RAILWAY STATION

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.

1,000 extra trains between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to ease waiting lists, Railway ministry plans four parallel tracks on 7 major corridors

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways plans to expand seven major corridors to four parallel tracks, enabling more than 1,000 additional regular trains after completion. The routes include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The Railways has also deployed 18,000 special trains and 700 AI cameras for the festive rush.

Southern Railway runs 132 special trains, deploys extra RPF personnel to manage Diwali rush

Southern Railway managed the rise in passenger traffic during the Diwali season by operating special trains. A total of 132 special trains were run, along with additional coaches for 22 Mail and Express services. Key destinations linked include Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Bengaluru among other cities across India. Comprehensive security measures were implemented at major stations to ensure passenger safety and guidance.

Karmabhoomi Express fire: Passengers panic as four coaches catch fire near Sarai Banjara in Punjab

Four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express caught fire near Sarai Banjara in Punjab, sparking panic among passengers on board. The exact reason for the fire is still unknown, prompting an urgent investigation by authorities. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or damage as officials work to gather more information about the event.

Hydrogen-Powered Toy Train: Indian Railways plans big change on iconic Kalka-Shimla route; check what could soon be different for passengers

Indian Railways is planning to introduce a hydrogen-powered toy train on the 96-km Kalka-Shimla heritage route under the Centre's Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. Barog railway station has been identified as a possible site for a hydrogen production plant. The project aims to promote cleaner rail transport in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik hills, subject to technical feasibility and official approvals.

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.

World's highest railway station in Ladakh at 17,244 feet: India planning a Rs 1.3 lakh crore railway line that will break China's record

World's highest railway station: India is planning a 489-km Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line costing an estimated Rs 1.31 lakh crore. The proposed corridor could feature the world's highest railway station at 5,256 metres beneath Tanglang La, surpassing China's existing record. Here's what we know about the ambitious Himalayan railway project, its route, tunnels and strategic importance.

Indian Railways runs 18,000 special trains for festive rush, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

From 45 to 15 minutes: Forget crawling through Varanasi traffic, India's first public transport ropeway will take you above city's busy roads; watch viral video

A video of Varanasi's upcoming public transport ropeway has surfaced on Instagram, offering a glimpse of cabins travelling above the city's busy roads. The 4.2-km project, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore, will connect Varanasi Cantt Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk through five stations and is expected to reduce travel time from around 45 minutes to 15–16 minutes.

India plans world's highest railway station at 5,256 metres, above China's record; check route, cost and key challenges of Rs 1.31 lakh crore project

Gold and cash worth over Rs 8 lakh stolen from locked First AC coupe on Deoria-bound train; family alleges no police help, Gonda cops demonstrate how cabin door opens from outside

A couple travelling with their one-year-old child has alleged that gold jewellery worth Rs 7-8 lakh and cash were stolen from their locked First AC coupe at Lucknow's Charbagh station. They claimed that repeated calls to railway helplines and three alarm chain pulls brought no immediate police response. A Zero FIR has been filed in Deoria.

How to book Tatkal train tickets faster on IRCTC: Follow these easy steps, check booking timings and tips to get a confirmed seat

Tatkal ticket booking is an ideal choice for immediate train travel via the IRCTC platform. Passengers can secure their seats a day in advance, with distinct timings for AC and Non-AC classes. To ensure a smooth process, verifying accounts and entering passenger details ahead of time is advised. Additionally, adherence to Aadhaar authentication during booking is crucial. Refunds on confirmed Tatkal tickets are limited to certain conditions.

Freight train derails in Gujarat's Dahod, two Delhi-bound trains affected

Two freight trains derailed in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, affecting train services and causing delays. The first derailment in Gujarat involved a freight train traveling empty to Madhya Pradesh. Later, seven empty coaches rolled away from Jolarpettai Junction in Tamil Nadu before derailing near Thamaleri Muthur. Railway authorities intervened quickly to prevent major accidents and initiate restoration operations. No injuries were reported in either incident as services were disrupted temporarily.

No engine, no driver, 6 km journey: Seven empty train coaches roll away from Tamil Nadu yard, derail near Tirupattur

Ghost train scare in Tamil Nadu: Seven empty railway coaches reportedly rolled away unattended from Jolarpettai railway yard in Tamil Nadu's Tirupattur district and travelled nearly six kilometres before derailing near Thamaleri Muthur. The incident disrupted Bengaluru-Chennai train services and triggered an emergency response from railway authorities.

Tamil Nadu: Seven empty train coaches roll away without engine, derail after travelling 6 km in Tirupattur

Seven empty railway coaches rolled away from the Jolarpettai Junction yard and derailed after travelling six kilometres. Railway authorities were alerted to stop approaching trains from Bengaluru to prevent a collision. Gas-cutting equipment and JCB machinery were used to clear the derailed coaches from the main track. The incident disrupted multiple trains on the crucial Bengaluru-Chennai route, causing delays for passengers.

Delhi traffic curbs on November 1 as INDIA bloc plans 'vote chori' rally at Ramlila Maidan

Traffic restrictions will impact Central Delhi as the INDIA bloc prepares for a significant rally at Ramlila Maidan. Starting from 10 am to 5 pm on November 1, expect congestion on key routes like Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Minto Road. To facilitate smooth travel, traffic personnel will assist with vehicle movement and parking. Commuters are encouraged to plan their trips to New Delhi Railway Station ahead of time.

'Bullet train will cut Delhi-Varanasi journey to 3.5 hrs': Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals mega plan to slash travel times to Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Patna

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared proposed travel times for the Northern Corridor of India's bullet train network, including a journey between Delhi and Varanasi in 3 hours 33 minutes. He also highlighted the role of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in improving overnight connectivity and outlined plans to develop Kashi railway station into a major transport hub.

Railways will replace 500 kg of LPG & 2,500 litres of diesel daily with PNG at 22 sites under IGL deal; Delhi, New Delhi and Anand Vihar among stations covered

Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has partnered with Northern Railway's Delhi Division to replace LPG and diesel with piped natural gas (PNG) at 22 railway establishments across Delhi-NCR. The initial supply of 3,000 SCMD is expected to replace around 500 kg of LPG and 2,500 litres of diesel daily. The agreement is part of the government's PNG Drive 3.0.

Mumbai local train impacted: Cloth entangled in OHE disrupts services towards CSMT; office-goers face delays

Local train services on the Harbour line were disrupted during the morning rush hour due to an incident. A piece of cloth got entangled in the overhead equipment at Sewri station at 9.45 am. This caused a halt of services from Wadala and a temporary shutdown of power. Commuters experienced delays of 15 to 20 minutes during peak travel times. Train services were fully restored by 10.

Rs 14.38 lakh worth of gold recovered from this woman who was stealing jewellery from Mumbai local train passengers; how police caught her

The Kalyan GRP unit has arrested a 36-year-old woman accused of stealing gold jewellery from female passengers travelling on Mumbai local trains. Police recovered gold ornaments worth Rs 14.38 lakh and linked the accused to two theft cases registered at Karjat and Kalyan railway police stations.

PM Modi reviews projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore across 31 States, UTs at 54th PRAGATI meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 54th PRAGATI meeting to evaluate infrastructure projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore. The meeting focused on enhancing railway station redevelopment and boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. PM Modi emphasized the importance of timely execution of projects and inter-agency coordination. He also highlighted the need for supporting local artisans through Ekta Malls and maintaining close monitoring on these initiatives.

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.