RAILWAYS MINISTER

High fares, longer journeys, delays make special trains less attractive to passengers: Officials

Railway Ministry claims to operate special trains during the festive rush, yet regular train demand exceeds their capacity. Special trains often have higher fares and longer travel durations compared to regular trains, which leads to disappointment among travelers. Many passengers are willing to book waiting-list tickets for regular trains due to their reliability and punctuality. Railway officials suggest lowering special train fares to attract more passengers amidst ongoing challenges.

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.

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.

Nitin Gadkari says UP farmers will soon produce hydrogen from water that will run planes, cars and trains

Nitin Gadkari's hydrogen plan: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says Uttar Pradesh farmers will soon produce hydrogen from water and agricultural waste that will power aircraft, cars and railway engines. He also highlighted ethanol production, alternative fuels and the state's potential to become an energy exporter from a net importer. The state was known as Bimaru state.

15,000 trains, 100+ special train pairs and a Vande Bharat: Indian Railways has a big Diwali & Chhath Puja gift for Bihar passengers

Indian Railways will operate 15,000 trains to and from Bihar to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath, compared with around 12,000 services under normal operations. More than 100 pairs of special trains have also been arranged on routes connecting Bihar with Delhi, Punjab, Mumbai, Pune and other destinations. The Railways has also discussed new train services and infrastructure projects in the state.

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.

India, Nepal reaffirm commitment to all-round enhancement of partnership as FS Misri meets PM Shah

India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu ahead of his expected visit to Delhi later this month. Discussions covered trade, energy, connectivity, sports and new areas of cooperation, including AI and digital connectivity.

Tumakuru circle to retain Shivakumara Swamiji's name, says MoS Somanna

Union Minister V Somanna confirmed the Dr Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji Circle's name will not be changed. This decision came after devotees expressed concerns regarding potential alterations linked to a development project. Somanna emphasized the significant contributions of Shivakumara Mahaswamiji towards education and social harmony throughout his life. The deputy commissioner assured that the circle will preserve the seer's legacy during ongoing beautification efforts.

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.

'Come to Parliament': Ashwini Vaishnaw challanges Opposition to debate in 'appropriate forum'

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to debate on political issues in Parliament. He emphasized that discussions should occur in the legislative forum rather than on social media platforms. Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party for undermining democracy and for previously introducing electronic voting machines. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also questioned Congress's understanding of democracy and its history of toppling governments.

What do passengers get onboard Vande Bharat Sleeper train? Viral video takes viewers inside Delhi-Varanasi journey, shows meal & bedding

An Instagram reel showing the facilities inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has crossed 2 million views. Shared by @vlogwithprateek_, the video offers a glimpse of the onboard meals, bedding arrangements and sleeper coach interiors during a Varanasi-New Delhi journey. The new service connects the two cities via Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.

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.

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.

Faster than flights: Bengaluru-Chennai bullet train would take only 73 minutes to travel between the two cities, compared with 4 hours 25 minutes on Vande Bharat, Railway minister Vaishnaw proposes

PM approves Southern bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai: Vaishnaw

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Southern Bullet Train Corridor which will connect Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai. This high-speed rail project aims to reduce travel time significantly between these economic hubs. The Bengaluru-Chennai journey will take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad will take about two hours and 10 minutes.

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.

India to export Vande Bharat trains in 3-4 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw

India will commence the export of Vande Bharat trains in three to four years. The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been recently launched to enhance overnight travel comfort. It features advanced design improvements aimed at passenger convenience and aims to reduce travel time significantly. Fares for the sleeper service are competitive compared to international train services.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Check route, stoppages and timings

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on November 1. The train service will operate six days a week, excluding Mondays, connecting major stations along its route. Passengers will benefit from an overnight travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. This launch follows the introduction of a similar service between Varanasi and New Delhi.

Delhi-Lucknow bullet train journey in 2 hours 12 minutes compared to 6 hours 25 minutes by Vande Bharat: What the Northern Corridor proposes

Delhi and Lucknow could be connected by a bullet train in 2 hours and 12 minutes under the proposed Northern Corridor approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared estimated travel times for Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi as the planned network is set to extend from Delhi to Guwahati.

Bullet train to Northeast: PM Modi approves Delhi-Guwahati bullet train corridor expansion, extending proposed route to Assam via Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri; CM Himanta thanks Centre

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the extension of the Northern bullet train corridor from Siliguri to Guwahati, saying Delhi-Guwahati travel could take under eight hours. PM Narendra Modi has approved the Northern corridor, which will connect major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal before reaching Assam.

'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.

IRCTC hotels case: Delhi court defers formal framing of charges against Lalu, others

A Delhi court has adjourned the framing of money laundering charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members. The judge stated that all accused, except those exempted, must be present at the next hearing. The Enforcement Directorate's case involves the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, with nine of the sixteen accused facing charges. The investigation indicates no political vendetta against Lalu Prasad, despite defense claims.