News for 'katra'

Vande Bharat Express Cuts Through Snow

Vande Bharat Express Cuts Through Snow

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Experience the breathtaking journey of the Vande Bharat Express as it glides through snow-covered landscapes from Katra to Srinagar. Captured in stunning visuals, the train passes through Banihal in Ramban district amid fresh snowfall, highlighting the beauty of Kashmir in winter. Despite challenging weather, this high-speed rail service operates seamlessly, reflecting India's advanced railway infrastructure that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

Tourist boom in J-K post-2019, over 7.8 cr visitors in 3 yrs: Govt

Tourist boom in J-K post-2019, over 7.8 cr visitors in 3 yrs: Govt

Rediff.com4 days ago

Overall, the official data shows that over 7.85 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir from 2023 to 2025, while over 4.76 crore tourists visited the Union Territory during 2016-18.

Vaishno Devi shrine's security enhanced after Delhi blast

Vaishno Devi shrine's security enhanced after Delhi blast

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Following the Delhi blast, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has increased security measures, including deploying additional personnel and expediting verification processes.

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

'Kashmir needs to be divided and we need the land of Panun Kashmir in Kashmir.'

Historic! Sheetal Devi Shatters Another Ceiling in Indian Archery

Historic! Sheetal Devi Shatters Another Ceiling in Indian Archery

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Qualifies for India's able-bodied archery team for Asia Cup

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Registration for the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage has resumed after a brief suspension due to inclement weather. Devotees express their happiness as the yatra progresses smoothly.

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Baan Ganga entry point wears a deserted look after the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board orders suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra from October 5 to 7 due to the IMD's inclement weather advisory for Katra.

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the fourth day following a landslide that claimed 34 lives. Pilgrims express concerns about safety, while local associations offer support.

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.

'Jo maanga tha, woh mil gaya'

'Jo maanga tha, woh mil gaya'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first female armless world champion in para archery Sheetal Devi makes history again with a spot in the Indian able-bodied junior team for the upcoming Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah.

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Relentless heavy rain led to a landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 14, officials said.

Massive landslide on Vaishno Devi route, 1 dead

Massive landslide on Vaishno Devi route, 1 dead

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

A massive landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, leaving one pilgrim dead and 10 others injured, officials said.

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Amid chants of 'Jai Mata Di', the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills resumed in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Wednesday, after a suspension of 22 days due to a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and injured 20, officials said.

What Makes J&K's Vande Bharat One Of A Kind

What Makes J&K's Vande Bharat One Of A Kind

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

The new Vande Bharat train is custom-built for Himalayan winter conditions, includes heated windscreens, thermally insulated lavatories, and advanced sub-zero heating systems.

11 dead as cloudburst, landslide hit J-K's Reasi, Ramban

11 dead as cloudburst, landslide hit J-K's Reasi, Ramban

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The officials identified the deceased as Ashwani Sharma (24), his brother Dwarka Nath (55), niece Virta Devi (26) and their guest Om Raj (38), a resident of Banshara in Rajgarh. The rescuers are searching for Sharma's sister-in-law, Bidya Devi (55).

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide has gone up to 32, officials said on Wednesday, a day after disaster struck the route on the hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

A devastating flashflood in the Kheer Ganga river on August 5 demolished nearly half of Dharali -- the key stopover en route to Gangotri with many hotels and homestays, and neighbouring Harsil, where an Army camp bore the brunt of the flood fury, barely giving time to the victims to run to safety.

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Modi will start his visit on June 6 by dedicating to public the Chenab rail bridge, which is a key part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will provide direct train connectivity to the valley.

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Heavy rainfall across North India leads to fatalities, structural damage, travel disruptions, and school closures. Eastern states brace for more rain.

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

After record rains wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two days, the death toll in related incidents rose to 41, most of them victims of the landslide on a Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, while there was some let-up in the showers on Wednesday, allowing relief efforts to pick up pace.

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and flooding have caused widespread disruption in northern India, with states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir facing landslides, road closures, and displacement. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the deluge.

India braces for wet September; IMD warns of flash floods, landslides

India braces for wet September; IMD warns of flash floods, landslides

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall for India in September, following a monsoon season marked by heavy downpours and related disasters in various regions. The forecast indicates normal to above-normal rainfall for most areas, with some exceptions in the northeast, east, extreme south peninsular India, and parts of northwest India.

