Railbandhu May 2016

MAY 2016

VOL 6

ISSUE 1

The on-board magazine of Indian railways

plus

5

anokhi museum

Revisit the history of hand printing

things

to eat in

Pastoral

old delhi

green of dindi in Andhra Pradesh

A journey down the lanes of flavours

on planet football The battles are nearing end

A conscious traveller’s

WISH LIST

Summer Holiday Special

THE MAGAZINE IS FOR ON-BOARD READING only. KINDLY DO NOT TAKE AWAY. READ IT ONLINE AT WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN or download the railbandhu app on your device.

;g if=dk dsoy Vªus esa i<+us ds fy, gSA d`i;k lkFk u ys tk,aA

WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN ij

vkWuykbu i<+as ,oa jsy ca/kq ,i MkmuyksM djsAa

SRM UNIVERSITY DELHI-NCR, SONEPAT (Established under Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006 as amended by Act No. 8 of 2013 and recognized by UGC u/s 2(f) of UGC Act, 1956)

Admission through SRMHCAT/CBSE JEE(Main) score/CLAT/LSAT-India/AIMA/SAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT

BUILD YOUR CAREER ON WORLD CLASS EDUCATION & RESEARCH 40 Years of expertise and excellence of SRM Group of Institution is available in Delhi-NCR Avail Haryana Merit-cum-Domicile Scholarship/Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship for School Toppers’/National/State Level Sportsman Outstanding University (Young and Emerging Institution) in India (Careers360, 2016) Enviable Air Conditioned Classrooms, Labs., Moot Court, Library and Canteen. Transport (AC Deluxe Buses) & Separate Hostel Facility for Boys and Girls A Regional Innovation Science Hub for Innovators (RISHI) of DST, Govt. of India International Research Collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, U.K., Univ. of Pennsylvania & Loma Linda Univ. USA, Chiba Univ. JAPAN, and DAIICHI SANKYO India Highly Qualified Faculty with research acumen and Expert Placement cell to ensure training and employment

RECOGNIZED BY UGC

APPROVED BY DSIR

APPROVED BY BCI

B.Tech.

BBA, Integrated MBA

LL.B(Hons.)

M.Tech.

MBA

B.Com. LL.B(Hons.)

B.Lib.I.Sc.

B.Sc., M.Sc., M.A.

B.A. LL.B(Hons.)

M.Lib.I.Sc.

B.Com.(Hons.)

BBA. LL.B(Hons.)

BJMC, MJMC

M.Com.

LL.M (1 year)

Ph.D. in all programs Plot No.39, Rajiv Gandhi Education City P.S. Rai, Delhi-NCR, Sonepat - 131029, Haryana Mobile: +91-9541779883, 8816033301/02/03/04/05/06 | Tel: 0130-2203700-706 Email: admissions@srmuniversity.ac.in | Website: www.srmuniversity.ac.in

Toll Free: 1800 180 1216

DAZZLE THIS

FESTIVE SEASON The sun is finally at peace after a heated summer which can only mean one thing – wedding season is fast approaching! So, don’t wait, go traditional, royal and elite with Kundan and Polki jewellery from Cooke & Kelvey.

20% OFF

Step into the exhibition-cum-sale and select from a wide range of unique collection.

Cooke & Kelvey, 3, Scindia House, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110001 Contact : +91 98 18 802346, +91 85 27 970968

minister's message

emerging stronger

With new approach Dear travellers, These challenging times require overhaul of our work culture and ethos cemented over years. The three pillars of the strategy that I am laying out today reflect this new thought process.

1) Nav Arjan — New revenues: We will exploit new sources of revenue so that every asset, tangible or non-tangible, gets optimally monetised. IR typically has focused on increasing revenues through tariff hikes. We want to change that and challenge our conventional thinking on freight policies.

2) Nav Manak — New norms: We will take a ‘zero-based budgeting’ approach to the financials of the ensuing year. We will improve our efficiency yardsticks and procurement practices to bring them in line with international best practices.

3) Nav Sanrachna — New Structures: Co-operation, Collaboration, Creativity and Communication should be the hallmark of our decision-making and actions. We will revisit all processes, rules, and structures to enable this transformation of IR.

Suresh Prabhu

Hon'ble Minister of Railways Government of India

foink,¡ vkrh gSa] ge u :dsaxs] ge u :dsaxs] vk?kkrksa dh D;k fpark gS\ ge u >qdsaxsA

We now need to Reorganise, Restructure and Rejuvenate this institution. We need to bring in a new approach, a new way of working

& Jh vVy fcgkjh oktis;h

(Excerpts from the Minister's 2016-17 Budget Speech)

www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 5

MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. CIN No U22229DL2006PTC152087 North |Head Office | Plot no 246, 3rd Floor, Okhla Phase-3, New Delhi-110020 Tel: 91.11.43011111, Fax: 91.11.43011199 Chandigarh | Sco no. 866, 2nd Floor, Office No. 18, NAC Manimajra, Chandigarh – 160101 Tel: 91.0172-466-5839

Editorial Board

Chairman, Passenger Amenities Committee H. Raja

Jaipur | Shop No.B-18, Hotel Arco Palace Opp. Metro Station, Sindhi Camp Station Road , Jaipur Rajasthan-302001 Tel: 91.141 – 404 7655 West | Mumbai | Office No 401, Shubham Centre A1, Cardinal Gracious Road, Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400099. Tel: 91.22-61991111, Fax: 91.22.61991115

Director, I&P and Coordinator Ved Prakash Chief Commercial Manager (PS), Northern Railway Capt. JP Singh Editor, IR Magazine Kalyani MR

Pune | Subjeev Business Centre, 29, Ground Floor, East Street Galleria, 2421, East Street, Camp Pune-411001 Mob: 91.8055366112 Ahmedabad | 4, Megabyte Business Centre, Navrang Building, Opposite Samsung Showroom, Swastik Char Rasta, C.G.Road, Ahmedabad – 380009, Tel: 91.79.40193627

Sub Editor, Hindi Ranmat Singh

Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore - 452001, Tel: 91.731.4248881

Maxposure Team

East | Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata – 700029, Tel: 91.33.40680111

COO & Publisher Vikas Johari

Raipur | Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, 5th Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E.Road, Labhandi, Raipur, Tel: 91.771.4264571

CEO & Managing Director Prakash Johari Executive Editor Navneet Mendiratta Submissions: railbandhu@maxposure.in Advertising: info@maxposure.in Careers: hr@maxposure.in

M E M B E R

You can now join, like, share or become our fan on www.facebook.com/railbandhu

Follow, post tweets and get daily updates on www.twitter.com/Rail_Bandhu

www.railbandhu.in Simply scan this QR code from your smart phone which contains the URL of our website.

www.maxposure.in Simply scan this QR code from your smart phone which contains the URL of our website.

Guwahati | House No - 6, Ground floor, College Hostel Road, Pan Bazar, Guwahati -781001 Tel: 91.970.60 57907 South | Bengaluru |1010 A Wing,10th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bengaluru-560001, Karnataka, India, Tel: 91.80.40921037-38, Fax: 91.80.41510657 Hyderabad | 1-11-222/2 Ground Floor, Street No.4, Gurumurthy lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Tel: 91.40.40021545 Chennai | 2nd Floor, X-42, Sindur Shopping Centre, 2nd Avenue Road, Chennai- 600040 Tel: 91.44.42015684, Fax: 91.44.42015685 International Sales Offices Europe: London | Seraphine Money | IMM International 10 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LS- UK Tel: +44 20 3301 4900, Fax: + 44 20 7240 3258 Mob: +44 777 459 8220 France l Nicolas Devos | IMM International C/O 80 Rue Montmartre75002 PARIS - FRANCE, Tél: +33 (0)1 40 13 79 06, Fax: +33 (0)1 40 13 00 33, www.imm-international.com Switzerland | Nathalie Dupuy | IMM International CHOffice Director IMM International Rue Tabazan, 91204 Genève, Tel: +41(0)22 310 80 51, Mob: +41(0)78 95 25 900 E-mail:n.dupuy@imm-international.com Italy | Sandra Bonini | G+J International Sales Italy Srl Via Benedetto Marcello,4, 20124 Mailand, Italy Tel: +3902.20526722, E-Mail: bonini.sandra@guj.de Germany | Claudia Scheil | Gruner +Jahr AG & Co KG Am Baumwall 11,20459 Hamburg, Germany Tel: +49 40 3703 2944, E-Mail: scheil.claudia@guj.de

Turkey | Tan Bilge | Media Ltd. Ali Sami Yen Sok. No. 2 Kat 3, 34394 Gayrettepe/Istanbul, Turkey, Tel: +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 84 33, Fax: +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 92 28, E-mail: tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr Asia: Singapore, Hongkong | Ms. Jacqueline Ho | Air Travel Media, (Business Reg. 53296202L)430 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #10-01 OrangeTee Building, Singapore 319402, Tel: +65 9233 8000 E-mail: jackie@airtravel-media.com Colombo, Sri Lanka | Maninder Kumar 2nd Floor, Mclaren’s Building, No.123, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 04, Sri Lanka - 00400 E-mail: maninder@maxposureglobal.com Malaysia | Shallie Cheng | Mind Sense Sdn.Bhd. No.107, 1st.Floor Menara Mutiara Majestic, Section 3, 46,000 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Tel: 60.3.7781.7700 E-Mail: shalliecheng@gmail.com Japan | Michiko Kawano | Pacific Business Inc Kabutocho 2-chome Bldg, 2-4-5, Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0025 Tel:+81-(0)3-3661-6138 F:+81-(0)3-3661-6139 E-Mail: kawano-pbi@gol.com South Korea | Jung-Won Suh | Sinsegi Media Inc. Jungang Bldg., Room 817, 44-21, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Korea 150-890 Tel: 82.2.785.8222, Fax: 82.2.785.8225 E-Mail: sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info Thailand | Stephen Marsh | Managing Director Media Representation International A: 43/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Bangkok, Thailand 10110. Tel: +66.2.204.2699, M: +66.8.6777.3417 E-Mail: stephen@mediarepint.com, www.mediarepint.com Middle East: United Arab Emirates | Akassh Kapoor Regus Green Community, Investment Park, Office Building 3, Plot 598-676 21828, PO Box-212880, Telephone: +971 4801 9237; Mob: +971 55 3636387 E-mail: akassh@maxposureglobal.com Americas: Canada | Wayne Saint John | Publicitas Canada 468 Queen Street East, 300 Toronto, Ontario M5A 1T7, Tel: +1.416.363.1388, Fax +1.416.363.2889, E-Mail: wstjohn@aprcanada.com, www.publicitas.com/canadaapr USA West Coast | Ralph Lockwood | Huson International Media 1999 South Bascom Avenue Suite 450 Campbell, CA 95008, USA Tel: +1.408.879.6666, Fax:1.408.879.6669 E-Mail: ralph.lockwood@husonmedia.com USA East Coast | Francesco Lascari | Huson International Media Huson International Media | 1239 Broadway | Suite 1508 | NewYork, NY 10001 Tel: 212.268.3344, Mob: 917.210.2989 E-mail: francesco.lascari@husonmedia.com

rail bandhu MAGAZINE is Printed AND PUBLISHED BY VIKAS JOHARI ON BEHALF OF MAXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (MMGipl) for the indian railways AND PUBLISHED AT MMGipl, Plot no 246, 3rd Floor, Okhla Phase-3, New Delhi-110020, india. rail bandhu MAGAZINE is published monthly. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WRITING, ARTWORK AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MMGipl. MMGipl / indian railways DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF UNSOLICITED PRODUCTS, MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the indian railways. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. MMGipl / indian railways DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HEREIN. All advertorials have been marked as 'in focus' in the magazine. FOR INQUIRIES | MMGipl TEL: +91.11.43011111, www.railbandhu.in, www. maxposure.in

8 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

contents

rail update

T r av e l

36 cover Story

Choose a holiday destination that offers you more in terms of experience

14 18

30

Gatimaan Express, the first semi-high speed train of India

20

How a train provided relief to drought-hit Latur

entry ticket Plan your trips around these days and events

27

60

The latest plans and policies from the Indian Railways

2015-16 hits that set the Railways on fast track of success

AR T S

city beat

Old Delhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s every street and corner is full of flavours, history and architecture

54 dream scape

Dindi in Andhra Pradesh reflects a gem-like beauty 10 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

66

tale spin

An insight into famed museum of hand printing and its history

contents

l i f e st y l e

32

Style file

Reviving the forgotten designs from Banaras

82

leisure

beauty talk How food intake affects your skin

game plan

78

thou 'kSyh

Get ready for celebrations and heartbreaks as this football season draws to an end

81

86

S.K. Misra’s book is a take on politics & bureaucracy

Your tarot predictions for this month

Short takes

92

88 94 96

egkifjfuokZ.k jsy ls djsa rhFkZ;k=k

lksek ?kks"k us lk>k fd, laLej.k

MAY 2016

ISSUE 1

THE ON-BOARD M AGAZINE OF INDI AN RAILWAYS

euksgkjh n’kZuLFkyh d.okJe i;ZVdksa dh ilanhnk txg

12 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

VOL 6

star tracker

PLUS

5

ANOKHI MUSEUM

Revisit the history of hand printing

THINGS

to eat in

Pastoral

97

lkS o"kZ iqjkuh jsy lqjax ds ckjs esa tkusa

eaxydkjh gksrh gS v{k; r`rh;k

www.railbandhu.in

old delhi

GREEN OF DINDI in Andhra Pradesh

A journey down the lanes of flavours

ON PLANET FOOTBALL The battles are nearing end

A conscious traveller’s

WISH LIST Summer Holiday Special

THE MAGAZINE IS FOR ON-BOARD READING ONLY. KINDLY DO NOT TAKE AWAY. READ IT ONLINE AT WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN OR DOWNLOAD THE RAILBANDHU APP ON YOUR DEVICE.

;g if=dk dsoy Vªus esa i<+us ds fy, gSA d`i;k lkFk u ys tk,aA

WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN ij

vkWuykbu i<+as ,oa jsy ca/kq ,i MkmuyksM djsAa

On the Cover Trekking camp in Ladakh region, India.

QUICK FACTS

rail achievement

Gatimaan Express runs on all days except Friday and covers a distance of

Bringing the

189 km

Taj closer Gatimaan Express has made rendezvous with the monument easier and quicker

8:10am

Reaches Agra Cantt. at

9:50am

For return, starts from Agra Cantt. at

5:50pm

and reaches Hazrat Nizamuddin at

text: Garima Verma Photos: Garima Verma & Vinod Aggarwal

7:30pm

T

It has 8 AC chair car coaches, with fare

he curiosity on many faces was almost akin to the kids’ when their favourite toy’s new edition is about to hit the market. The apparent energy at Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station’s platform number one on April 5 morning had a similar excitement to it. Just that this toy had caught the imagination of a whole nation and was to run on real tracks to amuse all.

14 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Starts from Hazrat Nizamuddin at

`750

2 Executive AC chair car coaches, with fare

`1,500

www.railbandhu.in

The crowd had started building up hours before the scheduled departure of Gatimaan Express on its maiden journey to Agra Cantt. station. Nizamuddin station was aptly wearing a celebratory look for the first semi-high speed train of India. The smell of fresh flowers, tri-colour balloons, folk musicians playing soft and soulful tunes, and a red carpet were all cheerfully complimenting the decorated bright blue coaches of Gatimaan, the name itself promising pace.

Gatimaan is India’s first train to have hostesses to take care of housekeeping services

set an example when he chose to not take much time on the dais. “Rail hamesha time pe chalni chahiye or aaj to bilkul time pe chalni chahiye,” he said, keeping his address short before flagging off the train.

As the passengers and mediapersons took their respective seats, the train’s hostesses and stewards, looking chic in their new and neat blue uniforms, welcomed everyone with broad smiles. If their well-groomed

With the Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, leading the list of distinguished guests at the occasion, the enthusiasm in the air at Nizamuddin station was almost contagious. Apart from the passengers, media and eager onlookers, Delhi Mayor, Subash Arya, Lok Sabha MP, Maheish Girri, Railway Board Chairman, A.K. Mital and Members of Railway Board — General Manager, Northern Railway, A.K. Puthia and Divisional Railway Manager, Northern Railway, Arun Arora, were also present to wish Gatimaan luck on its inaugural run.

With an aim to increase average speed of all passenger and freight train in five years’ time under the Railways’ mission ‘Raftaar’, Prabhu

(Top) Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhu (centre), flags off Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin station.

The train makes for a pretty picture before the journey www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 15

rail achievement

IRCTC guided tour packages Package 1: Full day

The train was built at an estimated cost of `50 crore at Kapurthala Rail Coach Factory look could almost give their aviation counterparts a serious competition, their effectiveness at handling a full-house 10 coaches of the train was equally commendable. Many people aboard were taking the journey only to experience that ‘first ride’ and those hostesses and stewards made sure they got more than they asked for. Added to that was a choice of cuisine, new onboard entertainment facility, and a quick date with the Taj, and the joyride had all the ingredients for a memorable one; all in a day’s time.

Gatimaan had sparked such an interest that curious onlookers were ready with cameras and phones all along the route to film the speeding train. Inside it, by the time the passengers could settle and savour aloo sabzi 16 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

09:50 hrs – Received by local IRCTC representative at Agra Cantt. on arrival 10:00 hrs – Visit Taj Mahal 13:00 hrs – Lunch at local restaurant (Pinch of Spice/ Riao) 14:00 hrs – Visit Agra Fort & Go Shopping 17:00 hrs – Dropped at Agra Cantt.

(Above) Spick and span interiors of Gatimaan.

A couple enjoying Rail Bandhu during the journey

Cost per person: Indian Child Adult `2,000 `2,100 Foreigner Adult `3,900

Fun time The train is equipped with an on-board entertainment system that can not only compete with that of an in-flight, but beat many at their game. Gatimaan’s onboard Wi-Fi (it’s not internet so don’t expect it to run your facebook or Twitter) allows you to connect with myfreetv.in in the browser. Right from the likes of Bhoot Bangla, Shalimar, Jaspal Bhatti’s hilarious takes on day-today life to your choice of music, there is everything to make your travel more entertaining.

with parathas, mini uthappams or omelettes, it was already time to pack your things. The journey might have clocked a 100 minutes but it felt shorter.

After a quick look at the new Executive Lounge by IRCTC at Agra Cantt. station, which was inaugurated by the Railway Minister through remote from Nizamuddin in the morning, came the moment many were looking forward to. Giving a sneak-peek into the packages IRCTC has developed in sync with Gatimaan’s timings, a quick lunch stopover was followed by a visit to the wonder of all wonders — the Taj Mahal.

