Vande Bharat trains running across the country. “This eight-coach train has been specially built to withstand sub-zero temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius,” an official said.

Tourists who had previously travelled to Kashmir by road highlighted the stark contrast. “Last year, I visited Kashmir in December by road from Jammu, and the journey was exhausting—it took nearly nine hours,” said a Delhi-based tourist. “This year, travelling by Vande Bharat, it took us just three hours, and the ride was extremely smooth. I would strongly recommend everyone to use this service—not just for the scenic beauty, but for the comfort and hassle-free journey it offers.”

It is pertinent to mention that the Vande Bharat train, inaugurated in June 2025, is equipped with advanced heating systems, fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, onboard catering facilities, bio-toilets and anti-seismic vibration technology. These features ensure passenger safety and comfort while navigating the challenging mountainous terrain of the Kashmir region.

As snowfall continues to paint the Valley white, the Vande Bharat Express is not just moving passengers—it is redefining winter travel to Kashmir, transforming what was once isolation into access, and turning a journey into a destination in itself.

Urges authorities to deploy adequate men and machinery to restore road connectivity on priority

January, 24:

CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, on Saturday urged the government to immediately assess the damage caused to residential houses due to strong winds across Kashmir and compensate families who have suffered losses.

Tarigami said that strong gusts of wind, followed by snowfall in many parts of the Valley, damaged rooftops, power infrastructure and other structures, causing hardship to people, particularly in rural and far off areas. He said a proper assessment of damage must be carried out on the ground so that affected households receive timely relief and compensation.

CPI(M) leader said that snowfall is a blessing and is important from a larger environmental and agricultural perspective. However, he said that the government must ensure that basic services and connectivity are restored promptly so that people do not suffer during harsh winter conditions.

The road connectivity to several villages has been affected due to snowfall, leaving many interior and remote areas cut off. He urged the authorities to deploy adequate men and machinery to clear roads on priority and reconnect villages at the earliest, especially in hilly and far-flung areas where residents face severe difficulties.

He said that electricity supply was affected initially due to strong winds and later disrupted further due to snowfall. He said restoration of power supply is essential during winter and urged the concerned departments to ensure that electricity is restored at the earliest in all affected areas.

The government must respond swiftly and sensitively to the problems faced by people during winter and ensure that relief, restoration of services and connectivity are treated as priority issues to ease public hardship.