JAMMU: Northern Railway has implemented a special ‘Mega Block’ to restore normal train speeds at Bridge No. 163 on the Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan–Chak Rakhwal (MCTM–CRWL) rail section in the Jammu Division.The bridge had suffered damage last year due to heavy rainfall and flash floods, following which a temporary speed restriction of 20 km/h was imposed to ensure passenger safety. The Mega Block was carried out to remove this restriction and streamline train operations.

During the block, multiple infrastructure and maintenance works were undertaken, including traffic and overhead equipment (OHE) operations on the Jammu–Katra section, Foot Over Bridge construction at Bajalta, ballast cleaning, track renewal (TRR), de-stressing of tracks, and maintenance using advanced machinery at the Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Yard.

The completion of these works is expected to increase train speeds, improve operational safety, and strengthen railway infrastructure on the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section.Under the guidance of Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, special arrangements were made for passenger convenience. Travelers from affected trains, including Jabalpur–SVDK Express, Malwa Express, and Hapa–SVDK Sarvodaya Express, were facilitated and transported to Katra.

Passengers were informed through alert messages, guided at stations, and assisted by deployed RPF and ticket-checking staff. Additional deployment of GRP and RPF personnel ensured smooth crowd management at stations, while special buses operated from MCTM station to Katra.Help desks and dedicated refund counters were also set up to assist passengers and ensure a hassle-free travel experience. The initiative reflects Northern Railway’s continued commitment to passenger safety, infrastructure development, and service excellence.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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