Even though the sun chose to turn up in its flashiest best, shining a bit too brightly for an April afternoon, the gardens, www.railbandhu.in

Child `2,000

Includes: 1. AC vehicles for the transfers and sightseeing 2. One lunch at restaurant during sightseeing 3. Experienced Hindi and English speaking guide 4. Entry tickets to the places of sightseeing

Package 1: 2D & 1N Day 1 09:50 hrs –Received by local IRCTC representative at Agra Cantt. on arrival 10:00 hrs – Visit Agra Fort 12:30 hrs – Buffet lunch at local restaurant (Pinch of Spice/ Riao) 14:00 hrs – Hotel check-in (5 Star Hotel: Jaypee Palace/ Hilton Double Tree)

chirping birds near water, a gush of wind, and the beauty of the marble were soothing nevertheless. The globally acknowledged monument of love or the architectural marvel for the uninitiated, looked pristine bathed in the sunlight, making the photographer in one and all come alive. If blinding was the sun that reflected off the marble, equally dazzling was the poetry in symmetry that the Taj is. It is pleasantly amazing how your interpretation of this mausoleum changes with years.

If in the childhood it was a figure of Mughal grandeur that extended beyond life, some years down the line it symbolises the

bond any relationship should strive for, a bond that defies even death.

irctc lounge The range of complimentary and paid facilities of the Executive Lounge at Agra Cantt. station will be available to passengers at an entry fee of `100 for two hours and `50 for per additional hour.

Having soaked in the charm of the Taj, it was time to head back to Agra Cantt. Gatimaan was again immaculately ready to make the journey back to Nizamuddin. As it raced down the tracks once again, leaving the vistas outside behind in a flash, the rusty hues of the evening sun signalled a day well spent.

Checking in at its destination at the scheduled time, Gatimaan had indeed helped to pack in a lot of pleasant moments in a day. It seemed as if it had indeed brought the Taj closer.

15:30 hrs – Visit Itmad-udDaulah, Mehtab Bagh & Taj Mahal 19:30 hrs – Return to the hotel for overnight stay Day 2 08:00 hrs – Check-out & visit Fatehpur Sikri 12:00 hrs – Lunch at local restaurant (Joshi Resort) 14:15 hrs – Reach Sikandra 15:45 hrs – Leave for Agra Cantt.

17:00 hrs – Dropped at Agra Cantt.

Cost per person: Indian Single occupancy `14,500 Double occupancy `10,800 Triple occupancy `10,300 Child (5-12 yr), `7,000 with bed Child (5-12 yr), `3,800 without bed Foreigner Single occupancy Double occupancy Triple occupancy Child (5-12 yr), with bed Child (5-12 yr), without bed

(Clockwise from top left) Gatimaan’s hostesses welcome passengers onboard.

IRCTC Executive Lounge at Agra Cantt. station. IRCTC coaches ready to take tourists for a Taj visit

www.railbandhu.in

`17,600 `13,900 `13,400 `7,000 `3,800

Includes: 1. One night stay at a 5 star hotel in Agra 2. AC vehicles for the transfers and sightseeing 3. One buffet breakfast and one buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant 4. Two lunch during sightseeing 5. Experienced Hindi and English speaking guide 6. Entry tickets to the places of sightseeing Note: Packages are valid till May 31, 2016, and are subject to change.

Child less than 5 years complimentary.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 17

rail achievement

Rail brings relief to

the thirsty Transports water through its goods trains to help drought-affected Marathwada region of Maharashtra

The Kota division was chosen for supply of the rake because it has expertise in cleaning tank wagons

I

n wake of the severe water crisis in the drought-affected areas of Marathwada region in Maharashtra especially in the Latur district, Indian Railways rose to the occasion and undertook one of the massive operations of transporting water through its goods trains. Minister of Railways, Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, directed Railway Administration to make necessary arrangements in this regard. Accordingly, Central Railway Zone (headquarters Mumbai) and its Divisional Office at Pune geared up their respective machineries to undertake

18 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

on mark To facilitate loading at Miraj station, without causing inconvenience to through trains requiring watering on platform, three slots were identified for water loading. It took about 14 hours to load 10 wagons besides carrying on with normal train operations.

www.railbandhu.in

this transportation drive. The General Manager of Central Railway Zone and Divisional Railway Manager of Pune Division personally monitored and supervised the entire operation.

The Railways identified 100 BTPN (oil tankerlike) wagons for this purpose and directed its Kota workshop in West-Central Railway to prepare them for transporting potable water on an urgent basis. The carrying capacity of one such wagon is 54,000 litre of water per wagon (normally it is filled up

to around 50,000 litre per wagon). These wagons are generally used for transporting vegetable oil which develops thick layers of sludge deposition on inside and outside the wagons. To clean them and prepare them for transporting potable water is itself is a huge, meticulous and technical exercise.

Chief Works Manager, Kota Workshop took up the challenge to prepare these wagons in record time. The Kota workshop, working day and night, undertook steam cleaning, sludge removal, de-scaling, de-greasing and then final cleaning of these wagons to make them fit for transportation of drinking water.

The first rake consisting of 50 wagons was turned out from Kota Workshop on April 8 at 1am and sent to Miraj in Sangli District of Maharashtra (Pune division of Central Railway). The second goods train to be dispatched also consisted of 50 wagons.

Once the trains reached Miraj, then started the massive exercise of transporting water to Latur, which is suffering from inadequate rain for the fourth consecutive year, resulting is devastation of crops, farmers committing suicide and drinking water running out.

Water pumped from jackwell was stored in hyderwell (capacity: 32 lakh litre) at Miraj station.

Hyderwell was not used recently; so, thorough cleaning was done along with testing of water

Did You Know DRM, Pune, led the task to make interim arrangements to load 10 tank wagons from platform No. 2 at Miraj station. DRM Pune coined the name of train as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jaldootâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. www.railbandhu.in

Miraj of Pune division was chosen as the starting point of transporting water because Krishna river has plenty of water and flows nearby Miraj station (3.5 km). However, to start transporting water from Miraj, the local administration needed to lay some infrastructure near the station. As this was to take some time, Pune Division (Central Railway) swung into action on war footing to start transporting water from its own resources using its own limited infrastructure to provide quick immediate relief to the public in the Latur district.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 19

Trivia

rail updatE

What′s happening An update on new announcements and schemes

Extending cooperation

Date with speed Minister of Railways, Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu travelled on TGV, the French high speed train which can clock a maximum speed of 320 km/hr during his visit to France on April 11-12. He also called on Mr. Laurent Fabius, President of the Constitutional Council of France and met Mr. Alain Vidalies, Minister of State for Transport, Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Sh. Prabhu also participated in the Emerging Markets Forum. He also met Ms. Florence Parly, CEO of SNCF (French Railways).

To get a better understanding of the high-speed network, Sh. Prabhu travelled in the driver’s cabin of the train, covering 20 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse in French, meaning high-speed train) operates all over France and beyond.

The international TGV services connect France with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy and Spain. There’s also a service between France and Switzerland.

Originally designed as turbotrains to be powered by gas turbines, the prototypes evolved into electric trains with the 1973 oil crisis.

150 km distance between Paris and Reims in 45 minutes. He was briefed by the TGV driver about the various safety features and modern equipment installed in the driver’s cabin. Mr. Jean Francois Antona, Head of SNCF of the region received him at Reims and briefed him on the running, maintenance and up keep of the station.

On the second day, participating in the Emerging Markets Forum at the Banque de France premises in Paris, Sh. Prabhu delivered a talk on ‘Emerging World in 2050’ and enumerated the issues like climate change, migration, economic slowdown, sustainable development. www.railbandhu.in

The Indian Railways has also joined hands with France for upgradation of railway track between New Delhi and Chandigarh for running semi-high speed train.

France is also assisting India in developing Ambala and Jalandhar stations as modern ones with improved passenger amenities, shopping plazas, eateries, office complex and parking lots leveraging real estate. The field review of the project is being carried out by the SNCF and it is hopeful of completing the study by this October-November.

SNCF is also involved in a study on Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway station in Mumbai.

MoU between India and Sweden The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on February 15 between India and Sweden on technical cooperation in the rail sector. The MoU will enable cooperation in the following areas: • Benchmark railways policy development, regulations, organisation and specific characteristics for each country.

• Exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, innovation, technology, sustainable solutions and research.

• Other cooperation projects agreed between the participants, such as, freight operations in cold regions, tilting coaches/trains, capacity allocation (time tabling) and optimisation of maintenance

and improved freight/combination traffic.

• Training and continuing education program in reliability and maintenance of rail transport system for railway engineers and managers.

Ministry of Railways has signed MoUs for technical cooperation with various foreign Governments and National Railways in the recent past. The identified areas of cooperation include high speed corridors, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy haul operations and modernisation of rail infrastructure, etc. The cooperation is achieved through exchange of information on developments in areas of railways technology & operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training and seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.

tech sharing The MoUs provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. They facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and documents, training and seminars/ workshops on specific technology areas for knowledge sharing.

Port congestion surcharge withdrawal The surcharge withdrawn was 10 per cent on basic freight and its withdrawal will generate additional incremental traffic, and boost national industrial growth.

The withdrawal is expected to bring down logistics costs and thereby attract increasing volumes of traffic to the rail mode, particularly in the major segments of imported thermal and coking coal for the power sector and steel plants and more.

Moving ahead with big bang reforms as announced in the Railway Budget, and in order to attract imported freight traffic including containers, coal, iron ore etc (diverted to road), the Railways has decided to withdraw the levy of Port Congestion Surcharge with immediate effect. This was a pending demand of the Ministries of Shipping and Ports, Steel, Container Operators and other Industries.

www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 21

rail updatE

From Shan-e-Punjab to Shan-e-Safety In keeping with the budgetary proposal to step up security measures in Railways, Minister of Railways, Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, inaugurated the fitment of CCTV cameras in Shan-e-Punjab Express (12497/12498) on April 8 through videoconferencing from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. It is the first train in India to be fitted with CCTV surveillance cameras.

Fulfilling budget promises Among the 2016-17 Rail Budget announcements, two were fulfilled with the launch of the following services by Member Traffic Railway Board, Sh. Mohd.

Jamshed, in a programme held at Rail Bhawan on March 23: 1. Enhanced Senior Citizen Quota: The quota for senior citizens, female passengers of 45 years of age and above; and pregnant women when travelling alone, has now been enhanced to six lower berths per coach in Sleeper class and three lower berths per coach in AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier. In Rajdhani, Duronto and other fully-AC Express trains, this quota in AC 3 tier will be four lower berths per coach as against three per coach in case of Mail and Express trains.

2. Rationalisation of Lumpsum freight rates for Merry-Go-Round (MGR): A revised scheme with rationalised lump-sum rates for MGR has been formulated to provide an economical and reliable alternative short lead traffic. Lumpsum rates charged under the MGR System would depend upon the number of rakes loaded per day and the lead of traffic. For 18-km lead, the revised MGR rates would be around `47 per tonne (BOXN wagons) for 2-3 trips per day as compared to road rates of `72 per tonne for the same lead.

The concept of senior citizen quota was introduced in 2007, wherein a combined reservation quota of two lower berths per coach in Sleeper, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier were earmarked for the senior citizens, female passengers of 45 years of age and above; and pregnant women when travelling alone. In 2015, this quota of two lower berths per coach in Sleeper class was enhanced to four. The condition of providing this quota was also relaxed, with the facility of booking ticket under this quota made available even when in a single application two passengers are in combination of senior citizens/female passengers above the age of 45/pregnant women.

22 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Prabhu said that the agenda of passengersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety has always been on priority of Indian Railways and to ensure safety of all rail passengers, various steps such as helplines, CCTVs, sensitisation of RPF, integrated security system etc. have been introduced by the Railways. He said that CCTV cameras in Shan-e-Punjab is a one more step towards improving security in Indian Trains. Referring to the Shan-e-Punjab train becoming the first train fitted with surveillance security cameras, Sh. Suresh Prabhu pointed out that it will prove to be an example of Shan-e-Safety also.

Without compromising on privacy of the passengers, the CCTV system includes four to six strategically-located cameras per coach. This shall facilitate facial recognition for unambiguous identification of the target person by giving resolution images, enable facial recognition in low light condition, especially in aisle area during night time. The system has been made suitable for use on railway coaches and to withstand vibrations.

Mahabodhi Temple can be seen from

11 km

Gautama Buddha obtained Enlightenment in Gaya. (Right) JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi.

Doubling of Ranchi-Bondamunda, Kiul-Gaya lines The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, has given its approval for doubling of the Ranchi (Hatia) Railway line of 158.5 km with a completion cost of `1921.94 crore. The project is likely to be completed in the next six years during the 12th and 13th Plan period.

The committee also approved doubling of Kiul-Gaya Railway line of 124 km with a completion cost of `1354.22 crore. Doubling of this line will greatly ease the ever increasing freight traffic between these sections. The project is likely to be completed by 2019-20.

The Ranchi (Hatia)-Bondamunda line is a single line section which is being used for goods traffic to and from Bokaro Steel Plant and Rourkela Steel Plant. This indicates that the line is over saturated with utilisation to the

Advantage For All An average of 22 trains each way per day run over the Ranchi (Hatia)Bondamunda line Ranchi, Gumla and Simdega districts of Jharkhand and Sundargarh district of Odisha will benefit with the doubling of this line.

The doubling Kiul-Gaya line, which falls in Danapur Division of East Central Railway, will benefit Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nawadah and Gaya districts of Bihar.

www.railbandhu.in

tune of an average of 160 per cent, resulting in detention of trains and consequential loss of revenue. Doubling of this line will ease traffic bottlenecks, and serve freight traffic needs of the upcoming Super Thermal Power Plant at Barch and other plants like Katni and Baruni.

At present, traffic utilisation of the Kiul-Gaya section is 135.5 per cent. The doubling project will serve the freight traffic for Super Thermal Power Plant at Barh which is likely to be completed shortly. Daily requirement of coal for this plant will be 18 rakes, and 14 pairs of goods trains are likely to move on this section. Average number of trains handled on the section per day is 13 each way. This includes 11 pairs of passenger trains and two pairs of goods trains. Five pairs of Mail/Express trains is expected to be augmented after commissioning of the Koderma-Tilayia section.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 23

rail updatE

Reasons behind shifting Wagon POH workshop Ministry of Railways will like to clarify as under regarding shifting of Wagon POH workshop from Kalahandi, Odisha to Vishakapatnam (Vadlapudi), Andhra Pradesh:

Digitisation of land records and mapping of fixed assets Indian Railways has completed most of the work related to digitisation of land records, i.e. maintaining land data (details of acquisition/area/usages and land plans) in digital form. For this purpose a web-based application called Land Management Module integrated with Track Management System (TMS) of Indian Railways has been developed. Indian Railways have also digitised details of vacant plots of land measuring more than one acre to chalk out the blue print for monetisation of its vacant land.

• Budget announcement was made in the year 201314 for setting up a Wagon Periodical Overhauling (POH) Workshop in Kalahandi, Odisha.

• Proposal was sent to Railway board in June 2013 by East Coast Railway (ECoR).

During scrutiny of the proposal following problems were observed: a) The location was on busy Vizianagaram-Titlagarh section, a very important line for freight movement. It is not a natural point for empty wagon arising and would lead to avoidable empty movement of wagons. b) There was problem of water availability at the proposed location at Kalahandi. c) Land would have to be acquired from the State Govt. for setting up this workshop.

Accordingly, ECoR was advised to submit a detailed feasibility report in this regard. In the report it was concluded that due to operational ease, availability of Railway land, water, and cost benefits, Vishakhapatnam is better suited for setting up the workshop. Setting up of this workshop at Vadlapudi was sanctioned in the 2015-16 Railway Budget.

The Railways has also started mapping of all fixed Railway assets including land on Geographical Information System (GIS) of Bhuvan Satellite Imagery of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) integrated with TMS. This system would provide the status of Railway land, whether encroached or not, and thus would be helpful in tackling the menace of encroachment. Pilot of GIS mapping of IR network and land parcel has already been started on Delhi division of Northern railway. After successful implementation of the same, it will be extended to whole Indian Railways network.

24 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

Trivia Wagons are given 11 digit numbers making it easy for identification and digitalising info.

First two digits indicate Type or Wagon. Eg. BOXN, BCN, BCNA etc.

Different wagon types are given numbers from 10 to 99. Next two digits indicate Owning Railway. 16 Zones are given numbers from 01 to 16 and 25 for CONCOR, 26 for Private owned wagons and 24 for wagons owned by defence. Next two digits indicate year of manufacture; e.g. 13 for 2013.

Next four digits indicate Individual Wagon Number (0001 to 1000 for Departmental and 1001 to 9999 for Commercial purpose). Last digit is a ‘Check digit’.

61st National Railway Week Function To commemorate the introduction of first train in India on April, 16, 1853, between Boribunder (Mumbai) to Thane, Indian Railways celebrates Railway Week from April 10 to 16 every year. The Ministry of Railways celebrated its most momentous national-level award function marking Railway Week this year at Bhubaneswar. This year’s Railways National Programme was dedicated to the East Coast region and its people.

The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Railways, Sh. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu. The Minister of State for Railways, Sh. Manoj Sinha, was the Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion among others were Chairman, Railway Board, Sh. A.K. Mital; Railway Board Members; General Managers of all the Zonal Railways and the Production units and other senior railway officials.

Sh. Prabhu also advised all Zonal Railways and Railway Board Members

ECoR GM Sh. Rajiv Vishnoi receiving the shield for overall efficiency from Sh. Prabhu

to gear up to the challenges being faced by Indian Railways. Infrastructural Development through Partnership in progress will lead to benefit of the people as well as the country. In view of special emphasis and focus on development, he urged State Governments to cooperate with Railways in infrastructural Developments in their respective States.

Altogether 143 Railways employees and officers were awarded by the minister for their outstanding performance.

Twenty five shields were also given to different Zonal Railways and Production Units for their performance and achievements. East Coast Railway bagged Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Shield for overall performance.

Scholarships by RWWCO The Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organisation (RWWCO) distributed merit scholarships to wards of non-gazetted employees working in Ministry of Railways. The purpose of sanction of such scholarships was to encourage railway children to excel in education, especially technical courses like B.Tech, B.E., M.B.B.S., and also other forms of higher education. This year 38 such scholarships were distributed

by Smt. Rashmi Mital, President, RWWCO in a function held at Conference Hall, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on April 21.

RWWCO is a voluntary organisation that aims at the holistic development and well being of railwaymen and their families.

It has been in existence for more than 50 years. It also extends need-based support to people outside the Railways by reaching out to them in times of distress. It serves to supplement the official welfare initiatives of the Indian Railways for its 1.4 million workforce.

Smt. Rashmi Mital, President, RWWCO, distributing the scholarships for children of non-gazetted employees

RWWCO is the Apex Body of a network of similar such Railway Women’s Welfare Organisations at Zonal and Divisional levels, along with Railway Production Units all over the country.

www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 25

rail achievement

In the fast lane Indian Railways is all set to move forward on technology curve with high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad

T

he deal signed between India and Japan for the development of high speed rail is not only pathbreaking but also a dream come true. For the first time, India will witness high-speed rail (HSR), which can travel at an average speed of about 240 km/h (with a maximum speed of 320 km/h), covering 500 km in about two hours.

