Jammu, July 16:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday presided over the valedictory ceremony of Summer School 2025 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, marking the culmination of a month-long national programme focused on cutting-edge technologies and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister hailed IIT Jammu as a “hub of talent” and emphasised the importance of providing young people—particularly from Jammu and Kashmir—with access to opportunities that allow them to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Such programmes must foster broad-based participation and empower students from J&K to turn ideas into action,” said Abdullah.
The Chief Minister announced that the J&K Government is actively exploring collaborative projects with IIT Jammu in key sectors, including water conservation, climate change resilience, industrial innovation, andbusiness incubation. He acknowledged that institutional credibility from IITs can enhance the viability of public projects.
“We are committed to fostering a robust venture funding framework to support innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said, welcoming IIT Jammu’s proposals on green transport solutions and tourism interventions. Abdullah also encouraged students from outside the region to explore Jammu and Kashmir and become its ambassadors.
Reflecting on recent events, he said, “The unfortunate incident earlier this year is behind us. Our focus is to hand over a stronger, more empowered Jammu and Kashmir to this generation. May future generations continue to carve opportunities out of challenges.”
The initiative, part of IIT Jammu’s innovation ecosystem, attracted over 1,000 students from more than 25 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and several northeastern states. Notably, 319 students—nearly one-third of the cohort—were from Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the region’s rising interest in technical education.
The programme offered structured training modules in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Full Stack Web Development, Internet of Things (IoT), Data Science, andAdditive Manufacturing. Each module consisted of over 40 hours of intensive instruction, including lectures, hands-on labs, industry exposure, and mentorship from faculty and alumni-led startups.
Advisor to the Chief Minister NasirAslamWani, also present at the function, described IIT Jammu as a “landmark institution” and stressed the need to integrate tourism and innovation.
“Tourism is our unique strength. We must build on it through innovation, infrastructure and skill development,” he said.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries including IIT Jammu Director Dr Manoj Gaur, Chairman of the Board of Governors Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chief Innovation Officer Prof M.T. Arvind, and faculty member Dr Navneet, alongside faculty, researchers, and participating students.
Indian Rlys sanctions final survey for new Jammu-Katra Rail line
IrfanYattoo
Srinagar, July 16: In a major infrastructure development aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating pilgrimage, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for a new railway line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Spanning a proposed length of 77.96 kilometres, the survey will be carried out at an estimated cost of ₹12.59 crore. Northern Railway will serve as the executing agency for the project, which is expected to pave the way for the future construction of this strategically significant rail corridor.
The new line is projected to substantially improve access to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations, while also enhancing overall transportation efficiency in the Jammu region.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, HimanshuShekharUpadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway this is a forward-looking initiative that reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to improving last-mile connectivity to key religious and tourist destinations.
“The proposed Jammu-Katra rail line will not only ease the travel experience for millions of pilgrims but also serve as a critical driver of economic activity and infrastructure development in the region,” he said.
Upadhyay added the Final Location Survey will assess technical feasibility, route alignment, and engineering challenges, laying the foundation for the next phase of planning and execution. This initiative is in line with the broader vision of creating a modern, inclusive, and high-capacity rail network across India, he said.
CPRO further said that initiative is designed not only to enhance pilgrimage, tourism but also to contribute to the economic growth and development of the Jammu region. Indian Railways’ committed to bolster infrastructure and improve accessibility to key destinations, he added.
