Vinod Bhat
Delhi, Jan 23:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and flagged off various developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that the Union Government’s efforts for Kerala’s development have gained new momentum today. He highlighted that rail connectivity in Kerala has been further strengthened and initiatives have been undertaken to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major startup hub. The Prime Minister stated that from Kerala, a significant nationwide initiative for poor welfare has also begun with the launch of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. Shri Modi emphasized that this will benefit street vendors, hawkers, and those working on footpaths across the country. He extended his congratulations to the people of Kerala and citizens across the nation for these development and employment-generating initiatives.

Emphasising that the entire nation is united today in its efforts to build a developed India, Shri Modi highlighted that cities have a crucial role in this mission and emphasized that over the past 11 years, the Union Government has made substantial investments in urban infrastructure. PM underlined that Union Government has also undertaken extensive work for poor families living in cities. He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 4 crore houses have been constructed and provided to the poor across the country, including over 1 crore permanent houses for urban poor. The Prime Minister noted that in Kerala alone, nearly 1.25 lakh urban poor families have received their permanent homes.

Prime Minister highlighted that to reduce electricity expenses for poor families, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched. He remarked that under Ayushman Bharat, poor citizens are receiving free health treatment worth ₹5 lakh, and schemes like the Matru Vandana Yojana have been introduced to ensure the health security of women. Shri Modi emphasized that the Union Government has also exempted income up to ₹12 lakh from tax, which has greatly benefited the middle class and salaried people of Kerala as well.

Shri Modi noted that in the past 11 years, a massive effort has been made to connect crores of citizens to the banking system. The Prime Minister stated that now the poor, SC, ST, OBC communities, women, and fishermen are able to access bank loans easily, with the Union Government itself acting as their guarantor when they lack collateral.

PM further remarked that the condition of street vendors, who earlier struggled to borrow even a few hundred rupees at high interest rates, has been transformed through the PM SVANidhi Scheme. Shri Modi underlined that for the first time, lakhs of street vendors across the country have received loans from banks, bringing them significant support and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the Government of India has taken a step further by providing credit cards to street vendors. He highlighted that PM SVANidhi Credit Cards have just been distributed here, including to 10,000 beneficiaries in Kerala and more than 600 in Thiruvananthapuram. The Prime Minister noted that earlier only the wealthy had access to credit cards, but now street vendors too possess the SVANidhi Credit Card.

Shri Modi emphasized that the Union Government is making significant investments in connectivity, science and innovation, and healthcare. He pointed out the inauguration of the CSIR Innovation Hub in Kerala and the launch of a Radio Surgery Centre at the Medical College, which will help establish Kerala as a hub of science, innovation, and healthcare.

The Prime Minister further remarked that Kerala’s rail connectivity has been strengthened with the flagging off of Amrit Bharat Express trains, which will enhance ease of travel and benefit the tourism sector. He added that the new passenger train between Guruvayur and Thrissur will make journeys easier for pilgrims. Shri Modi underlined that all these projects will accelerate Kerala’s development and concluded by stating that a developed Kerala is essential for realizing the dream of a developed India, with the Union Government standing firmly alongside the people of Kerala. He extended his best wishes to all once again.

Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ministers, Shri V Somanna, Shri George Kurian, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, Shri V V Rajesh were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

The projects span key sectors including rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, citizen-centric services, and advanced healthcare, reflecting Prime Minister’s continued focus on inclusive growth, technological advancement and improved quality of life for citizens.

In a major boost to rail connectivity, Prime Minister flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. The introduction of these services will significantly enhance long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, making travel more affordable, safe and time-bound for passengers. The improved connectivity will provide a strong impetus to tourism, trade, education, employment and cultural exchange across the region.

As part of efforts to strengthen urban livelihood, Prime Minister launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will provide instant liquidity, promote digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build formal credit histories. Prime Minister also disbursed PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from Kerala. Since its inception in 2020, PM SVANidhi scheme has enabled first-time access to formal credit for a large majority of beneficiaries and has played a critical role in poverty alleviation and livelihood security among urban informal workers.

In the field of science and innovation, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub will focus on life sciences and the bio-economy, integrate traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen, and promote startup creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. It will serve as a platform for converting research into market-ready solutions and enterprises.