Design Specifications of HSR Item

Design Specification

Gauge

1435 mm (World Standard)

Max design speed

350 km/h

Max operation speed

320-350 km/h

Min curve radius

6,000 m

Estimated daily boarding passenger

2023 2053

40,000 2,02,000

Quantifiable benefits Saving in GHG emissions (CO2; 5,665,00t) 0%

Tentative Total Project Costs Item

Amount (million INR)

Customs Duty

`37,827

Capital Cost

`709,151

Price Escalation During Construction

`125,800

Interest During Construction

`103,591

Total Investment Costs

`976,369

26 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Reduction in accident 2%

Job Creation 15%

Saving in Fuel 6%

Saving in Voc 24%

Reduction in pollution 18%

Saving in travel time 35%

www.railbandhu.in

success track The maiden Rail Budget by Sh. Prabhu had set the stage for modernisation of Railways. The accomplishments have only grown since

S

h. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu's maiden Rail budget last year had a string of firsts to it. In the history of Rail budgets, he was perhaps the first not to have announced a new train or a new line.

Rather than pleasing anyone, he instead chose to do what was vitally important for the long-term health and viability of the Indian Railways. In one stroke, he increased the capital expenditure plan for the Indian Railways by over 71 per cent to over `1 lakh crore in

Capital Expenditure approximately

the 2015-16 Rail Budget. Not only that, he laid out a five-year capital investment plan of `8.6 lakh crore, once again a first for a railway minister.

An innovative financing mechanism route was followed by Sh. Prabhu to meet the target of investing `1 lakh crore in projects to enhance the Railwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capacity in different areas. And, his efforts bore fruit as the year 2015-16 was full of achievements. Here are some that hogged the limelight and set the Railways on fast track of success:

Important projects that got completed during the year

`93,000

Agra-Etawah new line

crore

110 km

Etawah-Mainpuri new line

LIC to provide longterm funding of

`1.5

Lakh crore over five years

58 km Jind-Sonepat

81 km new line

2,822 km of tracks were commissioned

813 km 1,042 km of New Lines

of Gauge Conversion and 967 km of Doubling)

Sikar-Loharu

122 km 174 km

and Suratpura-Hanumangarh

gauge conversion in Rajasthan

www.railbandhu.in

Pollachi-Palakkad

52 km

gauge conversion thereby completing the gauge conversion of DindigulPallachi-Palakkad connecting Tamil Nadu with Kerala

Mawaikhas-Khajuraho

100 km section of LalitpurSingrauli new line

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 27

rail achievement

Commissioning of BarhniGainsari section

Customer centric initiatives

25 km

marking the completion of the work of gauge conversion of Gonda-Gorakhpur

Yerraguntla-Nossam

All India Security Helpline No.

182

47 km

to help rail travellers to report any untoward incident and seek emergency security help

Jagtial-Morthad

All India Passenger Helpline No.

new line

51 km

new line; Morthad-Nizamabad is set for commissioning in May 2016. This will complete the link between Peddapally and Nizamabad.

138

for all-purpose queries and complaints pertaining to upkeep of stations, trains and linens, etc.

E-catering services have been introduced for trains without pantry cars. In addition, 408 stations have also been identified for providing e-catering services to all kinds of trains passing through these stations.

Automatic refund of confirmed/RAC e-tickets on cancellation of trains has been implemented.

Commissioning of two mega bridges over river Ganga at Patna and Munger

A mobile based application named Complaint Management System (COMS) to take feedback of customers

System of e-registration of demand per rakes has been introduced

400 A1 and A categories of stations would be offered to prospective bidders for offering their bids which would be open to challenge by others 28 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Quotas of lower berths for senior citizens and women have been enhanced to 4 lower berths per coach in Sleeper class as against 2 per coach earlier www.railbandhu.in

on fast track Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project has been approved by Cabinet and the agreement has been signed between India and Japan under which 81% of the funds for the 508 km line costing a total of `97,636 crore would be provided by Japan, along with the technical assistance. The soft loan would be provided at an interest rate of 0.1% with 15 years moratorium and 50 years of repayment period.

Destination alerts and wake-up alarm services have been launched on 139 for Rajdhani and Duronto trains

Currency Coin-cumCard operated Automatic Ticketing Vending Machines have been introduced at a number of stations

High Speed Wi-Fi services have been launched at several stations in the country

E-auction for

Paperless unreserved ticketing, including paperless platform tickets through mobile phones, has been introduced in suburban sections of six railways (Western, Central, South Central, Southern, Eastern and South Eastern Railways).

System capacity for e-ticketing has been enhanced from 2,000 tickets per minutes to 7,200 online tickets per minute. The system is now capable of handling 1,20,000 concurrent users simultaneously against the 40,000 users earlier.

A pilot project of handheld device for TTEs has been launched for 8 Shatabdi trains.

The system is being expanded to 73 trains.

Rebate for loading of rakes on empty-flow directions has been made automatic on the RR instead of earlier system of customers applying for it and waiting for its computation in the divisional offices.

100% scrap disposal has been adopted.

27 charitable institutions and social organisations have taken part in the Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan through shramdaan.

On Board House Keeping Scheme (OBHS): 671 pairs of trains are already covered including 146 during the year 2015-16.

Intensive mechanised cleaning of coaches in coaching depots through professional agencies: 132 Coaching Depots in different Railways already have the system.

43 Clean-Train-Stations have been identified: 37 commissioned, including three, during the year 2015-16.

www.railbandhu.in

Cleaning of 50 major stations has been outsourced to professional agencies. A competition for upkeep and cleanliness of stations has been introduced under the Swachh Bharat Programme.

Bio-toilets 15,442 bio-toilets have been fitted in 4,884 coaches during the last year. With this, cumulatively, 35,000 bio-toilets have been fitted in 11,905 coaches.

Safety There were 107 consequential train accidents during the year compared to 135 during 2014-15 (reduction of 21%). Major improvements were noticed in unmanned LC accidents (42%). 1003 unmanned LC gates were eliminated. WCR became the first Zonal Railway to become free of unmanned LCs. Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 29

entry ticket

International Flower Festival (may 1-31)

Many species of orchids, gladioli, cacti, roses, trees, ferns, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, are displayed during the show.

A range of regional delicacies for your taste buds are also there. For the ones who love adventure, there is river rafting.

Another interesting feature of the Flower

festival in Sikkim is the Yak Safari.

Venue: Governor’s residence, Gangtok How to reach: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, 148 km. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi.

The Everlasting Flame International Programme (till May 27)

Ooty Summer Festival (2nd-3rd week of may)

mount abu Summer Festival (may 20-21)

No other festival promises such scenic beauty and relaxation as this festival does.

There is a flower show to showcase the beautiful floral arrangements, vegetable carvings, flower rangoli etc.. Apart from this, rose show, fruit show, dog show, spice show, vegetable show, and boat race and boat pageantry are also part of the celebrations.

Venue: Ooty, Tamil Nadu

The festival starts with a procession, accompanied by folk performances.

During the two days, the night sky is lit by wonderful fireworks. On the second day, there are various competitions such as Deepdan, skating race, boat race, Skater’s show, panihari matka race, tug of war, horse race and CRPF Band Show.

How to reach: The nearest railhead is Mettupalyam, 40 km from Ooty. There are trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore connecting Mettupalyam.

Venue: Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Venue: New Delhi

How to reach: Mount Abu is wellconnected to cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

How to reach: The Capital has direct trains from almost every part of the country.

Celebrates the multicultural ethos that makes the unique ethnic and cultural identity of the Parsi– Zoroastrian community. The festival encompasses all the elements of the contribution of Zoroastrians and Parsis to the world culture, philosophy and art.

— Compiled by Garima Verma

30 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

Style file

Woven riches Designer duo Swati and Sunaina from Kolkata is working closely with the weavers in Banaras to revive the forgotten designs Navneet Mendiratta

Price for a pure zari Banarasi sari starts at

`2 lakh

I

t was their love for textiles and heritage that brought designers Swati Agarwal and Sunaina Jalan together. The duo set out in search of weavers in Banaras who could revive and recreate the magic of forgotten weave and patterns in precious metal threads and went on to launch their label SNNA. “I come from Dhanbad, where I grew up with a lot of women around me dressed in saris, beautiful ones at that, with a great deal of Bengal influence,” says Swati. “Dressed impeccably, they would take pride in sharing 32 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Swati and Sunaina take a bow with their saris at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016

A piece of history Silk weavers from Gujarat migrated to Kasi in 17th century after a famine in 1603 and by 19th century, the city flourished as the Textile capital.

Development of brocade and zari work in the city saw new heights during Mughal period. www.railbandhu.in

details of the weave and patterns and what made their saris an heirloom piece,” she shares.

But, by the time she started wearing her saris and enjoying the loom, she realised that a lot many weaves that she had seen and patterns she had admired did not exist anymore. They got lost with the loom and the weaver.

So the duo, began its Banaras journey and found master weavers who could recreate those heirloom pieces and went ahead to certify their authenticity. This way, the wearer had it in black and white what was being promised to her. “Though we started out in

Style file

2007, it was only in 2013 that we decided to catalogue and certify our work. We put all the details on the paper — the fabric, the quality and quantity of raw material used, the weight of the sari and all other details about the piece that the owner would want to know and share,” she says.

Also, since their idea was to create something for posterity, they decided to make limited pieces. “We design a sari in only one colour per design and make only 12 saris in one design,” says Swati, sharing what makes their saris exclusive. This also means that a lot of advance planning has to be done so as to minimise overheads. “We have to plan 18 months in advance. So even before we start a line, we have the next one ready as we can’t leave the loom empty even for a day,” she shares.

QUICK TIPS Never spray

perfume on a zari sari

Let it air for the night, before folding it

Do not iron

your sari every time you wear it

Roll it

instead of folding. Use tissue paper to make the roll on

Maintain

a diary listing the occasions you wore the sari for ­— for memories

Like last year, this year too Swati and Sunaina opened the textile show at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016, showcasing a fine

34 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

The very technical traditional weave of Rung-Kat was seen on the ramp along with the glittering pure zari

www.railbandhu.in

selection of muslins woven with the finest hand-spun cotton, along with gossamer Jamdani. The very technical traditional weave of Rung-Kat was seen on the ramp, along with the glittering pure zari, with the amazing Mughal motif.

“We tell all brides to keep at least one good Benarasi in their trousseau and have tried to bring in brighter colours for these women.

And for the women who prefer traditional weaves, we bring a selection of weaves such as Shikargaha, KhimKhwab, Kadhwa, Chaar Taar and Dampach,” she shares. The price starts at `2 lakh onward for pure zari.

cover story

Conscious

Travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

wishlist About time you chose a holiday destination that offers you more in terms of experience. We asked some avid travellers, who like to travel differently, to recommend some great spots

T

Navneet Mendiratta

he Indian traveller has come of age. As against the image of a typical Indian traveller, packing his bags once a year and heading out for a popular destination, he has emerged as a more mature individual who is a conscious traveller, respects nature and would love to go for the offbeat for a good experience â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and yes, happily travel solo.

This Indian traveller is also the one who likes to make the most of long weekends and needs no detailed or lengthy planning before taking off on a one-off adventure. In this issue, instead of listing the usuals, we have put together new travel trends along with a choice of destinations that this mature traveller would love to explore and emerge richer in experience.

Check List Before you set out for a holiday to any off-beat location, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Travel light

Carry only essentials, as per the weather

ID Proof

You would need it for sightseeing & security

Raincoats

It's best to be prepared for a sudden shower

Batteries

Carry for torch, camera, phone etc.

Medicines

Also, skin guard and insect repellent

Good shoes

These are a must for happy feet

cover story

QUICK TIPS Check in homestays. Instead of booking hotels, stay in local homestays to get good homely service and fresh local food. For eg: Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh Volunteering Programmes: Take up volunteering programmes with various organisations in the mountains.

Example: 17,000 ft Foundation, Spiti Ecosphere Local Experience: Culture, food, festivals, getting to know the local community. Buy local savoury instead of your regular chips and packaged munchies. Snack on local fruit varieties.

Ecotourism is all about respecting the local community Tanya Roy

38 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Happy eco trails

For a conscious traveller, it is not about the destination but choosing means of travel.

The next step is to go local — you don’t litter or purchase anything.

“Ecotourism entails traveling without leaving footprint (carbon and plastic), respecting the local community, biodiversity, and engaging in economic transactions directly with locals to empower them,” says Tanya Roy, an excorporate vagabond, who decided to turn a propagator of ecotourism. “A step further is to address environmental issues,” she adds.

Out of the rat race, Roy now runs a travel and inspirational blog called hopelesswanderer. org and takes people on eco tours and treks in the Himalayan Region. “In December 2015, I undertook an unsupported eco trek to Har Ki Doon,” she shares. “I was carrying all that I www.railbandhu.in

needed to survive in my backpack, including a tent and a sleeping bag. I made it through with zero plastic footprint, I could not make it zero carbon footprint as food is cooked on fuel wood in the villages. However, burning dead wood is better than burning fuel, oil or coal as it’s organic,” she says.

For meals, she ate fruits and boiled eggs along dhabas on the trek; carried nuts and other dry fruits to keep her warm and high on calorie intake and did not have to use her tent and sleeping bag as she stayed in village homes with villagers. “I also booked dorms on Garhwal Vikas Nigam website, which are very basic accommodation,” she shares.

Trekking is a great way to explore the beauty of nature and also being an ecotraveler. In India there are many easy, moderate and difficult level treks. We list a few for you:

Bailey's Trail (Sela Pass), Arunachal Pradesh

Baileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trail is a trek that traces the historic route taken by Lt. Col. F M Bailey and Capt. H T Morshed, two British officers who were commissioned to survey the lands between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet during 1911-12. The trek was initially an ancient trade route that connected Burma, India and Tibet. The trek crosses through some pristine remote forests of the Eastern Himalayas, where pine, oak and rhododendrons grow aplenty. The highest point of this trek is Sela Pass at a height of 4,550 metres.

This gorgeous mountain pass connects Tawang to other parts of the country. This is also where, second largest Buddhist monastery of the world is located. Another major attraction of Tawang is the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary which houses thousands of orchid varieties.

How to reach Nearest railway station is Guwahati.

From here, it is a 4-5 hour drive to Tezpur; then, 7-8 hour drive to Dirang and finally, a 30 minute drive to Phudung, the last of the villages before you begin the trek

Lidder Valley trek to Kolahoi Glacier, J&K How to reach The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 198 km from Kheerganga.

From here you can take either a taxi or a bus till Barshaini and trek further up to Kheerganga

This is a classic Kashmir trek that makes for a perfect getaway. Mostly taken as a three to four day trek, the trail follows the course of the Lidder river from the pretty vale of Pahalgam up to the Kolahoi glacier. You drive up to Aru village, before beginning with the real trek up the West Lidder through alpine meadows and then boulders around the Kolahoi massif before arriving at the glacier. Majestic pine trees, wildflower laden meadows, rushing cream blue rivers and snow capped peaks along the route are a treat to your senses.

How to reach There are no train stations in Pahalgam. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is at a distance of 157 kilometre and is well-linked with most of the Indian cities

Kheerganga trek, Himachal Pradesh

Kheerganga is a meadow at 2,960 metres in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district, where Shiva is said to have meditated for 3,000 years. It is also one of the most refreshing treks with beautiful meadows and natural hotwater springs making it worth the effort and the climb. For the trek, you have to reach Barshaini, the last motorable point further up Manikaran, Sikh holy shrine, in Kullu valley.

The trek starts from Pulga, where the construction of the Parvati Hydel Project, a hydroelectric dam, dominates the landscape. The view at the top opens into a flatland with hot springs, Shiva temple and some cafes dotting the landscape.

The hot springs at Kheerganga are extremely important for Hindu and Sikh pilgrims as well as many others who believe the waters have sacred healing properties. www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 39

cover story

Every forest has its own character. Try and bond with the nature Ratna Singh

Jungle book While winter months are preferred by people who love nature and are keen birdwatchers, summer is when most naturalists and wildlife photographers like to capture the animal behaviour.

Ratna Singh, a naturalist, trainer and wildlife hospitality professional, who trained as a wildlife guide with Taj Safaris, says there are several factors to keep into account while choosing a wildlife destination.

“Grasslands dry up and this translates into better visibility,” says Singh. As the weather gets hot and smaller water bodies dry up, the activity shifts to the larger water holes. “Every animal needs a drink, more so a predator,” she reasons, adding that big cats should not be the only reason you visit a jungle. “Every forest has its own character. While visiting, try and bond with the nature. The experience can be really enriching,” she says.

As a naturalist, Singh has scoured the length and breadth of some of the best National Parks in the country. But Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh has particularly left her impressed with its effort (and success) of being able to revive the tiger population. “When I visited Panna in 2008, there was only one tiger. It was poached soon after. In March 2009, 5 to 7 tigers were shifted to this park and today it boasts of over 30 tigers,” she says. We list two National Parks that are open to visitors in the months of summer:

Tiger population in India (in 2016)

2,500

40 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

cover story

How to reach Nearest railway stations for Satpura National Park are: Itarsi, Sohagpur, Pipariya & Hoshangabad

Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Positioned amidst the range of Satpura in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Satpura National Park is a beautiful wildlife habitat that is spread over an area of 524 sq km. Introduced by the popular bird watcher Dr. Salim Ali in 1981, the park was extended to cover an area of 1,427 sq km by adjoining Bori Sanctuary (486 sq km) and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary (417 sq km) in the same year itself, making a unique central Indian highland ecosystem. By 1999, the park was added to Tiger Project Network and became Bodi-Satpura Tiger Reserve. From crocodile sightings to birdwatching; Kayaking, boating to walks and safaris in the core zone, the national park is rich in biodiversity. The presence of rock shelters of ancient period that are embellished with beautiful paintings are a big attraction to those interested in archaeology. A visit to the Bhimbetka caves nearby is a must. Also, it is the only place that has live diamond mines.

How to reach Ramnagar is the nearest railway station to Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This is one of the favourite drive down destinations in the north India. Established in 1936 as India’s first National Park, Corbett National Park takes its name from the legendary tiger hunter Jim Corbett, who put Kumaon on the map with his celebrated book ‘The Maneaters of Kumaon’. Covering an area of more than 1,300 sq km, this terai wildland is home to nearly 200 tigers, about 300 wild elephants, sloth bears, langur monkeys, rhesus macaques, peacocks, otters, gharials and several species of deer among other animals. The varied landscape of the park — ranging from dense vegetation to rolling grasslands — is an added draw.

What not to do in jungle 42 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Avoid loud colours. Wear clothes which will camouflage you.

Did You Know If an elephant's ears are relaxed, he is probably making a mock charge.

If the ears are pinned back flat, it is likely that the charge is real.

Do not swim in unknown places or beaches.

It could be dangerous. www.railbandhu.in

Avoid smoking.

Do not throw lit objects carelessly. This may cause fires.

Don't use radios and transistors sanctuaries.

Do not disturb the peace.

cover story

Road tripping

My way is highway. I love it when I am on the move

QUICK TIPS Make sure your car is in good shape.

Get it serviced before you head out — alignment in place and oil levels checked.

