RAIPUR ROWGHAT PASSENGER TRAIN
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.
Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper likely to launch on October 31, offering faster overnight travel between the two cities; check operating days, timings, stops and other details
Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper news: The new Sleeper Vande Bharat Express is expected to begin overnight services between Varanasi and New Delhi from October 31. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are likely to flag off the train. The service is expected to operate six days a week, except Saturdays. Fares are expected to range from Rs 2.40 to Rs 3.80 per kilometre, depending on the travel class.
1956 proposed, 2026 realised: Train reaches Birbal’s birthplace Sidhi for the first time since Independence
A train reached the Rampur Naikin-Churhat area of Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, birthplace of one of Akbar's Navratnas, Bribal, for the first time since Independence on October 24. The milestone follows the inauguration of two railway sections covering 118 km and advances the 541-km Lalitpur-Singrauli railway project, first proposed in 1956.
Mumbai local train impacted: Hanging OHE wire disrupts services; office-goers face delays
Local train services in Mumbai faced disruptions during the morning rush hour on Monday due to an overhead equipment issue. A wire was found hanging, prompting delays of 15 to 20 minutes on the Central Railway's mainline. The foreign wire was detected between Mulund and Thane stations at 9.23 am. An overhead equipment block was implemented at 10 am to address the problem effectively.
Lithuanian traveller tries Vande Bharat Express in India, says it was worth every penny but compares luggage rush to the Hunger Games and raises concerns over safety and cleanliness
Karisha and Kristina, two friends from Lithuania, are embarking on a month-long journey through India, documenting their experiences online. Their recent ride on the Vande Bharat Express sparked conversation, as Karisha appreciated its comfort while also mentioning troubling bathroom odors. As they explore iconic sites like Delhi, Agra, and Kashmir, their candid observations have ignited discussions among social media users about the ups and downs of Indian train travel.
Indian Railways wants zero alcohol in loco pilots' blood, but what if tests detect traces without drinking? The rule under review
The Railway Board is yet to decide whether loco pilots should face disciplinary action when blood tests detect very low alcohol levels despite negative breathalyser results. The issue came under scrutiny after the 2025 Bilaspur train collision, in which 12 people died. Railway medical officials and the Commissioner of Railway Safety have called for a review of the zero-alcohol rule, citing limitations in laboratory testing.
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Noida fire tragedy: One dead as five shops catch fire
One person died after a fire broke out at five temporary shops in Raipur village under Sector 126 police station limits in Noida on Saturday. Six fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, and the shops were evacuated. The victim was found unconscious during the firefighting operation and was declared dead at a hospital. The person's identity is yet to be established.

Indian Railways reservation counters across Delhi-NCR to remain closed or partially open on November 8
Indian Railways will partially or fully close several PRS counters across Delhi-NCR on November 8 for Diwali 2026. Some offices will provide limited evening services, others will shut from 2 pm to 8 pm, while six locations will remain closed for the entire day. Passengers should check their reservation office timings before travelling to book train tickets.

20 Mass Rapid Transit System stations to get metro-style upgrade in Chennai: MRTS merger MoU likely in November; what passengers can expect
Chennai’s 20 MRTS stations between Chennai Beach and St Thomas Mount could see improvements in lighting, security and housekeeping by early 2027 as the Tamil Nadu government prepares to take over the network’s assets from Southern Railway. The transfer agreement is expected by the end of November. CMRL will eventually manage station facilities, while Southern Railway will continue operating trains for another 24 months.

Two injured as part of ceiling collapses at CSMT in Mumbai
On Thursday night, a part of the ceiling at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus collapsed, injuring two passengers. The incident took place near the booking hall during ongoing redevelopment work aimed at modernizing the station. The injured individuals were swiftly transported to St George's Hospital for medical attention and treatment. Authorities confirmed that both suffered various injuries, requiring medical intervention.