Hope my demotion won't last long: Omar's banter with Modi

Hope my demotion won't last long: Omar's banter with Modi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Mixing humour with political resolve, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday used the flagging-off ceremony of the first train to Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Katra to subtly but clearly articulate his government's demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Katra town and Srinagar city, reducing travel time between the two places by two to three hours and ensuring all-weather surface connectivity with the Kashmir valley.

Tight Security For PM's Visit To Jammu

Tight Security For PM's Visit To Jammu

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 19 visit to Jammu and Kashmir, security has been significantly tightened across the region, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar highway and key infrastructure sites.

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Rediff.com30 May 2025

As we continue our climb, I meet 59-year-old Pushpa Devi from Banaras. I stare at her in wonderment when she tells me this is her 45th visit to the temple. She is equally bewildered to hear this is my first visit!What is it that draws her here each year? 'Bas ek shabd hai. Shraddha. (There is just one word. Faith.)'

Modi inaugurates world's highest railway bridge in J-K

Modi inaugurates world's highest railway bridge in J-K

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

After the Chenab bridge, Modi also inaugurated India's first cable-stayed rail bridge over the river Anji. The prime minister then walked on the Chenab rail bridge holding the tricolour.

The Vande Bharat Train Across The Himalayas

The Vande Bharat Train Across The Himalayas

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The train is specially equipped for extreme weather, capable of functioning in temperatures as low as minus 20°C, and include features like heated windshields, insulated toilets, and seismic dampers for safety.

'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' no longer a slogan but reality: J-K LG

'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' no longer a slogan but reality: J-K LG

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Sinha said the inauguration of the Kashmir rail service has connected the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and will pave the way for the economic prosperity of the region.

Be Prepared For Another War!

Be Prepared For Another War!

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India needs to be technologically and militarily prepared to defend itself from both Pakistan and China, alerts Ramesh Menon.

Salute The Indian Railways For This Marvel!

Salute The Indian Railways For This Marvel!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge on June 6 marks a historic milestone in India's infrastructure journey, completing the decades-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line project.

Whenever Pak hears name Op Sindoor...: Modi in J-K

Whenever Pak hears name Op Sindoor...: Modi in J-K

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

"Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of poor's bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked 'insaniyat' and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam.

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah surprised devotees in Katra by singing a 'bhajan' dedicated to Mata Shera Wali. He also voiced support for the ongoing protest against the ropeway construction in Katra, criticizing the authorities for not considering the city's interests. Abdullah emphasized that the people have the power to make or break governments and that the authorities are now reaching out to them to discuss the ropeway's location. He added that the core teachings of all religions are the same, and it is often people who misuse religion for their own selfish purposes.

Maha Kumbh's High-Tech Kitchen

Maha Kumbh's High-Tech Kitchen

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

To accommodate the huge number of devotees, a high-tech kitchen has been established at Baba Satyapal Maharaj's pandal, ensuring seamless food preparation and distribution.

Before Pahalgam massacre, intel warned of attack on tourists in Srinagar

Before Pahalgam massacre, intel warned of attack on tourists in Srinagar

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Days before the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, intelligence agencies had flagged the potential targeting of tourists especially those staying in hotels on the outskirts of Srinagar in the foothills of the Zabarwan range, officials in the know said Saturday.

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Political parties, cutting across affiliations and ideologies, Friday welcomed the Kashmir rail link inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for a boost in trade and tourism in the valley.

'I must've done something good in life to survive the attack'

'I must've done something good in life to survive the attack'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Neha Waghulade, a casual announcer with the All India Radio (AIR) in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, survived a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. Waghulade was with a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadows when the attack took place on Tuesday afternoon. She described the chaos and panic as tourists were gunned down and the quick response of the Indian Army in evacuating survivors to safety.

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, and seven others were booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The FIR was registered for violating the law and hurting religious sentiments. The hotel reportedly prohibits alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to its proximity to the shrine.

Vande Bharat completes trial run in JK, reaches Srinagar

Vande Bharat completes trial run in JK, reaches Srinagar

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The train, on its maiden trial run, arrived at Srinagar station in the Nowgam area on Srinagar's outskirts from Katra in Jammu.