Uttarakhand

• 26 May 2023

Two Lakh Site of 5G Launched in Gangotri

Why in News?

On 24 May 2023, Union Communication Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the two lakh site of 5G at Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand from Dehradun by pressing the digital button. With this, the four Dhams are now connected to 5G service.

Key Points:

• Now optical fiber connectivity has been done in all the four Dhams. This will not only provide better internet connectivity to the devotees around the Chardham temple complexes but will also help in disaster management, surveillance and monitoring of yatras on a real time basis.
• The Union Communication Minister informed that 4G services will be provided in 1581 frontier and vibrant villages of Uttarakhand. Under the 'Vibrant Village Scheme', the central government has arranged funds for 2800 such villages. All this responsibility has been given to BSNL.
• It is known that work is going on very fast on the plan of 4G and 5G connectivity. This technology will be available in every panchayat, block, tehsil and district headquarters of the country. This facility has reached almost all the district headquarters.
• It is known that the country is now becoming an exporter of technology. The engineers here have started getting 6G patents. There have been more than 100 such patents.

PM Flags off 1st journey of 'Vande Bharat Express Train' between Dehradun to Delhi

Why in News?

On 25 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Dehradun to Delhi through video conferencing. He also dedicated newly electrified railway sections to the nation and declared Uttarakhand as a state with 100 percent electric traction.

Key Points:

• This is the first 'Vande Bharat Express train' to start in Uttarakhand. This train will connect the country's capital with the Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand. The travel time between the two cities will be further reduced and the world class facilities available on the train will make traveling a pleasant experience.
• The train is indigenous and equipped with advanced safety features including armor technology. The new Vande Bharat Express will cover the distance between Dehradun and Delhi in 4.5 hours.
• On this occasion, the Prime Minister mentioned 9 gems of development-
  • First - Rs 1300 crore renovation work in Kedarnath-Badrinath Dham.
  • Second - Rs 2500 crore ropeway project in Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Gobind Ghat-Hemkund Sahib.
  • Third - Renovation of ancient temples of Kumaon under the Manas Khand Mandir Mala program.
  • Fourth - Promotion of homestays across the state (More than 4000 homestays are registered in the state).
  • Fifth - Development of 16 ecotourism places.
  • Sixth – Expansion of health services in Uttarakhand (sub-centre of AIIMS in Udham Singh Nagar).
  • Seventh – Rs 2000 crore Tehri Lake Development Project.
  • Eighth – To develop Haridwar Rishikesh as the capital of Yoga and Adventure tourism.
  • Nawan - Tanakpur Bageshwar Rail Line.
• He informed that the work on the Char Dham mega project with a cost of Rs 12,000 crore is going on at a fast pace. The Delhi Dehradun Expressway will make travel faster and easier.
• He said that the Rs 16,000 crore Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project would be completed in 2-3 years. This project will make a large part of Uttarakhand accessible and promote investment, industry and employment.