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Kashmir’s Chronicler: How Asrar Sultanpuri captures India’s rising skyline

His latest endeavour is the documentary on the Chenab Railway Bridge
11:30 PM Jan 29, 2025 IST | MUKEET AKMALI
kashmir’s chronicler  how asrar sultanpuri captures india’s rising skyline
Kashmir’s Chronicler: How Asrar Sultanpuri captures India’s rising skyline
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Srinagar, Jan 29: Asrar Sultanpuri, the founder of Sangarmaal Productions and a native of Baramulla, has emerged as a distinctive figure in India’s media industry.

He has expertly merged the creativity of a poet and writer with the technical knowledge required to document the nation’s most challenging infrastructure projects. Since founding Sangarmaal Productions in 1995, Sultanpuri has revolutionised how India’s infrastructure achievements are recorded, influencing both national perception and documentation strategies.

His latest endeavour is the documentary on the Chenab Railway Bridge, a project that stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. “The Chenab Railway Arch Bridge is not just a structure; it is an embodiment of human ingenuity and determination,” Sultanpuri stated. Spanning 1,708 meters across the Chenab River, this bridge boasts an impressive arch height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to significantly enhance connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.

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The monumental bridge’s construction commenced in 2010, involving extensive surveying and groundwork. A significant milestone was reached on January 8, 2025, when the bridge underwent a final trial run, showcasing India’s engineering capabilities. “Witnessing the trial run was a proud moment for all of us involved in this project. It represents years of hard work and collaboration,” Sultanpuri recalled.

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Sultanpuri’s documentary captures the struggles and triumphs faced during the bridge’s construction. Scripted, produced, and directed by Sultanpuri himself, the 45-minute film explores the intricate details of this engineering marvel, the people involved in its realization, and the historical significance of the USBRL project. Titled “The Chenab Railway Bridge, An Engineering Marvel of the Century,” the film has been produced for AFCONS Infra. Ltd. and Konkan Railway Construction Corporation, under the supervision of Northern Railway, and is set to reach both national and international audiences, with plans for screening on the Discovery Channel.

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Beyond infrastructure documentation, Sultanpuri has a diverse portfolio that encompasses cultural explorations such as “Kashyap Reshi ka Des-Ek Khoj,” a travelogue focusing on the historic places of Jammu & Kashmir, and “Neelam Ki Khoj,” a documentary about the sapphires of Kishtwar. “Through my work, I aim to not only inform but to inspire a sense of pride in our rich heritage and culture,” he noted.

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Sultanpuri has also tackled social issues through teleserials like “AASH,” addressing the changing social landscape of Kashmir, and “Nai Rahen Nai Manzilen,” which focused on the economic activities of Kashmiri migrants. His drive to tell the stories of his people is evident in all his projects.

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Under his leadership, Sangarmaal Productions has expanded its operations from New Delhi to new offices in Mumbai and Srinagar. Recently, the company has made an international foray with the launch of Rove Logue, a channel based in Antalya, Turkey, dedicated to exploring historical and archaeological sites. “This is just the beginning. We hope to showcase India’s culture and history to a broader audience,” Sultanpuri expressed.

Sultanpuri has secured essential partnerships with major institutions, including Prasar Bharti and various Union Ministries, as well as leading infrastructure companies. “Our collaborations have allowed us to enhance the narrative around India’s developmental journey, and I am committed to continuing this important work,” he affirmed.

His documentaries on railway line construction in Kashmir and other significant projects are also available on YouTube.