PM commissions Baglihar dam in J-K | Pics

Chanderkote: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, dedicated to the nation the 450-MW Baglihar hydro-electric power project built on river Chenab in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.Damming power

Singh inaugurated the project, built in nine-and-a-half years, at Baglihar ground. Jammu and Kashmir, has about 20,000 MW of hydro-power potential and nearly 23 minor and major hydro projects are in the pipeline.

This is the third power project on river Chenab after the Reasi-based 360-MW Salal project, which was commissioned in 1994 and Kishtwar-based 390-MW Dulhasti, which was dedicated by Singh on April 26 this year.

Two other projects have been set up on Jehlum and Sindh river in Kashmir as Lower Jehlum Project with 105 MW and Upper Sindh with 127 MW capacities.

The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and has a busy agenda.The Rail Link

Ten years after the laying of foundation stone of the prestigious Kashmir rail project, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will dedicate the first ever train service in the valley to people on Saturday, October 11.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the train service in the Kashmir valley by flagging off a train at Nowgam Railway Station, an official spokesman said here.

Initially, the train will run from Rajwansher in Budgam district to Anantnag, covering a distance of 66 kms, the spokesman said, adding the fare for the travel will be Rs 15.

The regular service of the train will commence from October 12. There will be eight-coach DEMU Rake in the train, he said.

The stoppages will be at Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipora, Panjgam, Bijbehara, Rajwansher and Anantnag, the spokesman said.

The train, which is expected to cover the 66-km in about 1 hour and 35 minutes including stoppage time at various stations, will be run twice a day from either side. Trouble in paradise

But the PM’s visit has also sparked off protests by separatists in the valley. Party workers of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front came out on the streets after Friday prayers and began shouting slogans against the Prime Minister.

At Masuma, in the heart of Srinagar, protestors also burnt effigies of Dr Manmohan Singh.

Police responded to light baton charge to control the crowds. The mob would not be controlled thus, so the police even resorted to firing tear gas shells.

JKLF Supporters led by Separatist leader Yasin Malik also raised slogans against Pakistan.