RAILWAY BOARD
Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express trains connecting Delhi and Agra set for speed upgrade as Kavach installation is completed; services to return to 160 kmph from current 130 kmph after successful safety trials
Vande Bharat recent news: Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat services are expected to return to their original speeds of 160 kmph. This enhancement follows the successful installation of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system on the Delhi-Agra route. Currently, eight trains operate at a reduced speed of 130 kmph due to safety regulations. Safety trials are currently being conducted to ensure the system's effectiveness before the speed increase.
Mumbai’s first non-ac local train set to have automatic sliding doors, improved legroom, CCTV cameras, fire detection systems and emergency communication facilities; check details
Mumbai latest news: Mumbai's suburban railway prepares to introduce a new non-AC local train with automatic doors for passenger safety. This development follows the June 2025 Mumbra accident, which underscored risks linked to overcrowding. The new train features louvred panels for ventilation while eliminating open doorways during travel. Trials will determine the effectiveness of the automatic doors and their impact on service schedules.
Passengers climbing through train windows, some travelling in toilets, others waiting 12 hours in queues: Railway stations witness unprecedented Diwali-Chhath chaos
Railway stations across Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are witnessing massive crowds as passengers head home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Videos show commuters attempting to enter packed trains through doors and windows, while some wait up to 12 hours to board services. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 18,000 special trains have been added this festive season, alongside holding areas and AI-enabled cameras to manage crowds.
Travelling for Chhath Puja This Week? 8 Last-Minute Train and Bus Booking Tips to Reach Home on Time
Travelling home for Chhath Puja 2026 but still struggling to find confirmed train or bus tickets? With the festival approaching, demand for routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities with Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand can make last-minute bookings difficult. From checking special trains and Tatkal quotas to considering nearby railway stations and alternative bus routes, here are practical ways to plan your journey before November 13.
Digital life certificates cross 40 lakh in first 5 days of campaign, up 60% from last year
Nearly 40 lakh digital life certificates have been generated by pensioners in the initial days of the campaign. This represents a 60% increase compared to the same period last year. Face authentication has significantly improved, accounting for 80% of the certificates generated recently. The government aims to simplify the process for pensioners, allowing digital submission of life certificates. Efforts are underway to improve access to pension services across various locations.
Waste to wealth: Centre earns over Rs 970 crore from disposal of scrap
Inspired by the vision and direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, the Special Campaign 6 for institutionalising swachhata and minimising pendency in government offices has recorded its highest-ever achievements across key parameters since the commencement of the annual special campaign in 2021, an official statement said.
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Railway platform ticket sales suspended at six stations across Delhi and Ghaziabad; check the full list
Railway news: Northern Railway is implementing crowd-management measures at major railway stations in Delhi-NCR during the festive season. Platform ticket sales have been suspended at six key railway stations until November 14 to manage crowds. Special trains are being operated to accommodate the anticipated travel rush for Diwali and Chhath festivals. Enhanced passenger facilities, including holding areas, aim to improve the travel experience during this busy period.

School holiday today, November 5: Which states will remain closed? Check Diwali vacation, weather alerts and election-related updates
November school holidays: Schools in several states may remain closed on November 5 due to Diwali vacations, election-related holidays and weather alerts. Andhra Pradesh has declared a holiday for MPTC and ZPTC polling, while heavy rainfall warnings across parts of southern and eastern India could prompt local school closure orders. Check state-wise updates and the latest holiday announcements.

Construction, demolition activities banned in Gurugram amid pollution; check dates, WFH mandates & more
Gurugram's administration has announced a ban on construction and demolition activities to combat rising air pollution. This ban will be effective from November 5 to 20 and affects various projects. Both government and private offices are allowed 50 percent of staff to work physically. Exemptions include essential services and infrastructure projects related to railways, metro, and hospitals.