Strengthening healthcare infrastructure will be another key focus of the visit. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. The facility will provide highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, enhancing regional tertiary healthcare capabilities.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram. This modern, technology-enabled facility will offer a comprehensive range of postal, banking, insurance and digital services, further strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.

TAUSEEF AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Jan 23: With Republic Day fast approaching, security agencies across Kashmir have put in place an extensive, multi-layered security apparatus to ensure that the national celebrations pass off peacefully and without any untoward incident. Senior police officials said that heightened vigilance, intensified patrolling and strengthened surveillance mechanisms have been activated across the Valley, particularly in Srinagar and other sensitive districts.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, on Friday said that a robust and well-coordinated security grid has been established across the Valley, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police working in close synergy with various paramilitary forces. The arrangements, he said, are aimed at maintaining law and order and safeguarding public gatherings during the Republic Day functions.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage at the Balidan Stambh in Srinagar, IGP Birdi said that elaborate security measures have been rolled out well in advance of January 26. “We have put in place multi-layered security arrangements across Srinagar and the entire Valley to ensure that Republic Day celebrations are conducted peacefully and smoothly,” he said.

The IGP said that security forces have significantly enhanced patrolling, frisking and checking operations, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas. Area domination exercises are being carried out on a regular basis, while additional checkpoints and mobile vehicle checking points have been established at key locations in Srinagar and other district headquarters to deter any possible threats.

Providing details about the main Republic Day event, IGP Birdi said that after the traditional tribute to the martyrs at the Balidan Stambh, the central function will be held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. “Police personnel, students and members of the general public will participate in the parade. The chief guests will receive the salute during the ceremonial proceedings,” he added.

Meanwhile, security has also been tightened along the Line of Control (LoC). Earlier, DIG Border Security Force (BSF), Bandipora, told Kashmir Despatch that surveillance along the LoC has been further strengthened in view of intelligence inputs indicating possible infiltration attempts. He said that additional measures have been taken to thwart any such attempts and prevent any disruption during the Republic Day celebrations.

Officials said that personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces have been deployed in a coordinated manner across the Valley. Special emphasis has been laid on crowd management, traffic regulation and securing Republic Day venues, particularly the Bakshi Stadium and surrounding areas.

The authorities have also appealed to the public to cooperate with security forces during checking and movement restrictions, stressing that the measures are purely preventive and aimed at ensuring a safe and peaceful Republic Day for all.

SRINAGAR, Jan 23: Power supply across large parts of the Kashmir Valley was severely disrupted late Wednesday night following heavy snowfall, incessant rainfall and high-speed windstorms, officials of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said.

Officials from KPDCL told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the extreme weather conditions caused an unprecedented drop in power demand, with the system load plunging to 93 MW around 10 pm, compared to the normal average load of approximately 1,650 MW. The power network remained live until late night, when widespread faults occurred due to damage to 33 kV and 11 kV feeders caused by gusty winds and falling debris.

Officials said rooftops of several houses were blown off and fell onto power lines, further complicating restoration efforts. At the sub-transmission level, 103 out of 135 (around 76%) 33 kV lines were rendered faulty, while at the distribution level, 1,275 of 1,302 11 kV feeders were down by Thursday morning .

Following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), restoration work began in the early hours and was closely monitored at all levels, including by the Managing Director, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers. By 4:30 pm, nearly 75 percent of the network had been restored, and a load of 900 MW was recorded at the State Load Dispatch Centre, with priority given to essential and vital installations.

The worst-affected districts include Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla, and Budgam, where snowfall measuring up to 4.5 feet in higher reaches has hampered vehicular movement and delayed restoration work.

KPDCL further informed that damage to a transmission tower at Sheeri on the 132 kV Delina–LJHP transmission line has posed additional challenges. The Jammu and Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL) is working to restore the line by erecting an Emergency Restoration System (ERS).

Reaffirming its commitment, KPDCL told Kashmir Dot Com that men and machinery have been mobilized on a war footing and efforts are underway to restore power supply to all affected areas by dusk. (KDC)

Srinagar, Jan 23: A tourist woman was declared brought dead after being rushed to a private Hospital in Khayam from a hotel in Srinagar on Friday, officials said.