Debarpita Banerjee

This one’s for those who prefer journey over destination. “My way is highway,” announces Debarpita Banerjee, a blogger — thetravelshrink.com — and a corporate rat (as she likes to call herself). “I love it when I am on the move,” she says. “It feels as if I am moving on with life,” she philosophises.

And for someone, who loves to take off at the drop of a hat, she suggests you make sure you have a sturdy vehicle at hand, a good map and dependable partner. “I still don't find it safe driving on Indian highways on my own. God forbid one got stuck in an agitation as the one in Haryana, it would be difficult to get out on one's own,” she shrugs.

44 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Other than that, she believes no other country gives you as much diversity as India.

Only, you must follow the map (the one on paper and the Google map) time to time lest you miss a cut, only to realise your mistake an hour later. “Getting back on track can be quite treacherous,” she says.

Banerjee loves to take her pet along and therefore is on a look out for pet-friendly places. “Times have changed and people today are quite open to taking in guests who are travelling with their pets,” she smiles.

For recommendations, here are some road trips you can do from Delhi: www.railbandhu.in

A good co-traveller could double up as your back up person. Between the two of you, you need someone who understands the machine and handle any emergency.

Always carry a map.

Especially if you have not travelled that way before.

Cross-check on Google maps to ensure that you are on the right track.

cover story

Let us know where you have been travelling Journeys are best remembered through postcards. Next time you travel by a train, take a picture of your journey, destination or anything that catches your eye and send it to us at railbandhu@ maxposure.in or post it on our facebook page.

Wildlife Conservation Centre, Agra

This is where displaced animals, especially elephants and bears find home. A visit and volunteer destination (about 16 before Agra), it makes for an excellent drive on the Agra highway.

So if you are the kind who likes to attach some meaning to your travel, this is the one. Make sure you book with them online before you set out.

Dagshai, Himachal Pradesh

A Cantonment town, Dagshai is quieter and greener than its counterparts such as Kasauli.

Those travelling with pets should book themselves at 18, Charing Cross. It is a quaint cottage, with a sprawling lawn in front and a perfect postcard-blue sky lined with high mountains as its backdrop. You can walk down to the local cemetery and while away time reading the tombstones, or visit the former British jail. Or take a look of the Dagshai Public School and the Army Public School, for which the little town is known. Carry your cricket kit or badminton rackets to enjoy a game or two.

The quiet types, do carry a good book. For a day trip, Kasauli is a good idea. Dagshai is about 297 km from Delhi.

Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

This is another great drive from Delhi ­ 299 km. Surrounded by hills covered â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in trees and shrubs, this lake with nine corners (that's what Naukuchiatal means in local language) offers a great opportunity for angling and bird watching. Activities like paragliding, fishing, rowing, paddling or yachting make the visit to this place even more fun. Naukuchiatal is also famous for the Escape Festival which happens once every year in the month of May.

46 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

cover story

QUICK TIPS

Gems from south India Different from North and East in character, the beauty of South India is unparalleled in many ways. Lush green of coffee estates and spice farms adds to the vastness of its visual panorama. As compared to the northern part of the country, the hill stations here are few and smaller. So often, you find them crowded over any long break or yearly vacation.

“South is also counted as a safer destination for solo woman travellers,” says Malini Gowrishankar, a keen traveller herself

and now a travel professional running a company called F5Escapes, that specialises in all women group experiences and customised Mom and Child trips.

“Summer is time when people like to travel with families. And since it is likely that the whole of south is out exploring, a good idea would be to ensure you have a booking before you set out. Less commercial, these smaller stations are nothing short of hidden gems that would take your breath away,” she says. We list some:

Avoid high tourist season. It is always best to explore low tourist season.

In summer, from March to May, the air is warm and infused with the scent of ripening fruits and the smell of coffee blossoms. You might need a light sweater for the evenings.

Go for hikes and short treks. Treks in south India are easy to moderate as compared to the ones in the Himalayas.

Most homestays have people who can guide you through these.

Smaller stations are nothing short of hidden gems Malini Gowrishankar

Black tea is oxidised for up to

4 hours 48 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Again, book a room in homestay. Google is your best friend here. Put in some research or go with recommendations.

www.railbandhu.in

cover story

How to reach Pollachi and Coimbatore are the nearest railway stations from Valparai.

Coimbatore to Valparai is 105 km

Valparai, Tamil Nadu

Did You Know

It is lush green and covered by tea estates.

Valparai is located above 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is surrounded by The Anamalai Tiger Reserve sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and lies in the Western Ghats south of the Palghat Gap, better known as Anaimalais (Mountain of Elephants).

With a core area of 958 sq km, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna.

Like wines, each tea takes its name from the district in which it's grown, and each district is known for producing tea with unique flavour and character.

How to reach There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Sakleshpur

50 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Sakleshpur, Karnataka

Referred to as ‘poor man’s Ooty’, Sakleshpur is a small town in the Malnad of the Western Ghats. A drive down destination from Bangalore, lofty green hills full of coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations attract a lot of tourists, especially from the south. The Western Ghats, beyond Sakleshpur, throw up many unexplored gems.

A trek along the railway tracks is very popular with the explorers. From temples to waterfalls to green paddy fields to coffee plantations to small streams, you get the opportunity to enjoy nature at its pristine best. www.railbandhu.in

interactive

postcards

Readers write back and share their memories with us Bidyabhusan Panda The picturesque vistas along the Jammu-Katra rail line

Hitesh verma

Overhead water sprinklers provide the passengers relief from heat at Raipur railway station

Let us know where you have been travelling Journeys are best remembered through postcards. Next time you travel by a train, do remember to take a picture of your journey or anything that catches your eye.

We will publish the best entries here.

feedback I read Railbandhu magazine throughout all train journeys that I undertake and love it.

Ashwani Kumar Thakur, via e-mail

Joy Debbarma

Bengaluru station is a good example of Swachh Bharat mission

It's superb.

Keep it up team.

Amit pal, via e-mail

How did you like the magazine? Share your feedback Write to us at

railbandhu@maxposure.in

52 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Join, like and share at

www.facebook.com/railbandhu

www.railbandhu.in

Follows us on

www.twitter.com/Rail_Bandhu

dream scape

Andhraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastoral &

balmy beauty Nestled between the sunlit waters of the Godavari River and dense forested hills of the Eastern Ghats, Dindi reflects a gem-like beauty Chitra Ramaswamy

54 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

(From left) Two bridges over Godavari river — Havelock Bridge on the left and Godavari Arch Bridge on the right; Pedda Gopuram, Palakollu

Festivals of Dindi Pongal

I

’m euphoric as we alight at Vijayawada Junction at 4.45 in the evening, having boarded the Mysore-Howrah Express from Bengaluru at 3.10 in the morning.

I rummage through my treasure chest of memories, of how my siblings and I would look forward to the approach of Vijayawada while travelling from Delhi to Chennai (then Madras) on our annual vacation. We loved to watch a swelling Krishna river and throw coins into it as the train slowly chugged on the bridge over it, and will ourselves to believe the coppers hit the waters.

The festival is signified by a sweet dish of rice, eaten with jaggery, cardamom and cashews, which is offered to ‘Surya’ — the Sun God

Ugadi

Considered as New Year's Day in Andhra culture and also known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra

Ganesh Chaturthi Held in the months of August-September, it is one of the famous festivals in Dindi

Maker Sankranti

It is a celebration of the occasion of the 'ascent' of the Sun to the north

www.railbandhu.in

Vijayawada is our entry point for Palakollu and Dindi, the riverside Andhra Pradesh village which is our holiday destination. We have 10 hours to get our connecting train from here, the Tirupathi-Narsapur Express departing for Palakollu at an unearthly 2.35 am. We book ourselves into a hotel close by and visit the Gandhi Hill, one of Vijayawada’s landmarks.

The station is a beehive of activity as coolies rush into the carriages of trains that have just pulled in. They emerge carrying mountains of baggage on their heads and move across the engulfing tide with deftness that comes with practice, while we dodge the human melee to match their brisk pace.

Sun is yet to make its appearance on the horizon as we reach Palakollu at 5.40 am.

The town is one of the five Pancharamams associated with Andhra Pradesh. Legend has it that when Lord Kartik slayed Tarakasura, the demon, the Shiv Ling in his throat broke and fell in five different spots, giving rise Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 55

dream scape

(From left) Speeding on the Godavari; Adurru Buddhist site near Nagaram, Dindi

Narsapur, the birth place of megastar Chiranjeevi, is one of the few places where fish swim upriver from the sea during the monsoons to lay their eggs

popular things to do 56 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

to the Pancharama Kshetras. We exit the station and hit the road. It is apparent that Telugu-ites are early risers. The streets of Palakollu are already choked with vehicles, forcing their way to the clamour of horns while bullock carts creak beneath mounds of merchandise they carry.

Dindi is completely pastoral, and winsomely so. Nestled between Godavari and the dense forested hills of the Eastern Ghats, it reflects a gem-like beauty and enchants us with its beguiling charm.

A leisurely cruise on the placid Godavari tops our itinerary. Flashes of lively colours flit through the waters as our boat bobs happily on the river. Speed boats leaving frothy trails of water whiz past us and anglers with large nets dot the banks, waiting to make their prized catch. We greedily gulp in mouthfuls of

Birdwatching: The variety of birds found in the region is overwhelming

Cycling: Explore the coconut groves with palm and casuarina trees www.railbandhu.in

virgin air and enjoy the ceaseless symphony of the Godavari.

The Chinchinada Bridge at Dindi looms grandly over us as we navigate the Godavari.

Interestingly, where the bridge makes its gentle descent to merge with the highway, fisherwomen beckon passersby with their Piscean catch, especially the prized pulasa, or hilsa of Bengal. We strike conversation with one of them who tells us that Narsapur, the birth place of megastar Chiranjeevi, born Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, is one of the few places where the creatures swim upriver from the sea during the monsoons to lay their eggs. Following some bargaining, fish lovers walk away with the tora, roop sanduva and tilawati, a carp species perhaps.

While we are in Dindi, we visit several places that are within a radius of 60 km from it,

Camping: Sleeping under the crystal clear skies can really be a treat

Cruising: Ideal way to meander into the intriguing backwaters

80

km

away from Dindi, is Kotilingeshwara Temple.

Constructed in the 10th century AD, it is one of the oldest and most renowned temples of Rajahmundry

Bhimavaram (38 km) is known for its Somarama Temple, a Lord Shiva Temple and one of the 5 Pancharama Temples Kakinada, 93 km from Dindi is a natural harbour and one of the major ports in India.

Pithapuram and Draksharamam are two pilgrimage centres here

Nestled along the banks of the river Godavari, the ISKCON Temple of Rajahmundry is also worth a visit

Best time to visit

The monsoon season, from June to September, bestows its own charm upon the lush green virgin lands of Dindi

Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple, Penugonda

most of them temples â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Penugonda, Ryali, Narsapur, among others. We drive between endless acres of lush green fields juxtaposing coconut and banana groves. Colossal palm trees add to the verdure, giving rise to one long green tunnel.

Antarvedi, a small village situated at the confluence of Vasisht and the Bay of Bengal, entices us with its ancient monuments and beach. We visit the ancient temples of Lakshmi Narasimha, Vasishta Sevashram and, the Neelakanteshwara Shivalayam, supposedly established by Brahma himself.

The Buddhist Site at Adurru and Draksharamam are also on our itinerary. The well-manicured lawns at Adurru throw up ruins of what was once a thriving Buddhist area. The half-broken stupa at the centre bears testimony to this. We make a slight digression on our way to Draksharamam, to visit the 2,000-year old Siddhi Vinayak Temple at Ainavalli. It is lunch time as we pay our obeisance to the various deities. With much gusto, we experience the culinary authenticity of Andhra as we partake of simple meals here.

Our visit to Narsapur is particularly interesting. We ferry across a narrow www.railbandhu.in

How to reach Palakollu is the nearest railway station to Dindi at around 15 km.

The station of Rajahmundry lies around 90 km away from Dindi. You can reach both these stations via Hyderabad station â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the main connecting point for the state.

waterway to reach the town, famed for lace and two ancient temples. At the entrance to the Adi Kesava Emberuman Temple, a replica of the Ramanuja Temple at Sriperumbudur, Chennai, we meet a local school teacher who highlights features of the ancient shrine and suggests we visit the Lakshmaneshwar Temple. A unique aspect of the linga here is its white colour, claimed to have been installed

by Lakshman of the epic Ramayana.

The tower of Kanyaka Paremeshwari Temple at Penugonda is a sculptural beauty while the Kesava Jaganmohini idol in Ryali is unique in that it has a self-manifested idol of Vishnu on the front and Mohini on the observe! We wind up our holiday with a visit to Dwaraka Tirumala, a splendid Tirupathi-look-alike with its all-powerful Balaji.

As dusk drapes its veil over Dindi, the region is impregnated with silence. The placid flow of the Godavari and the gusty breeze are harmonious with the gibbous moon which is playing peek-a-boo with the translucent clouds. We are lulled to blissful sleep with images of scenic vistas of Dindi and the friendly villagers of Andhra who endear themselves to us with their warm disposition.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 57

in focus

Advancing sustainable

Hydropower

K.M. Singh, CMD, NHPC

N

HPC Limited was incorporated in year 1975. Since its inception NHPC has been the flag bearer of hydropower development in the country and today is the largest hydropower utility in India. NHPC has always been committed to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of hydropower in all its aspects.

NHPC is a multi-disciplinary organization having expertise and state-of-the-art technology for investigation, planning, designing and executing hydropower projects. The technical & engineering proficiency and experience of NHPC places it in a leading position in the field of hydropower development.

NHPC contributes around 15% of total hydropower installed capacity in India.

Today, NHPC has installed capacity of 5067 MW on standalone basis and through its subsidiary NHDC, a joint venture company with Government of Madhya Pradesh, NHPC further contributes 1520 MW of capacity to the nation’s hydro kitty.

58 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

45 MW Nimoo Bazgo Power Station (Jammu & Kashmir)-Dam

The average annual profit of NHPC for last 5 years is more than `2000 crore and average annual capex of the company during this period was in excess of `3200 crore.

NHPC has excellent operating margin of more than 60%. NHPC is a BSE & NSE listed company and has not taken equity support from Government since 2007-08.

NHPC follows “Employee Empowerment” approach to leverage the potential of its employees.

CAPACITY ADDITION PROGRAMME Four hydropower projects with total installed capacity of 3290 MW are under construction and a wind power project of 50 MW in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is also nearing completion. NHPC has already added 1292 MW capacity in XIIth plan and by the end of the current plan, the corporation is expecting to add another 410 MW of installed capacity by commissioning balance 2 units of TLDP-IV alongwith Kishanganga Project (330 MW). Also, 100 MW each is expected to be added from Wind and Solar Power Projects.

www.railbandhu.in

NHPC is in process of signing a JV Agreement with Druk Green Power Corporation, Bhutan for development of 770 MW Chamkharchhu–I Project in Bhutan. Another MoU has been signed with Govt. of West Bengal and West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited for development of four hydro projects

As per the unaudited financial results for the nine months of FY 2015-16, NHPC has earned net profit of `2336 crore as against `1480 crore earned during corresponding period of the previous financial year, thereby registering an increase of 58%. The Company has declared highest ever interim dividend of `0.92 per equity share for the financial year 2015-16

with total capacity of 293 MW by NHPC on Build, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) basis. MoU has also been signed with Solar Energy Corporation of India for development of 250 MW Grid connected Solar Power Projects.

NHPC alongwith JKSPDC and PTC has formed a JV Company, CVPPP Ltd., for implementation of Pakal Dul, Kiru & Kwar Projects in Chenab River Basin with total installed capacity of 2164 MW.

POWER GENERATION Generation from NHPC Power Stations is showing steady growth. NHPC Power Stations generated 23385 MUs in FY 2015-16 against MoU target of 22000 MUs. Cumulative PAF of NHPC Power Stations during FY 2015-16 was 81.6 %.

GLOBAL VENTURES & NETWORK NHPC has spread its foot print in international arena also. Some of the important overseas assignments include DPR for Chamkharchhu–I Project (770 MW) alongwith PFR for Kuri Gongri Basin Projects for Royal Govt. of Bhutan and Govt. of India, design & engineering consultancy services to Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority for implementation of Mangdechhu Project (720 MW), Bhutan, additional investigations and updating DPRs of 1200 MW Tamanthi and 880 MW Shwezaye Projects in Myanmar, RMU works at Varzob Project, Tajikistan, technical due diligence study of Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, Nigeria for M/s Dangote Industries Limited and management consultancy services to Ethiopia Electric Power Company (EEPCo), Ethiopia.

Achievements Operational NHPC successfully generated 7% more power than the target for the year 2015-16. (Target Generation - 22000 MU Actual Generation - 23385 MU).

Versatility NHPC, maintaining its lead position in hydropower sector is poised for efficient development of power in all its aspect through conventional and non-conventional sources of energy in India and abroad.

A JV company, Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited, has been promoted for harnessing Solar Power in Uttar Pradesh. A tripartite agreement has been signed between NHPC, Bihar State Power Generation Company (BSPGCL) & Pirpainti Bijlee Company Pvt. Ltd. for development of 2 x 660 MW Pirpainti Thermal Power Project, District Bhagalpur, Bihar in JV (NHPC-74%, BSPGCL-26%) with BSPGCL. NHPC has also signed an agreement with Teesta Urja Limited for providing consultancy services for Project Construction Management for 1200 MW Teesta-III Project.

CARING FOR ENVIRONMENT As an environmentally conscious company, NHPC undertakes Environment Management Plans in all its projects besides carrying out measures as voluntary afforestation, herbal

park development etc. It has formulated its own Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Policy towards implementation, monitoring, conflict resolution and grievance redressal of all R&R matters. However, with the enactment of new Land Acquisition and R&R Act i.e. “The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013”, the land acquisition and R&R aspects shall be governed by this new Act.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES (CSR & SD) NHPC has always been a socially conscious organization and it is proactive towards uplifting life of community in and around its Projects / Power Stations / Units and has undertaken a number of CSR initiatives.

Under Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, NHPC constructed more than 7000 toilets in Govt. schools in 8 States. During the financial year 2015-16, NHPC invested more than `72 Crore towards CSR initiatives.

NHPC is laying emphasis on using sustainable, renewable resources of power generation to meet the increasing demand for energy. Hydropower is the best & dependable renewable energy technology which is presently commercially viable on a large scale.

EXPANDING HORIZON In order to avail maximum opportunities in power sector as well as for diversifying its business portfolio NHPC has also ventured into solar, wind and thermal sector.

NHPC is setting up 50 MW wind power project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on turnkey basis, which is likely to be commissioned shortly. MoU has also been signed with Govt. of Kerala for development of grid interactive wind power project in Palakkad district with a potential of 82 MW. A 50 MW Solar Power Project in Tamil Nadu has also been awarded.