15+ features of India's first Bullet Train: Not just 280 kmph speed, check its interiors, passenger facilities and advanced technology
India's first indigenous bullet train, B28, is designed to run at an operational speed of 249 kmph and a testing speed of 280 kmph. With eight coaches and a passenger capacity of around 557, it will feature Wi-Fi-based infotainment, multilingual information screens, ergonomic seating and modern safety systems. Trial runs on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor are targeted for May-June 2027.

UP woman enters Railways, operates first Vande Bharat between Varanasi-Prayagraj, receives PM Modi's swearing-in invite, now joins Varanasi to Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper team
UP woman electronics engineer Shrini Srivastava joined Indian Railways as an assistant loco pilot in April 2017. She got very famours in 2024 after operating the Vande Bharat between Varanasi and Prayagraj and receiving an invitation to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She is now part of the Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper operating crew.

EPFO’s WhatsApp service: You can check EPF balance, view last 5 transactions and download passbook by sending message
The launch of the EPFO WhatsApp service was announced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This new feature empowers subscribers to easily check their EPF balance, view the latest transactions, and download passbook details. Moreover, the initiative addresses automatic settlements for dormant accounts, benefiting around one lakh users whose balance falls under Rs 1,000, thereby simplifying processes and minimizing the necessity for in-person visits.

Making of Bullet Train: What India’s high-speed train will look like from inside; check out its high-tech interiors, passenger facilities & technology
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared a video offering a glimpse inside India's first Bharat-made Bullet Train, being manufactured at BEML's Bengaluru facility for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The eight-car train will feature a test speed of 280 kmph, seating for around 557 passengers, accessible facilities, Wi-Fi-based infotainment and advanced safety and energy-efficient technologies.

Railways adds 9,638 wagons to contracts worth Rs 3,925 crore
Indian Railways is increasing its wagon procurement by 24.57% through additional orders from five suppliers. The incremental orders amount to approximately ₹3,925.41 crore and include 9,638 wagons. These wagons are intended for bulk commodities and will be supplied by June 2027. Suppliers involved in this contract include Titagarh Wagons, Jupiter Wagons, and Texmaco Rail & Engineering.

Jupiter Wagons bags Rs 324 crore orders from GATX India and Chetak International
Jupiter Wagons Ltd has obtained private sector orders worth over Rs 324 crore for automobile carrier wagons. GATX India issued a Letter of Intent for 10 rakes valued at Rs 214.94 crore. Chetak International placed an order for five rakes worth Rs 109.10 crore. The company highlights strong demand for its new ACT2 wagon platform among private operators.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train can travel at 249 kmph speed carrying up to 1,114 passengers with two 8-coach trains joined to form a 16-coach train; free Wi-Fi for passengers
India's first indigenous bullet train to run between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Named as B-28 or Bharat 28, the train is nearing a crucial manufacturing milestone at BEML's Bengaluru facility. The eight-coach train will carry 557 passengers, operate at 249 kmph and feature Wi-Fi, accessible toilets and regenerative braking. Test runs are planned for 2027, with commercial operations targeted for August.

Vaishnaw visits BEML facility building India’s first bullet train for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor
Bharat Bullet Train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, emphasizing indigenous technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed various production processes at BEML's Aditya manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The train will offer advanced passenger amenities and adhere to stringent safety standards during its operation. It is designed to accommodate about 557 passengers, including special provisions for persons with disabilities.

Railway pass holders can travel in higher class on Rajdhani, Shatabdi by paying fare difference
Railway pass holders now have the option to travel in a higher class on premium trains. This change applies to Privilege Passes, Post Retirement Complimentary Passes, and Widow Passes. The Railway Board clarified this policy after addressing prior ambiguities in the rules concerning train travel. Updated procedures will reflect this new travel entitlement and clarify fare payment requirements.

1st look inside Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Opaque cabin window, softer berths & features that may make passengers ecstatic
Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper: A video by content creator Akshay Malhotra offers a glimpse inside the first-class cabins of the proposed Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The train is expected to cover around 760 km overnight, with features including privacy glass, reading lights, charging points and cushioned berths. The service is also expected to offer First, Second and Third AC accommodation, with stops at Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Kanpur Central and Prayagraj.