The woman has been identified as Jyoti, wife of Sailesh, a resident of Gujarat, aged about 53 years. Officials said she was brought to the hospital from a hotel in the Rajbagh area for a medical check-up after her health reportedly deteriorated.

Doctors at the Hospital examined the woman on arrival and declared her brought dead. The exact cause of death was not immediately known.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated necessary medico-legal formalities as per procedure. (CNS)

Srinagar, Jan 23: Rail services on the Banihal–Baramulla section were disrupted on Friday as authorities cancelled key passenger trains due to heavy snowfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

According to an official communication issued early Friday morning, Train No. 74613, operating from Budgam to Banihal, and Train No. 74614, running from Banihal to Budgam, were cancelled owing to adverse weather conditions and heavy snow accumulation along the railway track. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety amid continuing snowfall.

Railway officials said snow accumulation on tracks and reduced visibility made train operations unsafe, prompting the suspension of services for the day. The cancellation affected daily commuters who rely heavily on the Banihal–Baramulla rail link for travel between south, central and north Kashmir.

The rail disruption comes amid a broader spell of severe weather that has impacted road and air connectivity in the region. Several major roads, including the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, were also closed earlier due to snowfall, while strong winds since Thursday evening caused widespread damage to property, power lines and infrastructure across many localities.

Officials from the Indian Railways said train services would remain suspended until weather conditions improve and tracks are cleared and declared safe for operations. Passengers have been advised to check the latest updates through official railway channels before planning travel.

1. Authorities have urged inhabitants to remain cautious during the ongoing winter spell, as further disruptions to transport services cannot be ruled out if snowfall continues. [KNT]

Kulgam, Jan 22: A 16-year-old girl sustained critical injuries after a large branch of a walnut tree fell on her amid a strong windstorm in Kund area of Kulgam district on Thursday.

The injured girl has been identified as Renu Jan (16), daughter of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chittergam, Kund. At the time of the incident, she was reportedly present at her relative’s house in Oriel Kund when sudden gusty winds caused a branch of a walnut tree to snap and fall on her, leaving her seriously injured.

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Locals immediately rushed to her rescue and shifted her to the Emergency Hospital Qazigund for initial treatment. However, considering the critical nature of her injuries, doctors referred her to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for advanced medical care.- KNC

Majority of 33KV, 11KV feeders down; Kashmir draws only 300 MWs power against 1900 MWs

Srinagar, Jan 22: Gusty winds across Kashmir valley on Thursday late evening disrupted power supply in more than 80 percent areas of the region.

An official informed that the power supply was affected in more than 80 percent of the valley due to gusty winds.

The official also said that due to the gusty winds, the department was supplying nearly 300 Megawatts of power against the 1900 MWs.

The official said that the restoration work will begin soon. “We will restore the electricity at earliest. As of now, we have received faults on many 33KV and 11 KV lines. Besides, as a safety measure, we have tripped-down feeders in many areas.”

“However, electricity is being supplied to the essential departments,” he said.

An official said that the 33KV Shadimarg line was down due to the damage of rooftop

It also said that 33KV line was off from Grid station Lassipora and all 33 KV lines were under fault from grid station Shopian.

The official further informed that the 33KV lines were down of Narkara, Rajbagh, Rakhi Arth, Bemina-I/II, Karanagar, Bemina JVC line, Wanganpora and Bemina grids, HMT, and Safakadal lines.

It also said that all 33KV line’s fed from Badampora, Kangan, Potshahi, Nihalpora and Alastang Grid stations were off due general tripping in 220 KVA line.

The official further said that all feeders were off in Shopian. “All 33kv lines emanating from Awantipora grid are under fault. In Gulmarg, 33 KV was tripped off in Nihalpora-Gulmarg line as heavy winds are blowing in Tangmarg and surrounding areas.”

“Sangam tripped on earth fault, 132 kV line went off from MB grid, Dooru line off due to 132kv outage. All 11KV feeders in respect of SSD TANGMARG are either under fault or are off due to non-availability of the 33KV line,” the official said.

It also said that all 33KV lines pertaining to STD Bijbehara are down due to faults or grid outages and in respect of ED Bandipora, all 33kv lines are off.

“Due to outages of 33KV lines, all 11kv feeders are off pertains to circle -Ganderbal,” the official said.—(KNO)