Brand making waves for its unique taste, innovative packaging
Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Aug 8: A man from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is making waves in the beverage industry with the launch of Kashmir’s first carbonated soft drink brand, Red Stone, which has quickly gained popularity among consumers.
Aaqib Tufail Raina, a resident of Raina Colony Arihal, Pulwama, an emerging industrialist, has introduced a fruit juice-based beverage containing fruit extracts in four to five different flavours.
The flagship flavour combines the essence of Kashmiri fruits and spices, setting it apart from other soft drinks in the market. “I had the concept of starting this project for several years, and finally, I managed to launch it this year,” Aaqib told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Aaqib said he was inspired by his time in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, where non-caffeinated products are popular, which led him to bring a similar concept to Kashmir. “Initially, the project employs 15 youth directly, with the potential to generate employment opportunities for hundreds more indirectly,” he said.
In the next season, Aaqib plans to triple the production, which will create even more job opportunities.
Red Stone stands out as the first caffeine-free carbonated product in Kashmir, benefiting from the region’s excellent water resources. The company aims to establish franchises in every district to engage more youth and generate employment.
The packaging of Red Stone is particularly noteworthy, featuring eye-catching designs that reflect the cultural richness of Kashmir. The bottles and cans are adorned with vibrant colours and traditional motifs, appealing to consumers and reinforcing the brand’s Kashmiri identity—(KNO)
Much-anticipated flyover at Sangrama to be ready within two months
600-metre flyover to be a game-changer, will provide relief from traffic congestion in north Kashmir: DC Baramulla
Waris Fayaz
Baramulla, Aug 06 (KNO): Promising significant relief from severe traffic congestions, the much-awaited 600-metre flyover at Sangrama along National Highway-44 in north Kashmir is on track for completion within the next two months. The officials anticipate the project as a game-changer for Baramulla and Sopore townships.
The project spearheaded by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and supervised by the 53 RCC is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at streamlining traffic flow and enhancing connectivity in the region, which usually remains plagued with severe traffic congestion at the vital junction.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the completion of the Sangrama flyover by September is going to mark a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri route, as the project is going to alleviate the persistent gridlocks, hindering the movement in the region.
“The initial cost of the project was 24 crore rupees and has now been revised to 30 crores. The total length, including the approaches, is 600 metres, with the elevated portion and pillar foundations already completed,” he said.
Sharing further details, the DC said the project work is progressing at full speed, with the final and crucial task of completing the approaches and filling underway. We expect to complete the work by September, he said.
“Its completion will enhance the direct traffic flow of Baramulla bound vehicles onto the flyover, while traffic heading towards Sopore will use the side road,” he said. “This will avert the jamming and facilitate smoother transit for thousands of fruit-laden trucks travelling to and from Sopore fruit mandi.”
Ashraf Shabir, the project manager of Sangrama flyover, “We are going to hand over the project within one or two months.”
He said 90 percent of the structure work has been completed and they are now focussing on the approach work. “The Baramulla side is 70 percent complete, while the Srinagar side had some issues that have been amicably resolved by the BRO and administration,” Ashraf said, adding that the work on the Srinagar side will start shortly.
It’s noteworthy that the commuters as well as the residents earlier were complaining of the severe gridlocks at this vital junction, demanding measures to tackle the situation for the larger interest.
Meanwhile, expressing optimism, residents termed the flyover as a game-changer, saying the traffic situation at crucial Sangrama junction has been a nightmare for years. The completion of this much-needed flyover will bring respite from the traffic congestion, they said—(KNO)