120 MW Sewa - II Power Station (Jammu & Kashmir)-Power House

www.railbandhu.in

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 59

City beat

Charming lanes of

walled city Old Delhi never ceases to impress. Be it the history, architecture or food, every street and corner is full of flavours Text and photos: Garima Verma

M

y earliest memory of Old Delhi draws me back to the serpentine lanes and bylanes of Chandni Chowk, when I used to accompany my father to Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, bargaining my way through workers rushing with goods on heads or carts. The rhythm in the chaos presented a completely different world. It was a world that was madding yet enriching.

I would try to guess the aroma of individual spices — the clove, cardamom or cinnamon — in that highly fragrant air, the limited knowledge of spices

60 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

making the place a realtime school and I was often left dumbfounded at a shop. There was always a spice or two that I had never seen before. It was there I was introduced to star anise.

Then there was a saffron seller, to reach whose shop we had to climb two levels of steep stairs.

And once the family at the first floor had quizzed us to their heart’s content, we would be allowed to wait for the seller in his room. The sheer process of watching him unlock a huge safe with a number of keys, take out small plastic containers filled with saffron from around the world, sitting wrapped in

www.railbandhu.in

(Clockwise from far left) Ghalib’s haveli; Gali Qasim Jan where the haveli is; Display at Shyam Sweets.

(Below) Chawri Bazaar lane.

(Facing page) A tea vendor in Old Delhi using a batteryoperated fan for the coal stove.

Right mix of untouched old and new doesn’t let Old Delhi lose its charm cotton beds, would make me feel as if we were characters from a fictional world of secrets and unknown places.

Wiser, I would then follow my father out of Khari Baoli as I knew next up were treats unmatched. Looking back, these were trips that introduced me to Natraj ke dahi bade, Chawri Bazaar ki chaat, Nai Sarak ki kachori, Fatehpuri ki kulfi and a lot more appetising delights. We would relish these delicacies there and get them all packed for home too!

Even today, these memories make me think of Old Delhi as a place for explorers and not a chaotic setup many dread about. Recently, I was tempted to go down the memory lane once again. The plan this time was to not only relish the delicacies that were a part of my growing-up years but also pay a visit to Mirza Ghalib’s haveli and spend some hours wandering in the those lanes, soaking in nostalgia.

Right from the moment I stepped into Chawri Bazaar, the aromas of various foods tingled my senses and the sights and sounds of people going about their chores had me hooked. A chaiwalla making masala tea atop his jugaad coal stoves to the walk through the rooms

Ghalib ki Gali

You can almost imagine the Delhi of Ghalib in his ghazal: Ballimaraan ke mahalle ki wo pecheeda daleelon ki si wo galiyan, Saamne taal ke nukkad pe batero ke qaseede, Gurhgurhati hui paan ki peekon mein wo daad wo wah-wah, Chand darwaaze par latke huye boshida se kuch taat ke parde, ek bakri ke mamiyaane ki awaaz, Aur dhoondhlayi hui shaam ke be-noor andhere, Aise deewaron se moonh jor kar chalte hai yahan, Churi-waalan ke katri ki bari bee jaise, Apni bujhti hui aankhon se darwaaze tatole, Isee be-noor andheri see gali qaasim se, Ek tarteeb charaghon ki shuru hoti hai, Ek quran-e-sukhan ka safa khulta hai, Asadullah Khan ‘Ghalib’ ka pata milta hai.

www.railbandhu.in

where Ghalib spent last days of his life, Old Delhi had worked its magic again. It is always that right mix of untouched old and new that doesn’t let this place lose its enchantment.

Though Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, famously know as Mirza Ghalib, was born in Agra in 1797, it was Delhi that saw the best of him after he moved here. His residence in Gali Qasim Jan, Balli Maran, is a heritage site not only for archaeologists but also a pilgrimage for his fans. The Mughal era look of the place, with bricks, sandstones and a huge wooden gate, Ghalib’s couplets and literature for the company, is a perfect way to end a day in Old Delhi.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 61

City beat

in the paradise of food Old Delhi can spoil you to the hilt with its irresistible delicacies.

Here’s what all the foodies yearn and return for Gobhi samosa, matar kachori, Chawri Bazaar Slowly and steadily reaching its century, Shyam Sweets can make you a regular with its bedmi poori (made of flour and urad daal) and aloo ki sabzi, available only till 1.

I, however, was absolutely sold out on their gobhi samosa and all-time favourite matar kachori. A quick chat with co-owner Sanjay Aggarwal made me put bhindi and raw banana samosa on my list for my next trip.

Their rabdi is also lip-smacking; I overheard someone pay a compliment, “Dhampur bhi fail hai. (This even beats Dhampur’s sugar.)”

Chaat, Chowk Hauz Qazi, Chawri Bazaar corner Ashok Chat Corner has been satiating chaat-lovers’ hunger and souls since Independence.

More than 70 years old, the place enjoys such a large fan following that should you reach a little late into the evening, you might not get everything on the menu. Be it their papdi chaat (my favourite), with its topping of saunth and slivers of kachaloo, or crunchy golgappas, aaloo masala, kalmi bada and chaat gujjiya, this is your heaven for everything chaat and spicy. If that already has your mouth watering, there’s more on the menu.

Naan khatai, Balli Maran While walking through Balli Maran towards Gali Qasim Jan, for Ghalib’s Haveli, expect your nose and tastebuds to be suddenly tempted with the aroma of freshly-baked goods. As you follow the smell trail, you would find yourself at this cart selling home-made cookies. These melt-in-mouth, bakedto-perfection naan khatai can transport you to your childhood in a flash.

62 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Dahi badA, Natraj, near Bhati Mati Das Chowk There are dahi badas and then there is Natraj ka dahi bada. Started in 1940, this small shop at the corner of the lane that takes you to the metro station is always full of customers. The bada made of coarsely-ground batter, thick fresh dahi topped with sweet and sour chutney and a Natraj-special masala is supremely filling and refreshing.

www.railbandhu.in

Paneer tikka, Nai Sarak Old Delhi can make you succumb to its flavours even on a full stomach. Just as I decided to call it a day after having had my fill of food, I saw this vendor making paneer tikka on his coal grill. Even if you could ignore the aroma, the visual delight and colours would make the foodie in you give in to the temptation.

Glamming up models for the catwalk

For Franchise/ Partner Queries,

please contact franchise@monsoonsalon.com

Look

stylish Ambar Pariddi Sahai, Mynah Reynu Tandon, Valliyan, Vasundhara, Mandira, Niki Mahajan, Joy Mitra, Rina Dhaka for AIFWAW2016.

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved salon & spa chain

Successfully participated in the last 7 editions of India Fashion Week

Like us on

/monsoonsalon

Redefining

fashion

Call Toll Free: 1800-103-2665

1800-103-BooK

Delhi: Greater Kailash-II, South Extension-II, Connaught Place, Rajouri Garden, Punjabi Bagh (W), Dwarka, Vasant Kunj - Ambience Mall GurGaon: Ambience Mall

w w w. m o n s o o n s a l o n . c o m / f r a n c h i s e

Trivia

tale spin

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing was the initiative of Founder & Director, Rachel Bracken Singh and her husband Pritam Singh.

Pritamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, John Singh, purchased the dilapidated Chanwar Palki-walon ki Haveli mansion in the late 1970s and began a 3-year renovation project in 1989.

Anokhi Museum opened in

2005

Imprints of

culture Anokhi Museum in Jaipur takes you on a vivid journey of hand printing and its history, inside a beautiful haveli

Printing on textiles by means of wooden blocks incised with a pattern is the earliest,

Gopika Nath

66 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

P

lanning a trip to the Anokhi Museum of hand-block printing, near Jaipur, I found myself reminiscing about a visit to Sanganer in 1975. I had picked up a typical Sanganeri block-printed, muted red fabric with small booties. It was sewn into a salwar-kameez. With spaciously repeated motifs, in mehndi-green and off-white with black outline, it was a favourite throughout my college-going years.

www.railbandhu.in

Traditionally, the printing community comprises the printers, dyers, and washermen simplest and slowest of all textile printing methods. Block printing is de rigueur for every student of textile design in India, and I was no exception. We would buy carved blocks from Karol Bagh’s Gaffar Market, for college assignments. Later, I used these professionally too. Carved to my specification by blockmakers in Khizarabad near Friends Colony, the blocks were printed, in my studio, by a local chippa, to complement my free-style handpainted saris.

I’d heard about the museum when it opened in 2005, but didn’t get a chance to visit it.

Recently, when I was in Jaipur, I headed purposefully to Kheri Gate, of the famed Amber Fort, to see this museum, housed in a Kacchwa Rajput, ‘Chanwar Palki-walon ki Haveli’. In ruins when bought by John Singh in the 1970s, this haveli was meticulously restored using traditional methods. To achieve the façade’s distinctive colour is a painstaking process, detailed on the museum’s blog.

Lovingly restored, this haveli now houses fabrics and facets of hand-block printing, as practised across the country.

To get to Kheri Gate where the museum is located, one passes the imposing Amber Fort atop the Cheel ka Teela, rising high above the Maota Lake. Driving past expansive ramparts, in pale pink and yellow sandstone, tucked away on the right-side wall of Kheri Gate, the museum is a quiet haveli in an otherwise busy tourist resort.

Walking through the seven galleries of the museum, all my senses were piqued and satiated. Through elaborate arches, narrow and steep stairwells, alongside painted walls with jharokhas and jaalis I ambled. Immersed in the nostalgia of the haveli, I imagined the zenana (women), looking through the lattice windows, the all male-gatherings in the courtyard below and also discovered the merits of a unique door-locking system, as I wrestled with the heavy wooden doors in the washroom. It was not just about hand-block printing, this visit was an experience in itself.

The history of block printing is replete with stories and varying facts that tell us it was an ancient art, which is still practised in India. Traditionally, the printing community

The haveli’s preservation project earned a UNESCO award for ‘Cultural Heritage Conservation’ in 2000 www.railbandhu.in

Blocks of Information

The extensive Anokhi Archives also provide a rich repository of clothing and home furnishings dating from the early 1960s to present.

The highlight of any visit is watching daily block printing and block carving demonstrations.

Visitors also get an opportunity to interact with artisans.

The earliest woodblock printed fragments to survive are from China and of silk printed with flowers in three colours from the Han Dynasty (before AD 220).

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 67

tale spin

The museum focuses on contemporary fabric ranging from innovative designs to traditional outfits still worn

The history of block printing is replete with stories and varying facts that tell us it was an ancient art comprises chippas or printers, rangrez — the dyers and the dhobis or washermen. Bagru, Balotra, Bagh, Naliya and Ajrakh printing and patterns along with the work done in Sanganer and Farrukhabad are all featured in the museum, with numerous patterned fabrics, and garments made out of them. The implements for block-making and printing also find pride of place alongside the various stages of a complex art like Ajrakh. Local lore says it draws its name from the ‘Aaj Rakh’ of a laborious process, but the museum publications point to ‘azrak’ — blue for Indigo in Arabic. The varying prints — motifs inspired by daily life, can be read as a unique language of colour and pattern, each region with its own. Rivers, with their mineral rich banks vital for successful printing — the Sanjaria for Bagru, the now dry Luni where the 19 patterns of Balotra were printed in the Jodhpur region 68 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

as well as the Baghini in Madhya Pradesh, were part of the unfolding narrative, alongside Bandhini replicas created through the nailimpressions of Naliya. Also displayed were a range of natural and chemical processes including Dabu — mud-resist printing and gold and silver Khari printing.

technique behind wood block The wood block is carefully prepared as a relief pattern, which means the areas to show ‘white’ are cut away with a knife, chisel, or sandpaper leaving the characters or image to show in ‘black’ at the original surface level. It is necessary only to ink the block and bring it into firm and even contact with the paper or cloth to achieve an acceptable print. www.railbandhu.in

On the rooftop, chippas Iqbal Mohhamed and Saleem Khan were busy printing. In another corner, Mujeeb Ulla Khan, a blockmaker, demonstrated his craft. Sitting amidst a variety of intricately-carved blocks, he mentioned early mistakes and a rap from his Ustad. His kalam never still, he chiselled as he patiently answered all questions.

When I emerged from the museum after three hours, Raja, the young taxi driver, asked with utmost curiosity what on earth I'd done inside the haveli for all this time. I wonder if he would have understood the romance of fabric and history that grips like a bestseller — for that is the story of hand-block printing as it unfolds through the rooms and walls of the haveli. ­— The author is a textile artist, art critic and a blogger based out of Gurgaon

in Focus

B-School

survey in india To be able to cut through the clutter and identify â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;top B-Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, it is necessary that one understands the key parametres which help in evaluating and differentiating between various B-Schools

70 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

Top 5 B-schools in india

India is home to over 3,300 institutions (nearly 90 per cent are MBA schools and the rest are PGDM) and most of them are departments situated within engineering colleges and affiliated to respective technical universities. While the PGDM schools are much smaller in number (around 300), quite a few of them offer high value programmes and their autonomy enables them to be very responsive to the changing needs of industry and academia.

The list of top B-Schools is a valuable guide that helps students pick their set of B-Schools to apply to. There are no surprises, however, when it comes to the top 5 in the country as the rankings here remain more or less constant with little changing among the top busin­ess schools.

Institute’s Name

Placement

A large number of B-Schools boast of a 100 per cent placement record. However, with management institutes mushrooming all over the country, a prospective student should not take these claims at face value, and should scrutinise them closely.

Some schools cleverly maintain the record by ‘requesting some students to opt out of placement process’. It requires a fair amount of due diligence before one can come to drawing conclusions about the status of placements. Most students, in the excitement of high salaries, miss the average number of offers that each student receives in a particular school. This parametre is important as it indicates the amount of choice that a student has in terms of jobs across companies on offer.

Location

Rank

Institute’s Name

Location

Indian Institute of Management

Bengaluru

1

Amity Business School

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

2

Indian Institute of Management

Ahmedabad

Balaji Institute of Management & Human Resource Development

Pune, Maharashtra

Indian Institute of Management

Kolkata

3

Balaji Institute of International Business

Pune, Maharashtra

XLRI - Xavier School of Management

Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

4

Prestige Institute of Management & Research

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

SPJIMR (S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

5

Jagannath International Management School

Kalkaji, New Delhi

Weightage Student

The students’ ranking is based on the total strength of students in a college. Foreign students and students with work experience admitted in the institute positively impacted the ranking.

Placemen

t

Infrastru Student

cture

Faculty

Infrastructure The percentage of infrastructure is based on facilities available in a college per student, including modern amenities, access to technology, recreational activities, labs, libraries etc.

faculty

The faculty percentage is based on the teacherstudent ratio, education/expertise of faculty members etc. The presence of PhD faculty in B-School worked as an additional feature and helped in better ranking.

Placement

0.10%

0.25%

www.railbandhu.in

0.25%

0.40%

This ranking is based on maximum and minimum salary, placement percentage, average salary and difference between the salaries.

Placements in other countries have won a better ranking.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 71

in Focus

Faculty

The quality of the inputs one gets at a B-School is to a large extent driven by the quality of its faculty. All top B-Schools make significant investments to attract and retain a top-notch faculty team and this is what sets them apart from the competition. Most of them boast of a judicious mix of full and part-time faculty members.

The full-time faculty team provides the continuity and monitoring that is needed over the two-year period, apart from providing any handholding required by students. The part-time faculty team, on the other hand, gives students the much-needed external exposure, especially in terms of contacts with industry and access to real time projects.

STUDENT

The quality of students on campus makes a huge difference on account of the interaction that students have with their peers. A significant proportion of the learning at any good B-School happens outside class and a fairly significant part of this comes from peer learning.

A great deal of learning happens through group activities such as assignments and projects. Hence, better the peers, richer the learning experience. The quality of the selection process (in terms of the percentile/cut off in the written exam, the rigorousness of the GD/essay-writing/interview, profile of the students, etc.) adopted by the institute gives an idea about the quality of the students it admits.

72 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

Rank

Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name

Location

1

Institute of Management Studies

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

2

Warangal Institute of Management

Warangal, Telangana

3

School of Business, Galgotias University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

4

Institute of Business Management and Research

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

5

School of Business Studies, Sharda University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Rank

Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name

Location

1

Amity Business School

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

2

School of Business Studies, Sharda University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

3

Jagan Institute of Management Studies

Rohini, Delhi

4

Institute of Management Studies

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

5

Jagannath International Management School

Kalkaji, New Delhi

www.railbandhu.in

100%

in Focus

INFRASTRUCTURE

In this age, one of the important things required for any B-School to function satisfactorily and produce highly competitive professionals is the availability of necessary infrastructure in terms of a state-of-the-art computer lab, high-speed internet connectivity, well-stocked library with subscriptions to management journals, and classrooms furnished with audio-visual aids. Any institute that does not have these facilities cannot be called a top-class. The fully residential programme of the top B-Schools fosters all-round development as the period of interaction with peers and faculty is just not restricted to the class but is an ongoing 24x7 process where the scope to learn is endless.

Rank

Instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name

Location

1

Balaji Institute of International Business

Pune, Maharashtra

2

Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies

Ernakulam, Kerala

3

School of Business, Galgotias Greater Noida, Uttar University Pradesh

4

School of Business Studies, Sharda University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

5

Jagan Institute of Management Studies

Rohini, New Delhi

A-1 B-Schools/Colleges Amity Business School

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Balaji Institute of Management & Human Resource Development

Pune, Maharashtra

Jagan Institute of Management Studies

Rohini, New Delhi

Prestige Institute of Management & Research

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

School of Business Studies, Sharda University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

74 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

in Focus

A-2 B-Schools/Colleges Accurate Institute of Management & Technology

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Balaji Institute of International Business

Pune, Maharashtra

Faculty of Management Studies

Faridabad, Haryana

Institute of Management Studies

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Institute of Rural Management

Jaipur, Rajasthan A-3 B-Schools/Colleges

ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Indus Bussiness Academy

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Jagannath International Management School

Kalkaji, New Delhi

Institute of Public Enterprise

Hyderabad, Telangana

Rajagiri Centre For Business Studies

Ernakulam, Kerala

Warangal Institute of Management

Warangal, Telangana A-4 B-Schools/Colleges

Department of MBA, KIET Group of Institutions

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Institute of Business Management and Research

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Jaipuria Institute of Management

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

School of Business, Galgotias University

Greater Noida Uttar Pradesh

Tulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute (The Engineering & Management College)

Dehradun, Uttarakhand A-5 B-Schools/Colleges

Dr V.N. Bedekar Institute of Management Studies

Thane, Maharashtra

Department of Management, IIMT College of Engineering

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Jaipuria School of Business

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

International Institute of Management Studies

Pune, Maharashtra

Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Management

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Teerthanker Mahaveer Institute of Management and Technology

Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

A-6 B-Schools/Colleges Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies

Mumbai, Maharashtra

MEASI Institute of Management

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Patel Group of Institutions

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Sinhgad Business School

Pune, Maharashtra

School of Business Studies

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Vishwakarma Institute of Management

Pune, Maharashtra

Disclaimer: Apart from the list of top five colleges, the results are based on form submission and on the survey conducted by Global Survey, on behalf of Rail Bandhu

76 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

non-traditional travel AirAsia India offering connectivity across India with low fares

A

irAsia (India) Ltd is a joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd & AirAsia, with AirAsia Investment Ltd holding 49%, Tata Sons Ltd holding 49% and Mr. S. Ramadorai (Chairman) and Mr. R. Venkataramanan, two Directors of the Company in their individual capacity holding 0.5% and 1.5% shareholding respectively in the airline. AirAsia submitted an application to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) of India in February 2013 and received a formal approval in April 2013, followed by the No Objection Certificate (NOC) in September 2013 and Air Operating Permit (AOP) in May 2014.