In 75 hours, India’s longest train journey takes you across 4,188 km, from Assam’s tea gardens to Kanyakumari’s coastline; watch viral video
India's longest train journey, the Vivek Express, connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering around 4,188 km in approximately 75 hours. The journey takes passengers through several states, from Assam's tea gardens and the plains of Bengal to the cities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching the greener landscapes of Kerala and the southern coastline. Here is what travellers can see along the route and how to plan the trip.

Darjeeling toy train joyrides ferry 12,000 passengers, earn Rs 1.41 crore in 3 weeks
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway reported record passenger numbers during the first three weeks of October. The heritage railway generated significant revenue from joyride services offered to tourists. Special joyrides were introduced to facilitate the increased tourist numbers and enhance their experiences. Both steam and diesel locomotives operate on selected routes, showcasing the scenic beauty of Darjeeling. This initiative caters to the growing interest in heritage train journeys among visitors.

Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper to begin operations on November 1
India will launch its second Vande Bharat sleeper train service between Mumbai and Bengaluru on November 1. This service aims to reduce travel time by nearly eight hours, covering the 1,118-km distance in about 16 hours. The train will feature 16 air-conditioned coaches, offering 823 berths for passengers' comfort. Fares for the sleeper service will be determined based on a per-kilometer structure, which is competitive with global rates.

After 79 years, Railways reaches this remote town for the first time since Independence; Rs 1,628 crore line opens, two new trains flagged off
Indian Railways has connected Chhattisgarh’s Rowghat to the national rail network for the first time since Independence, with the inauguration of the Tadoki-Rowghat railway line. The 17.5-km stretch completes the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara-Rowghat project. Two new passenger services, Rowghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud, were also flagged off, improving regional connectivity and access to industrial and economic opportunities.

S7, 57: Two passengers get the same confirmed train seat from IRCTC, and it wasn't RAC: Here's what the TTE did
IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Confusion: Two passengers claimed the same confirmed seat, S7, berth 57, in a viral train video. TTE Jitendra Mishra resolved the confusion by explaining that one passenger's ticket had been upgraded to a higher class through the Indian Railways auto-upgradation facility.

Indian Railways maintains consistent punctuality despite heavy passenger demand
The railways said that it has improved from 69.2% in 2018-19 to 77.43 in 2025-26 & 77.11% in 2026-27 (till now) if punctuality data are taken into consideration. It said that consistent performance on more than 77 per cent punctuality in the last three years, including the current year, is an improved performance from the year 2023-24, when it was 73.62 per cent.

Order a charger, medicines or personal care items while travelling by train: Southern Railway partners with Blinkit to solve passengers' last-minute woes
Southern Railway’s Salem division has partnered with Blinkit to let passengers order essential items, including mobile chargers, personal care products, medicines and refreshments, through the app and collect them at designated points at selected railway stations during train halts.

Getting food on train? Surprise checks on train meals & station food counters to get stricter; how IRCTC plans to catch vendors violating hygiene rules
Indian Railways is strengthening food safety and hygiene checks after repeated passenger complaints, with IRCTC partnering with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for independent surprise audits across trains and railway stations. Inspectors will use geo-tagged photographs and time-stamped digital records, with reports due within 24 hours, to help authorities track violations and speed up corrective action against catering vendors.

This couple spent two decades making their local railway station bloom, and now it’s been nominated for an award
Sheila and Sandy Davidson embarked on their gardening journey at Hindley railway station nearly two decades ago. With the support of volunteers and local businesses, they have cultivated a thriving community garden that showcases local heritage. Their dedication has earned them a nomination in this year's World Cup of Stations competition, emphasizing community engagement and inclusivity for individuals with additional needs, ultimately enhancing the station's overall ambiance.

Railways may fine you Rs 1,000 or imprison you for up to six months for playing loud music or videos on trains; awareness drive planned
Railway authorities plan to raise awareness regarding noise caused by mobile phones in trains and stations. Announcements will inform passengers that such behavior may result in fines or imprisonment. Previous complaints highlighted the increasing nuisance from loud music and videos played openly. Enforcement of these regulations will be more assertive following recent amendments to railway laws. Passenger associations have expressed concerns about the feasibility of enforcement due to staffing shortages.

