Page 35 - Seniors Today - December 2024
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by the third week of December the severe bridge is 359 m above the river and 35 m.
winter sets in for about 70 days. It is known taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is equipped
as Chilla Kalan, Chilla Kurd and Chilla with sensors that monitor wind velocity,
Baccha depending on the extent of the cold. temperature, humidity and vibrations. This
On the coldest of days, the sun can hardly Bridge across Chenab River is testimony to
be seen for a couple of hours. On such days I “Make in India.” This marvel of a bridge is
remember in my childhood, my father would part of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla
park our Ambassador car in the sun and we rail link. The journey passing over many
would all pack ourselves in the closed car bridges and tunnels will provide passengers
to enjoy a warm and cozy afternoon. In the with breathtaking views and experience of a
mornings we were fascinated looking at the lifetime.
long icicles outside. Oranges and tomatoes
would freeze and had to be kept in the sun
for a while (or dunked into boiling hot water)
before they could be eaten!
In recent times tourists feel safe to travel to
the valley. While the overall infrastructure
has improved. The new Jawahar Tunnel has
smoothened road transportation throughout A recent statement by the Chief of Army
the winter which used to be blocked often Staff Gen Upendra Trivedi, who while
due to heavy snowfall and landslides. Rail speaking at a lecture in Pune announced
services have been extended by up to a that the Army will now be giving permits
total of 272 km right through the valley, to tourists to visit the heights of Siachen
connecting the North and South Kashmir. Glacier, Kargil and the Galwan Valley. He
It is of advantage to the tourists as well as called it - From Terrorism to Tourism. This
locals. has given increased impetus to adventurous
With affordable tickets the Vande Bharat tourists!
sleeper train starting soon will be running If you are flying into the valley you will
on the world’s highest rail bridge. The cross and see the magnificent snow covered
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #66 | DECEMBER 2024 35