AirAsia India commenced operations on June 12, 2014, and now offers 12 routes in India, connecting 10 destinations including major cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru.

AirAsia has always focused on nontraditional destinations that will not only allow overseas travelers to soak in India’s

many charms, but also let Indian citizens explore areas that they have yet to experience.

AirAsia India has flown over 2 million passengers till date.

Going beyond offering extremely affordable and low fares, AirAsia India has an array of products & services under its kitty. AirAsia has just launched a brand new menu for the holiday travelers to enjoy, with dishes like the authentic rajma and rice, Andhra chicken fry, palak pulao and many more. A variety of ice creams have also been picked for the summer. Guests can avail great pre-

book prices when they pre-order their meals on www.airasia.com.

Talking about the ancillary services, AirAsia’s ‘Red Carpet’ service, allows guests to experience a true VIP treatment.

Also ‘BIG’ which is AirAsia’s own loyalty programme, rewards guests with special privileges. The all new mobile app of AirAsia offers a lot of interesting features, smoother functionality and an improved interface — all geared towards providing guests with a greater flying experience.

Keep updated with AirAsia via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaIndia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaIndia).

game plan

Block these may dates Ngolo Kante (4th from left) has been instrumental in Leicester City’s campaign

To the finishing line It is that time of the year when all the football fans across the globe ready themselves for season finale — ­ celebrations and heartbreaks

T

78 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

5

Europa League semifinals

14

Final day of Bundesliga

15

English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A end

Garima Verma

he Cinderella story of Leicester City in English Premier League has not only reimposed everyone’s faith in fairytales but also made all fall in love with an otherwise feared unpredictability of life. From making a comeback into the top league in 2014 after a decade of being away, surviving the relegation the same season to making the power balance of the football world tip in their favour this season, the Foxes have actually shown that the meat belongs to them too.

3-4

Champions League semifinals

The intentions were spelt clear when in November they held the first giant, Manchester United, 1-1, perhaps playing their part in the Red Devils’ value on the stock market going down by over £400 million during the course of the season. December was the time for showing some more teeth; Leicester ruled at home by stumping Chelsea 2-1 and holding Manchester City goalless. The following months saw hosts Tottenham Spurs losing the battle 0-1 to Leicester, Claudio Ranieri’s men beating Liverpool 2-0 and Manchester www.railbandhu.in

18

Europa League final

21

FA Cup Final

28

Champions League final

Ronaldo (right) could play a pivotal role in Real Madrid beating Barcelona in La Liga title chase

City going down to them 1-3 at home. Such has been Leicester’s hold on the English fields this season that they saw their three players — Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kanté getting nominated for PFA Players’ Player of the Year. Eight times in the previous 11 seasons the Players’ Player of the Year has played for Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool. This time, none got any representation. And, if the new contenders can keep their game kicking they might not only be giving their fans their first ever EPL title but also make this May 15, the final day of the league, a date for history — the day the traditional empires raised toast to the new knights, graciously or otherwise.

In the other parts of planet football, however, sanity prevailed with established names not falling prey to the underdogs’ grit. In Spain, La Liga didn’t see many challenges to the trophy, with Real Madrid, defending champions Barcelona and Atletico Madrid keeping the race limited to themselves. With Atletico having shown the 2014-15 champs Barcelona the door in the Champions League quarterfinals, the general opinion tilted towards the Catalans set to use all their might to secure the Spanish title. While many might have heaved a sigh of relief to see the back of a pretentious Sergio Busquets and a volatile Luis Suarez in the UEFA tournament, the duo may still end up having the last laugh. More so when their two competitors would be spending a fair share

indian football: fighting for fans Indian football recently found its biggest ambassador in the country in PM Narendra Modi. As he urged all to promote the game, with the landmark 2017 under-17 World Cup fast approaching us as hosts, the action in the I-League helped in building the excitement by keeping it open till the end.

Bengaluru FC, after stunning all by winning the league on their very first appearance in 2013-14, didn’t give in to the last-moment panic and survived the pressure from the Kolkatan giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, for their second title. Boasting of India captain Sunil Chhetri in their squad, the outfit once again successfully challenged the traditional power centres – Goa and Kolkata. From the nine editions of

the I-League, starting from 2007-08, six have been won by the Goan clubs, one by Bagan and the remaining two by Bengaluru FC. Despite the league dishing out good competition, the lowly FIFA ranking of India, having plummeted to 160 this April, doesn’t help the game’s cause. Even the hardcore football lovers then focus on European leagues which feature World Cup stars.

“I see that our youth is enjoying football like EPL. It is important to take football to every village and FIFA U-17 is a great opportunity to instil our youth with passion of football.

I would like every youth of India to become ambassador of the U-17 World Cup,” Modi said in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio programme.

The Government’s endeavours for the U-17 World Cup could help in bringing the crowd back to the football stadia. If that happens we might finally be moving away from our superficial love for the game, that finds solace in brandishing international clubs’ jerseys but returns a nonchalant look when it comes to our own tournaments, howsoever unmatched they may be.

Bengaluru FC’s Thoi Singh (12) tries to get past Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte of Punebased DSK Shivajians

game plan

of their energy in the quest for Champions League; Bayern Munich and Manchester City forming the semifinals’ quartet.

Equally conventional was the story elsewhere. Though Italy failed to get any team beyond the round of 16 in the Champions League, its Serie A didn’t throw up any surprise in the form of an unknown challenger. It were the ‘been there, done that’ Juventus, Roma, Napoli and both the Milan sides which fought for the throne and Juve held their nerves well to retain their fifth straight Serie A title. In Germany, Bundesliga could not even develop into a threeway fight. Apart from Borussia

Fun FACTS In 1978, Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson was fired for swearing at a woman.

Neil Armstrong originally wanted to take a football to the moon but NASA deemed it to be un-American.

Greenland can’t join FIFA because not enough grass grows there for a football field.

Dortmund, none of the other teams could even harbour the sweet dream of winning the league let alone pose a threat to Bayern which look set to make it their fourth title in a row and 25th overall.

With Real, Atletico and Bayern in race for their home league titles as well, their presence in the Champions League makes the contest all the more intense. While for Manchester City the European title would mean a season salvaged, for the other three, lifting the coveted trophy in Milan on May 28 could either be celebrations multiplied or the much-needed heartbreak balm in case the home one slips through.

Bundesliga players have voted Manuel Neuer as the best goalkeeper for the season

1

Which are the 8 English towns or cities that could host league derby matches (assuming both teams were in the same division)?

2

Who scored the last penalty in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions league title win? Who were the opponents?

3

Who is the only player to win back-to-back trebles (domestic title, domestic cup and Champions League) in European club football?

4

Who is the only manager to have managed teams in all three UEFA club competition finals (Champions League, UEFA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup), without winning any of them?

5

Which country calls football ‘calcio’?

We will publish the names of the first five who give all correct answers. So, hurry, and mail us at railbandhu@ maxposure.in or post your replies on our facebook page

Answers to april 2016 issue quiz: 1. B oris Becker was the youngest male player to win the Wimbledon. He was 17 when he won in 1985.

2. Two players have won a Grand Slam singles title after receiving a wild-card entry: Goran Ivanisevic, Wimbledon, 1996 & Kim Clijsters, US Open, 2009.

3. Martina Navratilova holds the record for the longest match winning streak during the open era (all surfaces); 74 matches in 1984.

4. S erena Williams is the only player to accomplish a Career Golden Slam.

5. F rench Championships, in 1968, became the first Grand Slam tournament to go open.

For sports lovers, the May magic also brings tennis’ second grand slam of the year — French Open.

From May 22 to June 5, the clay courts at Roland Garros will witness many exciting battles.

80 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

Only three readers got all the answers right this time: Congratulations Manish Kumar Saini, P Ratnakar and Kumari Neha Sharma.

First-hand account This book is not just about bureaucracy but anecdotes, behind-the-scenes events and humour too Garima Verma

the Author S.K. Misra was born in 1932 and joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1956. He served as Principal Secretary to three CMs in Haryana and later as Director General of the Festivals of India too. He retired from the government as Principal Secretary to the PM. In 2009 he was awarded the Padma Bhushan for Distinguished Civil Service.

What was it that made you pen the book?

I never planned to write a book. But sometime back I joined facebook and started sharing memories from IAS days.

I guess many liked them. I would get suggestions to turn them into a book.

What were the challenges involved?

The main challenge was not to get sued (laughs). I never had notes, so whatever is there is coming from the memory. Also, having been a part of the corridors of power, you know a lot of things. But, you cannot share everything.

How has the bureaucracy changed?

Those days officers were not afraid to

speak their mind. We didn’t have to think that we might be harmed if our advice was not accepted. There was better understanding between officers and politicians.

Your work must have involved a lot of travel. Some memorable journeys?

Travelling for work was not interesting, but we always made sure to take time out for family vacations. I particularly enjoyed travelling on toy trains. Be it the Kalka-Shimla one, the Darjeeling-Ghum toy train or the Nilgiri one, I liked those vacations in which we could travel by a toy train. I loved seeing the countryside and the beautiful landscape these trains travel through.

the Book Rupa Publications’ Flying in High Winds is an amusing narrative of S.K. Misra’s days as an administrator.

His time with the Haryana CMs, his interactions with personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru, Prince Charles, Sanjay Gandhi make for a gripping read, throwing just enough light on the world of politics and bureaucracy.

beauty talk

Diet No-No’s for

Dr. Kiran Lohia (MD) Dermatologist

Gorgeous Skin Dermatologists are well aware of the interplay between what you eat and what your skin looks like. Some food groups can cause skin ageing, pigmentation, rashes and even acne. Here are some secrets about what not to eat to get that glowing skin

No Dairy

Everyone thinks that “milk does a body good,” but the fact is that it is more harmful than you think. Dairy such as milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt is chock full of hormones. Acne, ageing and pigmentation are all caused or worsened by hormonal imbalance, so adding more hormones into the mix aggravates the problem. Nearly all dermatologists will tell their patients to cut out the dairy products as much as possible to get rid of extra hormonal pollutants. For those scared of not getting enough calcium, did you know spinach has more calcium than milk?

No Sugar

Just a spoonful of sugar may make the medicine go down, but it sure doesn’t help your skin. Sugar is known to cause something known as glycation of important proteins in the skin.

Through glycation, these strength and youthgiving proteins become inactive, resulting in worsening sagging and wrinkles. Doctors and famous celebrities will tell you that cutting out sugar can truly revolutionise your appearance in a short period of time. Going for sugar-free options is also not the answer. They cause just as much as an insulin reaction as sugar does.

No White Foods

Maida, corn flour, cornstarch and white rice are not happening for your skin. These foods have no nutritional value and cause your insulin to spike, and your stress hormones to skyrocket.

Remember what your skin used to look like as a teenager before a test? Pimples, dullness and skin sensitivity? That happens because your stress hormone, cortisol, shot up through the roof. To stop your hormones from going crazy, avoid these white foods that have a high glycemic index, meaning that they cause sharp insulin spikes.

82 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

A renowned skin specialist in Delhi, Dr. Lohia practices dermatology at Lumiere Dermatology Centres and Fortis Hospital

www.railbandhu.in

No Artificial Ingredients

Though there is not enough data to prove that artificial colours, sweeteners, flavours, nitrates etc cause harm, we do know that they can cause oxidative damage to your cells. They have been shown to be implicated in a host of internal diseases and that they can aggravate many skin conditions. Keeping it as natural as possible can only be good for you. Eating excessively processed foods with untested additives can only damage your system in ways that we are only just beginning to understand.

So, while a burrito here and there won’t kill you, definitely try to keep your diet simple and true to nature at least 80% of the time. It will make a big difference to your body.

summer ready It pays to be well-groomed. At the recent launch of an exclusive boutique salon and grooming studio, Magnifique, celebrity style partners, Jojo and Yatan Ahluwalia de-coded the season’s hottest looks and trends. We bring you their tips: MEN

• Match nails to lips.

• Clean cuts look sharp for business and formal occasions.

• Go for graphic eyeliners.

• Trimmed and defined facial hair.

• Skin and hair care is a necessity.

• Sculpted strong face is a winner for the evenings.

• Manicures and pedicures are the need of the hour.

• Emphasis on lashes – falsies, singles, mascara.

• Opt for textured hairstyles.

• Embrace natural texture in hair.

• Short sporty hair is a good option.

• She-bangs and fringes make a comeback.

WOMEN • Minimalism is out, maximalism is in.

• Prefer bronze over gold and silver.

• Skin and hair care are a necessity today. Make sure to take ample care .

The look:

BRIDAL

Here, model Sonalika wears a look inspired by the royalty of India, more specifically the grace and poise of Maharani Gayatri Devi.

CLOTHES: Tarun Tahiliani HAIR: 1940’s Pre-Independence Waves FACE: Matt EYES: Soft Smoky brown MOUTH: Wine (Gloss) NAILS: Wine and Nude

in focus

HOF unveils Doab sofa An embodiment of Indian craftsmanship, the sofa is eco-friendly too

K

sought after brand in the home living furniture segment with this exciting new offering. It is a privilege to start the journey on an International platform”.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Pravin Patel, Chairman, HOF Furniture System Pvt. Ltd., said, “With the Make in India initiative in it’s full momentum, an Indian brand unveiling its design product at an International platform is the icing on the cake. After establishing its reputation in the corporate furniture segment, HOF is all set to be the most

According to Mann Singh, the designer of the collection and design director at HOF, “through the process of designing this sofa we are expressing our vision of design in India. We are making furniture which goes beyond providing the basic necessities of comfort. We want to take a serious look at the very basics of how furniture is made. The use of a local species of bamboo (one of the strongest natural materials) and “khadi” woven by hand in villages provide immense value to whoever uses the sofas. We have succeeded in reducing the energy consumed in making the sofa by 75% and wastage by 90% while making a sofa which will last 300% longer. But beyond the numbers we have made a design which we love.”

eeping the Indian tradition alive in design and making, leading furniture brand, HOF, unveiled its innovative family of bamboo sofas during the Salone del Mobile, Milan 2016; the most important date in the calendar for the furniture industry.

As part of the exhibition in the Brera design district HOF launched a family of sofas made from bamboo during the Milan design week. Apart from the sofas the other products being showcased are a family of tables (incorporating handwrought brass vessels) and lighting.

The Doab sofa is super light

an intellectual interface FMS-IRM is committed to quality education and research

Stany Thomas Cangan, CEO SIIRM Consortium of Educational Institutions

F

aculty of Management StudiesInstitute of Rural Management, Jaipur, is an energetic, innovative and research-led Business School in Rajasthan.

With a modest beginning in 1994, it has traversed a long path to become an essential choice for thousands of B-School aspirants in the country. Today, with a well-knit academic programme assisted by capable intellectual capital and corporate interface, it has been ranked A+++ among the top B-Schools of the Country and the best

84 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

B-School in the geographically vast state of Rajasthan. In a recent survey conducted

by GMRCO-ICMR and CSR, FMS-IRM was respectively ranked 1st amongst the top B-Schools of Rajasthan. FMS-IRM has also been ranked 15th among India’s B-Schools Placements Rankings. The Institute was established and is led by the Society for Indian Institute of Rural Management (SIIRM) under the brilliant and noble leadership of Prof. Barbara Cangan, an educationist and philanthropist whose mission is dissemination and extension of knowledge with quality and equality, to eventually lead to an ethically built society.

The major pillar on which the institute is built is its mission itself, which clearly states the provision of quality education and creation of human capital, for the welfare of the society and to develop individuals who can energise the development process in India. The Institute is offering two years’ full-time Post Graduate Diploma

www.railbandhu.in

in Management with thrust on Business Management (PGDM-BM) and Rural Management (PGDM-RM). It is affiliated to AICTE and is regarded as a contemporary, smart and leading B-school in the country with a vision to propel its inherent strength towards excellence in education.

For a green world NETRA collaborates with a German institute on solar energy research

N

TPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA), the R&D arm of NTPC, is collaborating with the prestigious German Institute of Solar Energy (ISE), Fraunhofer, Freiburg, for joint research on Solar PV and CPV technologies.

NETRA plans to setup 53 kWp CPV system and dual axis based test tracker fabricated

by ISE, for field performance evaluation of CPV and PV technologies.

A three day seminar with discussion on installation of CPV and test trackers and site finalisation was held recently in NETRA by Dr Gerald Siefer, Scientist, Head of Team III-V Cell and Module Characterisation Division Materials — Solar Cells and Technology, ISE, Fraunhofer Institute, Germany. NETRA is collaborating with two prestigious German Institutions DLR Cologne and Institute of Solar Energy

by its environment vision of ‘Going Higher on Generation — lowering GHG intensity’.

NTPC is extremely careful about this aspect and always invested in latest technologies and best practices in the industry to control the emission levels. Research and Development (R&D) plays a major role in this objective.

(ISE), Fraunhofer, Energy Research.

Freiburg

on

Solar

NETRA plans to setup state of the art evaluation facilities for CSP, CPV, and Solar PV and conduct various programs for knowledge sharing, capacity building with German Institutions in the area of Solar Energy. The programme is funded

by German Government under the aegis of Indo-German Research Cooperation.

Concern for the environment is integral to NTPC’s growth strategies which are driven

NETRA has been working on specific projects pertaining to climate change, waste management, scientific support to stations and reliability of stations, working under the guidance of eminent scientists and experts who constitute the Research Advisory Council, NETRA is engaged in research projects for CO2 fixation in collaboration with leading academic institutions. NTPC has pioneered some of the methodologies for the Clean Development Mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Designed for comfort Stylish Lux Cozi Glo Collection is targetted at younger generation

F

or more than 50 years, Lux Industries Limited has maintained the aura in the hosiery market as the market leader. Producing new and different products has been imperative for Lux. As a brand they always try to bring in new products in the market providing more and more options for their consumers, this year a new stylish range — Glo is being introduced. The new product lines are extremely fashionable and are exclusively targeted towards the young generation. As the youth today yearns for stylish and attractive innerwears, most people tend to go for products that bring both style and comfort. Lux's new ranges of products fulfill this desire with their latest trending designs, ultra soft fabric and unique colour.

The Glo range is being launched with three products currently that include stylish vests, fashion briefs and interlock drawers. The range is stunningly stylish with innovative

designs and cuts. The florescent colour waistline is eye catchy and the fabric is extremely soft on the skin. The bold collection with unique cuts and patterns is very stylish and yet comfortable. Being one of the first in the hosiery industry to experiment with neon color the company believes that it will be huge success in Indian market.