Vande Bharat Sleeper beats China's bullet train? Influencer praises its 5-star hotel-like experience
Travel influencer has praised the facilities on India's Vande Bharat Sleeper train after travelling from Howrah to Kamakhya. He highlighted the clean, spacious bathroom, food service and onboard comforts, comparing the experience to a five-star hotel stay. He also claimed China's bullet train falls short, though the comparison reflects his personal opinion.

'5-star property' on rails: Man says China's bullet train cannot match India's Vande Bharat Sleeper after a ride; watch video
Travel vlogger Debajit Das has praised the Vande Bharat Sleeper train after travelling from Howrah to Kamakhya, comparing its facilities to a five-star property. In his Instagram review, he highlighted the spacious, clean washroom, premium seating and onboard meals, while revealing that his AC 3 Tier ticket cost Rs 2,450.

Ahmedabad to become a key Vande Bharat maintenance centre: Rs 307 crore hub to handle everything from coach repairs to traction motors
Ahmedabad is set to get a Rs 307 crore Vande Bharat train maintenance hub at Sabarmati, enabling major repairs and scheduled overhauls to be carried out locally. Being developed under Phase II of the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot, the facility will handle heavy repairs, wheel and axle maintenance, and electrical equipment overhauls. It is designed to service 24-coach trainsets, with an annual capacity of 12 trainsets for SS-I maintenance or eight for SS-II maintenance.

Train passengers take note: 5 superfast trains, including 2 Vande Bharat Express services, get AI-based cleaning checks & a 2-hour complaint resolution target
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced technology-driven on-board services in five superfast trains to improve cleanliness, hygiene and passenger comfort. The initiative covers the Kamakhya–SMVT Bengaluru Express, Guwahati–Kolkata Garib Rath Express, Dibrugarh–Mumbai LTT Express and two Vande Bharat Express services. The upgrades include improved coach cleaning, washroom maintenance, digital monitoring, AI-based cleaning assessments and a two-hour target for resolving passenger complaints.

A class apart: Namo Bharat's premium coaches win commuters
Namo Bharat's premium coach ridership has tripled to nearly 6,000 passengers daily from around 2,000 before the full corridor opened. Offering reclining seats, separate lounge access and additional amenities, the premium service charges about 20% more than standard coaches, with commuters citing seat availability and comfort during peak-hour journeys.

Vande Bharat special to operate between Delhi and Patna for Diwali, Chhath: Check dates, timings, stoppages and more
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat: The Indian Railways will operate a tri-weekly Vande Bharat Express festival special from New Delhi to Patna Junction. Services begin on October 21 and run until November 26, coinciding with Diwali and Chhath Puja. The special train features 16 chair-car coaches and will stop at six stations along the route. Two additional trips are scheduled prior to the service commencement on October 16 and 18.

Passenger's earbud tip gets stuck inside ear on moving train; what Indian Railways did next left him pleasantly surprised
A passenger travelling on the Kaveri Express received medical assistance after a wireless earbud’s silicone tip got stuck in their ear during an overnight journey. According to a Reddit post, a call to Indian Railways’ 139 helpline prompted railway staff, the RPF and a doctor to coordinate help at Jolarpettai, where the earbud tip was removed.

Love shooting trains, Vande Bharat videos & scenic railway bridges with a drone? Railways is cracking down, and vloggers need to take note
Indian Railways has stepped up its crackdown on unauthorised drone operations over railway tracks, stations and other infrastructure, citing safety and security risks. The action follows a Kollam court ruling that fined a man and sentenced him to one day of community service for illegally flying a drone over a railway line. The move could affect vloggers and rail enthusiasts filming trains, bridges, tunnels and scenic routes for social media without the required permissions.
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