RAILWAYS MINISTER
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.
One killed as violence flares in Bangladesh amid tensions over ex-PM Hasina's planned return
Violent incidents occurred across Bangladesh, resulting in one death and multiple vehicles set ablaze overnight. Police reported that activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates initiated crude bomb explosions at various locations. Tensions have risen after news surfaced about Sheikh Hasina's possible return to Bangladesh next month from India. Hasina, living in exile since August 2024, faces serious legal charges upon her potential return.
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.
Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express to be among India's slowest, running at 53-54 kmph, on par with regular Mail and Express trains; why Vande Bharat trains are not operating at approved 160 kmph
Vande Bharat Express news: The Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will connect Bengaluru to Goa over a distance of 670 km. It is set to take approximately 12 to 13 hours for this journey, making it the slowest Vande Bharat service. This train will average speeds comparable to Mail and Express trains, primarily due to safety restrictions. Currently, other Vande Bharat trains maintain higher average speeds across their respective routes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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