Trendy and stylish, the new Glo vest from Lux is light in weight and extremely comfortable.

Made from cotton-rich fabric, this vest gives you a perfect fit and ensures breathability all day long. Just team this regular-fit vest with shorts to enjoy utmost comfort all day long.

Along with vests, Lux Industries is also introducing new Glo briefs and drawers, made from 100% superior combed cotton that is an ultra soft fabric, and has a body defining fit. Other than the product quality and new designs, the packaging of the product has also

www.railbandhu.in

been designed attentively. The innovative and stylish packaging of all the three products is thematic and enhances the product’s feel.

Also, the Glo range of products is in complete economic range so you can enjoy the richness of the product without losing much from your pocket. With these new ranges, the products selection has not just increased quantitatively but qualitatively too. The company is extremely confident that the new range will be immensely successful in the market and will strengthen Lux’s position in the inner wear segment.

Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 85

star tracker

the Month ahead Be it love, career or health, here’s what May and your stars have in store for you Aries (Mar 20 - Apr 18)

Taurus (Apr 19 - May 19)

Gemini (May 20 - Jun 20)

You will start a new project or venture, something that you can do out of your home. Your success will come through new concepts, innovative ideas. A declining business or decadent property investment would revive, bringing in hope.

You will be successful in navigating the straits in difficult business matters or financial negotiations. A payment is going to be late or will not arrive at all and it will really aggravate you. However, money will come in from a different source.

You’ll have repeat clients and witness some financial gain or profit. You will fear the work you are doing has little value or that you won’t be able to sustain yourself in the future. You will be tired of waiting for news or money because you distrust the party involved.

Lucky colour Black

Lucky colour Grey

Lucky colour Orange

Lucky No. 5

Lucky No. 2

Lucky No. 9

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 21)

Leo (Jul 22 - Aug 21)

Virgo (Aug 22 - Sep 21)

Emotional problems will interfere with your work and as a result, you may leave your job or business partner. You will be concerned about your financial condition and will make an effort to straighten out your affairs in that area.

You are considering a major change. There is something that needs to be handled or approached honestly and might take a lot of courage. The situation will be resolved in the end. Also, the completion of a project will bring unexpected gain.

You may opt for sick leave, or “bow out” of an unpleasant job or work situation; or, you could change your mind about taking a job. You might feel stuck and want to make more money. Trouble in personal relationships will end, followed by a change of heart.

Lucky colour Pink

Lucky colour Turquoise

Lucky colour Sky blue

Lucky No. 8

Lucky No. 4

Lucky No. 1

Libra (Sep 22 - Oct 22)

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 20)

Sagittarius (Nov 21 - Dec 20)

You will travel for work or study. You will be successful in bridging estrangements, beginning a new business, or making good money through metaphysical or commercial enterprises. An old flame or romantic interest will re-enter your life.

Your work environment will take a distressing turn due to disturbing influences, unforeseen obstacles, or the attitudes of others. But this is only a temporary condition and you will soon expand into even greater areas.

A dispute at work will be resolved amicably. You will have unexpected financial gains and your good judgment and ability to establish correct priorities will prove to be successful. An admirer will want to see you and will call or come over.

Lucky colour White

Lucky colour Yellow

Lucky colour Red

Lucky No. 9

Lucky No. 3

Lucky No. 1

Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19)

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 19)

What seemed like a lost cause will suddenly work in your favour, due to “preordained” sequence of events. There will be unexpected growth and assistance in your work or trade. You will experience money-related tension.

Emotional problems will interfere with your work and as a result, you may leave your job or business partner.

You will be concerned about your financial condition and will make an effort to straighten out your affairs in that area.

New elements will come to fore in your work environment. Your preoccupation with money or security will cease to be a problem because money will begin to flow in from many sources. You will hope for a call from a lover.

Lucky colour Green

Lucky colour Pink

Lucky colour Purple

Lucky No. 6

Lucky No. 8

Lucky No. 7

Poonam Sethi is an internationally-acclaimed Tarot card reader, Reiki healer, colour therapist, Feng Shui practitioner, crystal healer, a specialist in removal and balancing the negative evil eye energies and a rudraksha consultant. She can be contacted at poonamsethi27@hotmail.com 86 | Rail Bandhu - May 2016

www.railbandhu.in

lSj likVk

ySalMksu i;ZVd LFky d.okJe ls 25 fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij [+kwclwjr ioZrh; i;ZVd LFky ySalMksu gSA ySalMksu ioZrksa ,oa ?kus taxyksa ds chp fLFkr rFkk vaxzstksa }kjk LFkkfir ,d NksVh lh ioZrh; i;ZVu uxjh gSA ;gka vaxzstksa }kjk fufeZr Hkou] ppZ ,oa laxzgky; ds lkFk&lkFk ,d lqjE; d`f=e >hy Hkh ns[kus dks feyrh gSA yaSlMksu ls dqN gh nwjh ij fVi&bu&VkWi uked ,d ioZr pksVh fLFkr gS tgka ls vki fgeky; dh cQZ+ ls <dh Åaph&Åaph pksfV;ka fugkj ldrs gSaA xzh"e ,oa 'khr _rq eas ;gka vla[; i;ZVd ?kweus vkrs gSaA

88 |

- ebZ 2016

www.railbandhu.in

d.okJe leqnz ry ls

1,706 ehVj Åij gS

euksgkjh n'kZuLFkyh

d.okJe

ifo= ekfyuh unh ds rV ij clk d.okJe ikSjkf.kd egÙo ds vykok izkd`frd ,oa vk/;kfRed rÙoksa ls ifjiw.kZ vrqyuh; LFky gS eatw usxh

www.railbandhu.in

- ebZ 2016 | 89

lSj likVk bl {ks= esa cus fxfjtk?kjksa dks ns[kdj vaxzst+h 'kkludky dk Lej.k gks vkrk gS

LVs’ku ds ckjs esa tkusa

fg

eky; {ks= lfn;ksa ls HkfDr ,oa vè;kRe dk lzksr gksus ds dkj.k dsoy ?kjsyw i;ZVdksa ds fy, gh ugha] vfirq leLr fo’o ds i;ZVdksa] fpardksa] izÑfr izsfe;ksa] /kekZoyafc;ksa] lk/kdksa o nk’kZfudksa ds fy, vkLFkk] ftKklk] fparu rFkk Kku dk vdwr lzksr jgk gSA izkphu dky ls gh jktkvksa vkSj _f"k&eqfu;ksa us /;ku] lk/kuk ,oa riL;k ds fy, lnk fgeky; vapy dks gh pqukA dgrs gSa fgeky; esa lHkh nsoh&nsorkvksa dk okl gSA blhfy, fgeky; eas fLFkr mÙkjk[kaM dks nso&Hkwfe ds uke ls Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA bl jkT; ds vusd fo[;kr LFkyksa dh Hkkafr ,d LFkyh x<+oky ds izos’k }kj vFkkZr dksV}kj ls yxHkx 11 fdyksehVj nwj f’kokfyd igkfM+;ksa dh rygVh esa ekfyuh unh ds rV ij egku _f"k&eqfu;ksa dh riksHkwfe d.okJe fLFkr gSA ;gha ij egf"kZ d.o dk vkJe ,oa fo’okfe= dh riksLFkyh gSA bl vkJe dk mYys[k osn O;kl }kjk jfpr egkdkO; ^egkHkkjr*] _Xosn ,oa dkyhnkl }kjk jfpr ^vfHkKku 'kkdqarye~* esa fd;k x;k gSA egf"kZ d.o ds uke ij gh bl LFky dk uke d.okJe iM+kA

90 |

- ebZ 2016

lajf{kr oU; {ks= d.okJe izkphudky ls gh izd`fr ds lkSan;Z ls ifjiw.kZ 'kkar ,oa futZu LFky gSA bl LFky ls tqM+h ikSjkf.kd dFkkvksa dh iqf"V gekjs iqjkrÙo foHkkx ds losZ{k.k ,oa [kqnkbZ ls izkIr izkphudky dh dykd`fr;ksa ,oa ewfrZ;kas ls gksrh gSA d.okJe pkjksa vksj ls lky] nsonkj] v[k+jksV] ckal] vksd vkfn ds ?kus isM+ksa ls f?kjk gSA bl ou {ks= eas gkFkh] rsanqvk] uhy xk;] fgj.k] lqvj] [kjxks’k] lsgh] eksj] taxyh eqxhZ] rhrj] pdok ,oa cVsj vkfn vusd oU; tho&tarq fopj.k djrs ns[ks tk ldrs gSaA ,slk blfy, laHko gksrk gS D;ksafd d.okJe jktkth us’kuy ikdZ ds varxZr lajf{kr oU; {ks= eas vkrk gSA ftl rjg egku egf"kZ d.o rFkk fo’okfe= us izd`fr ds lkSan;Z ls Hkjiwj bl ?kus taxy esa cSBdj Hkxoku dk /;ku vftZr fd;k] mlh rjg vkt Hkh vkJe esa jgus okys lk/kq&lar viuh riL;k eas yhu jgrs gSaA muds vuqlkj bl ifo= vkJe esa okLrfod thou dk tks vkuan feyrk gS] og 'kk;n gh vU;= fdlh LFky ij feysxkA bl LFky eas 'kkar] euksje rFkk ea=eqX/k dj nsus okyh izd`fr ds vusd :iksa ds n’kZu djds gh laHkor% egf"kZ d.o rFkk fo’okfe= us bl LFky dks viuh riLFkyh ds :i esa pquk gksxkA ;gka ls tqM+h lR;rk ,oa mis{kk ds pyrs www.railbandhu.in

fnYyh ls dksV}kj dh nwjh 231 fdyksehVj gSA vki ;gka fnYyh ljk; jksfgYyk elwjh ,Dlizsl 14041] fnYyh x<+oky ,Dlizsl 14044] dksV}kj elwjh ,Dlizsl 24042 ;k dksV}kj x<+oky ,Dlizsl 14043 ls igqap ldrs gSaA dksV}kj jsyos LVs’ku dk fuekZ.k vaxzst+ksa }kjk 1890 esa djk;k x;k FkkA ml le; fgeky; ls ydM+h ykus okyh eky xkfM+;ka ;gka ij Bgjk djrh FkhaA mlds i’pkr 1901 esa ;gka ls fnYyh ,oa vU; 'kgjksa ds fy, ;k=h jsyxkfM+;ksa dk vkokxeu vkjaHk fd;k x;kA ;g ns’k ds izkphu jsyos LVs’kuksa esa ls ,d gSA mÙkj jsyos us dqN o"kksZa iwoZ bldk th.kksZ)kj fd;k gSA

n’kZuh; LFky

fl)cyh eafnj

d.okJe ds vklikl ds {ks= dh lqanjrk ns[krs gh curh gS

vkt Hkys gh d.okJe gekjs bfrgkl ds iUuksa esa dgha ncdj jg x;k gks] ysfdu d.okJe ds laca/k esa geus vkt rd tks dqN Hkh i<+k] lquk rFkk ns[kk] izd`fr dh xksn esa clk d.okJe orZeku esa Hkh mlh jax&:i esa ns[kus dks feyrk gSA izkd`frd lqanjrk d.okJe dh ,sfrgkfld egÙkk dk vuqeku bl ckr ls yxk;k tk ldrk gS fd iz[;kr fuekZrk&funZs’kd oh- 'kkarkjke viuh fQ+Ye ^L=h* dk n`’; fQ+Yekus ds fy, 1961 esa ek;kuxjh eqacbZ ls d.okJe vk, FksA ns’k ds f}rh; iz/kkuea=h yky cgknqj 'kkL=h ds 'kklu eas mÙkj izns’k ds rRdkyhu eq[;ea=h MkW- laiw.kkZuan uSFkkuh us 1954 esa clar iapeh ds fnu ;gka jk"Vªh; Lekjd dh

uhao j[khA ;g gfj}kj&dksV}kj ds iqjkus lM+d ekxZ ij fLFkr gSA ?kjsyw o fons’kh i;ZVd gj lky d.okJe ,oa blds vkl&ikl ds {ks= dk Hkze.k djus vkrs gSaA ;qok ,oa cPps ;gka dSfEiax djrs gSaA ;gka ekfyuh unh cgrh gS vkSj mlds fdukjs ij fufeZr d.okJe esa izkphu dykd`fr;ka rFkk egf"kZ d.o] fo’okfe=] jktk nq";ar] 'kdqaryk ,oa flag ds lkFk [ksyrs Hkjr dh ewfrZ;ka ns[kus dks feyrh gSaA vkt Hkh d.okJe esa i’kq&i{kh fuHkZ; gksdj fopj.k djrs fn[krs gSaA d.okJe ds vkl&ikl fLFkr cgqr ls i;ZVd LFky Hkh vk/;kfRed ,oa viuh izkd`frd lqanjrk ds fy, fo[;kr gSaA vk/kqfud ;qx esa ;gka xq#dqy i)fr ls f’k{kk iznku dh tkrh gSA xq#dqy esa cPps laLd`r ds vykok vU; fo"k;ksa esa f’k{kk Hkh izkIr djrs gSaA

dksV}kj ls nks fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij fLFkr ;g eafnj [kksg unh ds fdukjs NksVh lh igkM+h ij cuk gSA ;g dHkh ,d fl) ckck dk eafnj gqvk djrk Fkk] tks dkykarj esa guqeku eafnj cu x;kA vklikl ds {ks=ksa esa bl eafnj dh cgqr ekU;rk gSA ;gka gj jfookj dks fo’kky HkaMkjk yxrk gSA

nqxkZ eafnj

?kjsyw&fons'kh i;ZVdksa dk tekoM+k ;gka lkyHkj yxk jgrk gS fdarq xzh"edky ,oa 'khrdky esa cM+h la[;k esa yksx ?kweus vkrs gSa

;g dksV}kj ls ikap fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij dksV}kj&ikSM+h ekxZ ij fLFkr gSA pkjksa vksj ls igkfM+;ksa ls f?kjk ;g eafnj vius vki esa ,d euksje LFky gSA eka nqxkZ dk izkphu eafnj igys dHkh [kksg unh ds fdukjs ,d NksVh lh xqQ+k ds :i esa Fkk fdarq vc bl eafnj dk uo&fuekZ.k djds bls HkO; vkdkj fn;k x;k gSA www.railbandhu.in

- ebZ 2016 | 91

gekjh fojklr

cq)e ‘kj.ke

~

cq) iwf.kZek ij egkifjfuokZ.k ,Dlizsl ds ek/;e ls xkSre cq) ds thou ls tqM+s vkè;kfRed LFky ns[kus ls mfpr dqN vkSj gks gh ugha ldrk

e

;rsUnz flag jkor

gkifjfuokZ.k ,Dlçsl vFkkZr~ ckS) lfdZV jsy mÙkj izns'k vkSj fcgkj ds ckS) i;ZVd LFkyksa ds chp pyrh gSA ;g jsyxkM+h ckS) rhFkZ;kf=;ksa dks vusd ,sfrgkfld ,oa ikSjkf.kd LFkyksa dk Hkze.k djkrh gSA bl ;k=k ds nkSjku vkidks Hkxoku cq) ds thou ls tqM+s vU; rF;ksa dh Hkh tkudkjh izkIr gksrh gSA Hkxoku cq) ds thou ls lacaf/kr egÙoiw.kZ LFkyksa rFkk muds eqfDr ekxZ dh [kkst ds lans'k dks tkuus ds fy, egkifjfuokZ.k ,Dlçsl ,d fo’ks"k i;ZVd jsyxkM+h fl) gksrh gSA

igyk fnu% fnYyh egkifjfuokZ.k ,Dlçsl dh ;k=k dh vkSipkfjdrk,a fnYyh ds lQ+njtax jsyos LVs’ku ij nksigj nks cts rd iwjh dj yh tkrh gSaA lk;a rhu cts ;g jsy jokuk gksrh gSA 'kke dh pk; rFkk jkf= Hkkst jsyxkM+h esa gh ijkslk tkrk gSA

rhljk fnu% jktxhj&ukyank

jkspd rF; bl ;k=k dk lapkyu vkbZvkjlhVhlh }kjk fd;k tkrk gSA jkt/kkuh ,Dlizsl Lyhij jsy ds fMCcksa dks vf/kd lqfo/kkvksa ls ySl fd;k x;k gSA blesa vaxzst+h cksyus okys deZpkjh fu;qDr gksrs gSaA

92 |

- ebZ 2016

nwljk fnu% cks/kx;k vxys fnu losjs jsy x;k taD’ku igqap tkrh gSA xkSre cq) dks cks/kx;k esa gh Kku izkIr gqvk FkkA vki egkcksf/k eafnj rFkk fujatuk unh ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA 'kke dks vki FkkbZ eafnj] tkikuh eafnj tk ldrs gSa rFkk cq) dh izfrek ds n’kZu Hkh dj ldrs gSaA

www.railbandhu.in

cks/kx;k esa lqcg uk’rk djus ds i’pkr vki ;gka ls cl }kjk jktxhj dk Hkze.k dj ldrs gSaA jktxhj uxj ckS) dh lk/kukHkwfe jgk gSA ;gka ij vkidks vusd ikSjkf.kd ,oa vkè;kfRed LFky ns[kus dks feysaxsA nksigj dks Hkkstu ds ckn vki fo’o ds izkphure fo’ofo|ky; ukyank ds vo’ks"k rFkk laxzgky; ns[k ldrs gSaA

ikapoka fnu% dq’khuxj ;k=k ds ikaposa fnu vki ikSjkf.kd 'kgj dq’khuxj ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA ;gha ij cq) dk egkifjfuokZ.k gqvk FkkA vki ;gka ij egkifjfuokZ.k eafnj] jkeHkj Lrwi] ekrk dqVhj eafnj vkfn ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA

NBk fnu% yqfEcuh NBs fnu vki vkè;kfRed uxjh ,oa cq) dh tUeLFkyh yqfEcuh ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA yqfEcuh Hkkjr&usiky dh lhek ij clk ,d izkphu 'kgj gSA ;gka vki ek;k nsoh eafnj] v’kksd LraHk rFkk iqLd.khZ >hy ns[ksaxsA

lkroka fnu% JkoLrh ;k=k ds lkrosa fnu vki ikSjkf.kd uxjh JkoLrh ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA ;gka vki tsVoku fogkj] iDdh dqVh ,oa FkkbZ eafnj ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA cq) us ;gka ij vusd mins’k fn, FksA

pkSFkk fnu% okjk.klh&lkjukFk pkSFks fnu dh ;k=k esa vki ikSjkf.kd uxjh okjk.klh fLFkr vla[; ,sfrgkfld LFky tSls lkjukFk dk /kEesd Lrwi] laxzgky;] v’kksd LraHk ,oa ewyxa/k dqVh fogkj ns[k ldrs gSaA vki ;gka xaxk unh esa Luku Hkh dj ldrs gSaA Kku izkfIr ds ckn cq) us viuk izFke mins’k ;gha fn;k FkkA

vkBoka fnu% rktegy viuh egkifjfuokZ.k dh vkBosa fnu dh ;k=k vFkok vafre iM+ko esa vki vkxjk ds rktegy ds n’kZu dj ldrs gSaA rktegy ds n’kZu djus ds ckn vkidh ;k=k fnYyh igqapdj lekIr gks tkrh gSA

www.railbandhu.in

- ebZ 2016 | 93

fo’ks"k miyfC/k

^^esjh lk/kuk dk

lEeku gS iùJh**

'kkL=h; xk;u esa ns’k&fons’k esa viuh igpku cuk pqdha fo[;kr xkf;dk MkW- lksek ?kks"k dks gky gh esa iùJh ls lEekfur fd;k x;kA iqjLdkj ysus fnYyh vkbZa lksek us vius fopkj lk>k fd, lk{kkRdkj ,oa Nk;kfp=% nhid nqvk