Closed on Diwali: 15+ railway reservation centres in Delhi to remain shut or operate for limited hours on November 8; check full list before visiting
Several railway reservation counters across Delhi-NCR will operate for limited hours or remain closed on November 8 due to Diwali. Three centres will offer partial services until 6 pm, while 15 others will shut during the evening shift from 2 pm to 8 pm. Six reservation offices will remain closed for the entire day. Here is the complete list of affected centres and their timings.

Jupiter Wagons shares rally 8% on Rs 1,140 crore Railway Board order
Jupiter Wagons shares rallied over 8% after securing a Rs 1,140 crore Railway Board order for 2,583 wagons. The company expects additional order inflows of around Rs 2,000 crore in Q4 FY27, supported by government and private-sector demand. Despite the gains, the stock has fallen 25% in three months and trades below seven of its eight simple moving averages.

Railways charging socket timing changed: Now mobile, laptop charging points in all train will be switched off after 11 pm
Railway charging point timing: The Railway Board has directed all railway zones to switch off mobile phone and laptop charging points in train coaches between 11 pm and 5 am after a passenger's power bank exploded while charging on a South Eastern Railway train. The board has ordered staff training and surprise inspections to ensure compliance with the fire safety rules.

Prayagraj train passengers, take note: Railways may rename 3 stations to end confusion; here's why
Indian Railways has proposed dropping the ‘Prayagraj’ prefix from Chheoki, Rambagh and Sangam stations to prevent passenger confusion, particularly during the Magh Mela. The proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval, while Prayagraj Junction will retain its existing name. The move follows complaints of passengers confusing the stations and missing trains.

Babus who call late meetings, delay files face scrutiny as cabinet secretary lists 12 types of secretaries
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan highlighted issues with bureaucratic efficiency at a recent performance review meeting. He presented a list of problematic behaviors affecting government productivity using cartoons. Somanathan emphasized the necessity of timely decision-making and better communication between ministries. Another topic addressed was the improper usage of ration cards by railway employees.

Railways to launch door-to-door parcel services
Indian Railways plans to introduce a door-to-door parcel service using the Rail Parcel App in eight cities. Customers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities can book pickups and deliveries. Logistics partners will manage first-mile and last-mile services, while the railways will transport parcels. Bookings can be made online, easing the logistics burden for customers. Refunds for cancellations will also be available under specific conditions.

Communications manager of Prashant Kishor's party found dead near rail tracks in Ranchi
Devpalik Gupta, a communications manager for the Jan Suraaj Party, went missing from a train on Monday. His body was discovered near the railway tracks the next day after an accidental fall. Gupta had been integral in the party's social media strategy and played a significant role in a recent electoral victory. After leaving his friends to visit the pantry car, he was not seen again on the train.

Nearly 4,000 shelters set up, emergency forces on standby as Odisha, Andhra brace for cyclone Arnab
The Indian Railways cancelled at least 50 trains in the region as a precaution, while traffic restrictions were imposed on many coastal roads in the region. Two IndiGo flights connecting Vijayawada with Chennai and Bengaluru were also cancelled during the day.

Railway Board flags safety concerns, grants conditional approval to RCF-made Vande Bharat chair car
Officials said all Vande Bharat Chair Cars currently in operation have been manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and that this will be the first Vande Bharat chair car manufactured by RCF, Kapurthala, with an Alstom propulsion system.

Rail passengers opting for 45-paise travel insurance at counters must pay digitally from Oct 27
Railway passengers will need to pay for optional travel insurance through digital means starting October 27. This change follows a Supreme Court order requiring digital transactions for insurance premiums. The 45-paise premium cannot be paid in cash due to certain coins no longer being legal tender. Passengers who cancel tickets will forfeit part of the insurance premium along with other fees.
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