8INDIAREVIEWFEBRUARY, 2026CENTRE ALLOCATES RS 1,086 CRORE FOR J&K RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE: VAISHNAWUnion Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced recently that the Centre has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir in the rail budget, with ongoing efforts to strengthen rail connectivity especially in remote areas of the region.Vaishnaw stated, "The Union Railway Ministry has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir, Rs 2,911 crore to Himachal Pradesh, and Rs 5,673 crore to Punjab in the rail budget. This reflects the government's strong commitment to strengthening rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region".He highlighted the Vande Bharat train as a crucial transportation system that enables both regional travel and public service delivery during times when road access between cities is restricted because of winter conditions. He also explained that the semi-high-speed express trains have established a new regional identity because they showcase the culinary traditions of local areas."In the Vande Bharat train operating from Jammu, Dogri cuisine is served, while Kashmiri cuisine is served in the train returning from Srinagar to Jammu", Vaishnaw added.The minister disclosed that work on the Baramulla-Uri railway line which requires infrastructure development currently operates under an approval process which maintains its efficient progress. The team currently conducts survey work while they develop the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Jammu-Rajouri rail project which they plan to develop.The state government and MPs raised concerns about potential damage to apple orchards which led to the suspension of proposals for constructing two to three new rail lines that would extend through the Baramulla-Srinagar section.Vivek Kumar who serves as the Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu declared that the Railways aims to establish rail connectivity as the principal force which will advance development while creating job opportunities and boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.He added, "The Railways' commitment is not only to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India but also to make rail the main medium for development, tourism and employment. This all-weather rail system will become the economic lifeline of the Valley". IMRAccording to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the India-European Union partnership for 6G technology represents an essential milestone which will define upcoming telecommunication systems as it demonstrates the two regions' growing diplomatic relationship.The European Union and India have reached an important point because they will develop 6G technologies together which will improve worldwide connectivity and technological progress.The partnership between Bharat 6G Alliance from India and 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G SNS IA) from European Union will drive research progress while establishing secure and dependable telecom networks through their innovative research efforts.The minister indicated that the initiative intends to create a digital ecosystem which will provide benefits to citizens and industries and extend advantages to the worldwide community.The Bharat 6G Alliance serves as a research and develop-ment platform for 6G technology which Indian researchers can use to advance their work until the technology becomes opera-tional throughout India.The 6G SNS IA serves as a European research organization which unites important private companies to direct all European research activities and innovation projects and their business operations in 6G technology development. The platforms combine their distinct abilities and knowledge resources and innovation systems to create a collective mission.The partnership serves as a vital connection between two major global telecom markets which are currently developing their 6G systems. The 16th India­EU Summit produced a joint announcement which established the India­EU Free Trade Agreement and strengthened economic and strategic ties between the two countries.The European Union ranks among India's top trading partners so the two countries will strengthen their relationship through advanced technology partnerships and commercial ties which will establish India and the EU as leaders in future telecom research. IMRTOP STORIESINDIA, EU PARTNER ON 6G VIA BHARAT 6G ALLIANCE, 6G-IA
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