^^es

jh igyh xq# esjh eka FkhaA cukjl esa esjk tUe gqvkA esjs nknk th iafMr enu eksgu ekyoh; ds fe= FksA Jh ekyoh; ds vkxzg ij og cukjl fgUnw fo’ofo|ky; esa ikyh vkSj laLd`r i<+kus yxs FksA esjs firk eueksgu pØorhZ Lora=rk lsukuh FksA esjh eka laxhr fl[kk;k djrh FkhaA esjs cpiu dh vusd ;knksa esa ls ,d

;g Hkh gS fd og vdlj eq>s xksn esa ysdj vius f’k";ksa dks laxhr fl[kkrh FkhaA ogha ls esjs vanj Hkh laxhr dk >juk QwVkA laxhr dh f’k{kk eSua s Jherh ckxs’ojh nsoh th ls yhA laxhr ds vfrfjDr eSua s muls O;kogkfjd thou dh Hkh f’k{kk yhA og bruh ljy vkSj lgt Fkha fd mUgksua s vius jgus ds fy, foa/;kpy ioZr ij ,d NksV& s ls eafnj dks pqukA xkrs le; muds psgjs ij tks Hkko vkrs mlls lkjs xhr dk vFkZ >ydrk FkkA mUgksua s

tkudkjh lksek ?kks"k dk xk;u lqudj ukS'kkn vyh us dgk Fkk fd [+k;ky xk;dh dks rks mUgksaus fcydqy ubZ fn'kk iznku dh gSA Bqejh] gksjh tSlh fo/kkvksa dks rks og ubZ ih<+h ds fy, u, <ax ls yksdfiz; cuk jgh gSaA

94 |

- ebZ 2016

www.railbandhu.in

jk"Vªifr MkW iz.kc eq[kthZ ls iùJh izkIr djrha lksek ?kks"k

gh eq>s fl[kk;k fd fdl izdkj ls vius xhr dk izn’kZu vkokt+ ds lkFk&lkFk vius Hkkoksa ls Hkh djuk gksrk gSA* ^^egku 'kgukbZ oknd mLrkn fcfLeYyk [k+ku lkgc us eq>s ,d laxhr dk;ZØe esa lquk FkkA esjk xk;u lqurs gh og cksys fd lksek rqeus eq>s csxe+ v[+rj dh ;kn fnyk nhA mUgksua s mlh le; eq>s u dsoy ^dk’kh&dksfdyk* dh mikf/k nh cfYd eq>s xksn ysdj viuh csVh dk ntkZ Hkh fn;kA iùJh lEEkku ikdj eq>s cgqr vPNk yxk D;ksfa d ;g esjh lk/kuk dk lEeku gSA ;g ml laxhr dk lEeku gS ftlls ge cjlksa ls tqMs+ gq, gSAa vPNk dke djus ij tSls ekrk&firk] xq#tu iz’kalk djrs gS]a oSls gh ns’k dh vksj ls feys bl lEeku us esjs vanj ,d vn~Hkqr meax Hkj nh gSA dqN

le; ls eSa njckjh laxhr dks iqu% yksdfiz; cukus dh fn’kk esa dke dj jgh gwAa cukjl esa dqN cPpksa ds lkFk eSua s ;g iz;ksx vkjaHk fd;k gSA jktk&egkjktkvksa ds dky esa njckjh egfQ+yas yxk djrh Fkha ftuesa jktifjokj ds cPps u dsoy laxhr cfYd vnc Hkh lh[kk djrs FksA eSa mlh ijaijk dks iqu% mtkxj djus dk iz;kl dj jgh gwAa laxhr ds izfr gekjh vkt dh ih<+h dh uhao lqn`<+ ugha gSA og bl izdkj dk laxhr lqu jgh gS tks cgqr tYn yqIr gks tkrk gSA Hkqyk fn;k tkrk gSA cfYd gekjk laxhr rks ,slk gS tks cjlks& a cjl fVdk jgus okyk gSA lkFk gh eSa mu ok|;a=ksa dks iqu% yksdfiz; cukus dh fn’kk esa dke dj jgh gwa tks /khjs&/khjs pyu ls ckgj gks x, gSAa blds vfrfjDr eSa xt+yas Hkh xk jgh gwAa eSua s vHkh ehuk dqekjh dh uT+eas xkbZ gSa vkSj ikfdLrkuh 'kk;jk ijohu 'kkfdj dh fy[kh 7 uT+eksa ij Hkh ,d vyce izLrqr fd;k gSA** ^^ubZ ih<+h ds yksx Hkh 'kkL=h; laxhr lh[kuk pkgrs gSa fdarq muesa cgqr mrkoykiu gSA os pkgrs gSa fd lc dqN tYnh&tYnh lh[k tk,aA eSa muls dguk pkgrh gwa fd bl dke esa 'kkWVZdV ugha pyrkA laxhr ,d lk/kuk gS vkSj le; ds lkFk gh lk/kuk /khjs&/khjs ifjiDo gksrh gSA**

og Fkh jkspd jsy ;k=k ^^jsy ;k=kvksa dks ysdj esjs cgqr lkjs vuqHko jgs gSaA fdarq tks ?kVuk lcls igys ;kn vkrh gS og 25 o"kZ iwoZ dh gSA eq>s vkSj esjh xq#eka Jherh ckxs’ojh nsoh dks ,d dk;ZØe esa Hkkx ysus cukjl ls iVuk tkuk FkkA Vªsu dk le; gks jgk Fkk ysfdu og J`axkj esa O;Lr FkhaA rc eSaus dgk fd nhnh tYnh dhft,] Vªsu NwV tk,xhA og cksyha&Vªsu ugha NwVsxhA eSaus iwNk fd vkidks dSls irk\ og galdj cksyha&eka ljLorh gSa u] og jsy jksddj j[ksaxhA ml fnu ,slk la;ksx cuk fd ge tSls gh IysVQ+kWeZ ij igqaps mlh le; Vªsu vkbZ vkSj ge mlesa lokj gks x,A** ^^;k=k ds nkSjku eSa flj ij nqiV~Vk vks<+s f[kM+dh ds ikl cSBh FkhA xq#eka esjs lkeus FkhaA vpkud mUgksaus xquxqukuk vkjaHk dj fn;k&vdsyh pyh js fi;k lax xksjh] uSuksa esa dtjk yxk dsA og lksp jgh Fkha fd tc esjk fookg gksxk rc ,sls gh eSa vius ifr ds lax tkÅaxhA og rc ml n`’; dh dYiuk dj jgh Fkha vkSj cSBs&cSBs mUgksaus esjs fy, ml xhr dh jpuk dj MkyhA og jsy&;k=k eq>s dHkh ugha HkwyrhA** www.railbandhu.in

jkspd rF;

vkd"kZd ikjfld lqjax e/; jsyos ds dkyok ,oa eqEczk LVs’kuksa ds chp fLFkr ns’k dh lcls izkphu lqjax ds 100 o"kZ iw.kZ gks x, gSa foeys’k panz

vc lacaf/kr {ks= dh rRdkyhu vkfFkZd vko';drk,a iw.kZ djus ds fy, vaxzst+ksa }kjk fuekZ.k dh xbZ bl ikjfld lqjax dk egÙo orZeku esa Hkh cjdjkj gSA jsy lqjaxksa esa bldk fo'ks"k LFkku gSA

Hkk

jr esa izFke jsyxkM+h dk vkjaHk gksus ds ckn ls ns’k esa vusd NksVh&cM+h jsy lqjaxsa cuhaA fdarq Hkkjrh; jsy esa loZizFke yach jsy lqjax ikjfld lqjax cukbZ xbZ FkhA ;g jsy lqjax dbZ n’kdksa rd Hkkjrh; jsy dh lcls yach jsy lqjax cuh jghA bls rRdkyhu xzsV bafM;u isfuulqyk jsyos us cuok;k FkkA bl o"kZ bl lqjax dk 100oka xkSjoiw.kZ o"kZ euk;k tk jgk gSA

mRd`"V mnkgj.k ;g lqjax Bk.ks ft+ys dh ikjfld igkfM+;ksa dh pV~Vkusa dkVdj cukbZ xbZ FkhA lº;kfnz ioZr Js.kh esa fLFkr ;g lqjax eqacbZ dks dY;k.k ls tksM+us ds fy, cukbZ FkhA eqacbZ&psUubZ eq[; ykbu ij fLFkr ,oa Bk.ks&nhok [kaM ds varxZr vkus okyh bl lqjax ls gksdj tkus esa yxHkx 10 feuV le; dh cpr gksrh gSA dY;k.k rd pkSFkh ykbu ds fy, vfrfjDr lqjax dh vko’;drk iM+us ij gh bldk fuekZ.k fd;k x;k FkkA bls cukus dk fu.kZ; 1906 esa fy;k x;kA bldk fuekZ.k 1913 esa vkjaHk gqvk tks 1916 esa iw.kZ gqvkA blh o"kZ bls jsy ;krk;kr ds fy, [kksy fn;k x;k FkkA bl lqjax dh yackbZ 1]031 ehVj] pkSM+kbZ 10 ehVj rFkk ÅapkbZ 6 96 |

- ebZ 2016

nqfu;k dh [+kcj bl le; ,f’k;k dh lcls yach jsy lqjax phu esa cuh ^rSgkax lqjax* gS ftldh yackbZ 28 fd-eh- gS rFkk bls 2007 esa [kksyk x;k FkkA orZeku esa cu jgh fo’o dh lcls yach jsyos lqjax ^xksFkkMZ csl Vuy* gS ftldh yackbZ 57-072 fd-ehgSA ;g fLoV~tjySaM esa cu jgh gSA bl lqjax ls jsyxkfM+;ksa dh vkoktkgh 2017 esa vkjaHk gksxhA www.railbandhu.in

ehVj gSA ;g lqjax rRdkyhu le; esa jsyos dh flfoy bathfu;fjax dk ,d vn~Hkqr uewuk FkhA bldh ekfdZax ,oa fMªfyax dk dk;Z bruk lVhd Fkk fd nksuksa fljs tc vkil esa fMªfyax ds ckn feys rks os ,dne lVhd FksA muesa dksbZ =qfV ugha FkhA bl lqjax ls gksdj cM+h ykbu dh fo|qrhd`r nksgjh ykbu tkrh gSA blds dkj.k Bk.ks ls nhok ds chp yxHkx 3 fdyksehVj dh nwjh de gks tkrh gSA ;g lqjax ,f’k;k dh lcls iqjkuh rFkk yach jsy lqjaxksa esa ls ,d gSA ns'k dh lcls yach lqjax orZeku esa ns’k dh lcls yach jsy lqjax ihj iatky jsyos lqjax gSA bldh yackbZ 11]215 ehVj gSA ns’k esa yach jsy lqjaxsa tEew&m/keiqj&Jhuxj&ckjkewyk jsy [kaM esa rFkk dksad.k jsyos ds varxZr cukbZ xbZ gSaA ihj iatky jsy lqjax dh pkSM+kbZ 8-405 ehVj ,oa ÅapkbZ 7-393 ehVj gSA ;g lqjax tEew ls 190 fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij gSA blds fuekZ.k esa 6 o"kZ yxs FksA bl lqjax dk fuekZ.k bjdkWu] dksad.k jsyos rFkk fganqLrku daLVªD’ku dkWiksZjs’ku us feydj fd;k FkkA ;g lqjax bl [kaM dh 80oha lqjax gSA blhfy, bldk uke Vh&80 Hkh j[kk x;k gSA bl lqjax dk fuekZ.k U;w vkWLVªsfy;u Vufyax esFkM ls fd;k x;k gSA

'kqHk ykHk

u {k;% bfr v{k;k v{k; r`rh;k ij lksuk [+kjhnuk ,oa u;k dk;Z vkjaHk djuk 'kqHk ekuk tkrk gSA ekaxfyd fnolksa esa csgn fo'ks"k gksrh gS vk[kk rht

^^ladV ds le; lksuk yksxksa ds cgqr dke vkrk gSA blfy, Hkh yksx v{k; r`rh;k dks lksuk [k+jhnrs gSaA bl fnu vf/kd 'kkfn;ka gksrh gSa ftlls fuf’pr :i ls lksus dh [k++jhnkjh cgqr c<+ tkrh gSA** &Jh xksfoan tfM+;k] e/; izns’k ljkQ+k la?k ds la;kstd

oh.kk lcyksd ikBd

jkspd tkudkjh vkHkw"k.k 24 dSjsV ¼99-99 izfr'kr 'kq) Lo.kZ½ ds ctk; 22 dSjsV ¼91-67 izfr'kr½ ls cuk, tkrs gSaA

g

ekjs ns’k esa rht] R;ksgkj] frfFk vkSj ioZ dk viuk fo’ks"k egÙo gSA bu lHkh dk /kkfeZd egÙo rks gksrk gS] lkFk gh lkFk ;s lkekftd lans’k o _rq ifjorZu ds ladsr Hkh nsrs gSaA ,slk gh ioZ gS v{k; r`rh;k] ^u {k;% bfr v{k;k* vFkkZr ftldk dHkh Hkh {k; u gks vkSj tks u"V u gksA v{k; r`rh;k dks vk[kk rht ,oa oS’kk[k rht

Hkh dgk tkrk gS D;ksafd v{k; r`rh;k oS’kk[k ekl esa 'kqDy i{k dh r`rh;k frfFk dks vkrh gSA bl 'kqHk fnu dksbZ Hkh dke djus esa eqgwrZ vFkok 'kqHk?kM+h ns[kus dh vko’;drk ugha iM+rhA bl ckj v{k; r`rh;k 9 ebZ dks eukbZ tk,xhA

le`f) vkSj lEiUurk O;kikfjd n`f"V ls Hkh v{k; r`rh;k dk egÙo de ugha gSA ns’kHkj ds ljkQ+k O;kikjh bl ioZ dk cslczh ls bart+kj djrs gSa D;ksafd bl fnu lksuk [k+jhnuk 'kqHk ekuk tkrk gSA ekU;rk gS fd bl fnu [k+jhns x, Lo.kZ ls ?kj esa le`f) vkSj lEiUurk vkrh gSA /ku ds jktk dqcsj vkSj nsoh y{eh dk vk’khokZn lnSo cuk jgrk gSA ;gh dkj.k gS fd v{k; r`rh;k ds volj ij ljkQ+k ckt+kjksa esa fo’ks"k ltkoV vkSj jkSud jgrh gSA efgyk,a c<+&p<+dj lksus ds vkHkw"k.k [k+jhnrh gSaA ogha o`{kkjksi.k dk gekjs thou esa D;k egÙo gS] bldk mYys[k fgUnw /keZ&xzaFkksa esa Hkh feyrk gSA ekU;rk gS fd v{k; r`rh;k ds fnu yksxksa dks ikS/kk vo’; yxkuk pkfg, vkSj mldh ns[kHkky djuh pkfg,A og ikS/kk tSls&tSls o`{k curk gS] mlh izdkj ls gekjh le`f) vkSj mUufr dk ekxZ iz'kLr gksrk gSA ;g o`{k izxfr dk |ksrd gksrk gSA

lkekftd nkf;Ro bl izdkj v{k; r`rh;k /kkfeZd egŸkk ds lkFk gh lkFk lkekftd laLd`fr dh f’k{kk nsus okyk ioZ Hkh gSA v{k; r`rh;k dks xzh"e _rq ds Lokxr dk izrhd Hkh ekuk tkrk gSA bl fnu xehZ nwj djus okyh oLrq,a nku nh tkrh gSaA t+:jrean yksxksa esa [kjcwtk] rjcwt+] [khjk] lÙkw] beyh] xqM+ bR;kfn ds lkFk Nkrk] ia[kk vkfn oLrq,a nku djus dh ijaijk gSA fgUnw /kkfeZd xzaFkksa esa v{k; r`rh;k dk fo’ks"k mYys[k feyrk gSA Hkfo"; iqjk.k ds vuqlkj lr;qx vkSj =srk;qx dk vkjaHk blh frfFk ls gqvk FkkA izfl) rhFkZLFky cnzhukFk ds dikV Hkh blh fo'ks"k fnu ls nksckjk [kksys tkrs gSaA Hkxoku ij’kqjke dk vorj.k Hkh blh fnu gqvk FkkA www.railbandhu.in

- ebZ 2016 | 97

Lowest fares only on

SpiceJet .com

YOUR FREE AIR TICKET IS WAITING. Presenting

SpiceClub

The Red Hot Prepaid cum Loyalty Card.

Pay just `599 for membership and get 2 vouchers worth `599 + `599.

Avail benefits worth up to `5,999*.

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL Free air ticket on member's birthday

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

50%* off on air tickets for 2 passengers

PREFERRED COMMUNICATION

Updates about new offers and discounts

ADD-ONS SPECIAL

2 vouchers worth ` 100

FREE PRIORITY CHECK-IN

Get 2 free priority check-in vouchers for hassle-free experience

REGISTRATION PROCESS: 1. Log on to www.spiceclub.com to register 2. Fill in the necessary details 3. Enter the OTP details sent on your mobile phone/email for verification 4. Press SUBMIT AND PAY to become a SpiceClub Member Terms and conditions apply. For more information log on to www.spicejet.com

*

MAY 2016

R.N.I No: 23443/72

VOL 6

ISSUE 1

THE ON-BOARD M AGAZINE OF INDI AN RAILWAYS railbandhu.in

PLUS

5

ANOKHI MUSEUM

Revisit the history of hand printing Available on-board Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto EXPRESS TRAINS

THINGS

to eat in

Pastoral

old delhi

GREEN OF DINDI in Andhra Pradesh

A journey down the lanes of flavours

ON PLANET FOOTBALL The battles are nearing end

A conscious traveller’s

WISH LIST

Summer Holiday Special

MAY 2016 VOL 6 ISSUE 1

THE MAGAZINE IS FOR ON-BOARD READING ONLY. KINDLY DO NOT TAKE AWAY. READ IT ONLINE AT WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN OR DOWNLOAD THE RAILBANDHU APP ON YOUR DEVICE.

;g if=dk dsoy Vªus esa i<+us ds fy, gSA d`i;k lkFk u ys tk,aA

WWW.RAILBANDHU.IN ij

vkWuykbu i<+as ,oa jsy ca/kq ,i MkmuyksM djsAa