Page 18 - Indian Railways

Railway Board flags violation of continuous night duty norm for loco-pilots

The Railway Board has asked the Centre for Railway Information Systems to provide alert to crew controllers in case of violation of its instructions regarding continuous night duty for running staff such as loco pilots. As per the board's guidelines, Continuous night duty for running staff should be limited to four nights with the fourth night towards the headquarters. However, it has been observed that railways are violating these instructions by continuing to book running staff after 4 consecutive nights due to absence of alert in CMS (Crew Management System), the Board said in its letter dated December 26, 2024 addressed to the managing director of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). In CMS reports for the month of October, November and December (till date), total 1360, 1224 and 696 cases of loco pilots with five and more than five continuous night duty were recorded respectively, the board's letter added. Advising CRIS to provide alerts on crew booking console of

Migration slowdown reveals shifting patterns, rising suburban growth

EAC-PM study highlights reduced migration to metros, rise of counter-magnet cities, and calls for balanced urbanisation with jobs closer to rural and suburban areas

IRCTC website, app restored after 1.5-hr outage, ticket booking resumes

Downdetector, a service that tracks online disruptions, showed a surge in outage reports, with over 2,500 users affected

Services hit as 18 trains running late due to low visibility: Railways

Additional delays have been reported for trains such as the Goda Delhi Express (delayed by 70 minutes), the Bui NDLS Superfast Express (delayed by 65 minutes), and the Sadbhavana Express

Here's why IRFC share price was buzzing in trade on December 26; details

The IRFC share price dropped as much as 1.55 per cent to hit an intraday low of Rs 145.60 per share from previous close of Rs 147.90

Railways completes trial run on India's first cable-stayed bridge in J-K

The Railways has successfully conducted a trial run of a tower wagon on India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, paving the way for the start of rail services to Kashmir in January next year. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video clip of the trial run on the social media platform X. The railway ministry issued a statement, saying, "Giving wings to connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, the trial run of a tower wagon on India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, was successfully completed for the USBRL project." The work on the railway bridge at Anji Khad was completed last month. The completion of the bridge received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is aimed at providing rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. The Anji Khad Bridge, featuring a single pylon with a height of 331 metres abov

IRCTC not paying compensation to passengers for delay in pvt trains: RTI

IRCTC has informed that it discontinued the scheme of giving compensation to passengers on delay in private trains five years ago. This information was received in response to an application filed by news agency PTI under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was established by the Ministry of Railways with the basic objective of operating the entire catering and tourism activities of the Railways and currently also handles ticket booking and private trains. According to the IRCTC, under this scheme, Rs 26 lakh was given as compensation to the passengers from October 4, 2019 to February 16, 2024. According to the information, in the year 2023-24 alone, compensation of Rs 15.65 lakh was given to the passengers. IRCTC, in response to the RTI, said, The scheme providing compensation in case of delay or running of private trains has been discontinued with effect from February 15, 2024. The Corporation has refused to divulge the re

ER prosecutes 304 men for travelling in women-only train coaches: Official

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) prosecuted 304 men for travelling in women-only train coaches in the Eastern Railway zone in a six-day drive as part of 'Operation Mahila Suraksha', an official said on Tuesday. The initiative, spearheaded by the RPF, focuses on protecting women passengers and ensuring their right to travel without fear or intimidation, he said. The ER official said that between December 15 and 20, an intensive drive across Howrah, Sealdah, Malda and Asansol divisions of Eastern Railway led to the apprehension and prosecution of 304 men under the provisions of the Railway Act for unauthorised travel in women-only coaches. With an aim to create secure spaces for women public transport, 'Operation Mahila Suraksha' (women's safety) has been implemented with steadfast determination, he said. "Passengers are encouraged to join this effort by reporting suspicious activities through the RPF helpline 139 or contacting railway officials," he said.

Vaishnaw calls for focus on safety, maintenance, innovation in railways

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the need for three times more efforts on safety, maintenance, quality, and training to modernise infrastructure and provide a world-class experience to commuters. While conferring the 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar to 101 railway officials and 22 shields to best performing zones in different categories on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam here, Vaishnaw announced a significant focus on maintenance, innovation, industry collaborations, enhanced inspection systems, and improved training for officers and technicians, incorporating feedback from grassroots levels. Chairman & CEO of Railway Board, Satish Kumar, Members of the Railway Board, and General Managers of various Railway Zones and Production Units attended he event. According to a press statement from the Railway Board, Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative progress achieved by the Railways over the past decade. He emphasised the rapid construction pace, completing projects ...

No provision of free travel for Maha Kumbh Mela: Railways ministry

The Ministry of Railways on Wednesday dismissed as "baseless" claims that passengers would be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela, and said no such provision exists. "It has come to the attention of Indian Railways that certain media outlets are circulating reports claiming that passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela," it said in a statement. "Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading," the statement said. "Travelling without a valid ticket is strictly prohibited under the rules and regulations of Indian Railways and constitutes a punishable offense. There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion," the ministry added. It added that the Indian Railways was committed to ensuring seamless travel for passengers during the Maha Kumbh. "Adequate arrangements are being made, including the establishment of special holding areas, additiona

Indian Railways to elevate tracks for smooth traffic during Maha Kumbh 2025

Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation, has undertaken a project to elevate railway tracks to remove level crossings before next year's Maha Kumbh, officials said on Sunday. The initiative is set to ease traffic congestion, save travel time, and provide significant relief to city residents, they added. Celebrated in a cycle of 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Rail under bridges (RUBs) and rail over bridges (ROBs) are ready on almost all the level crossings in Prayagraj where movement will start fully before the mega event, officials said. Alongside the spiritual festivities, the Maha Kumbh has accelerated industrial growth and commercial development across the region. A major highlight of this transformation is the removal of level crossings, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Indian Railways and the State Bridge Corporation. Amit Malviya, senior public relations officer, .

Spoken with Railways, Dadar Hanuman temple won't be demolished: BJP leaders

A day after Uddhav Thackeray slammed the BJP over a demolition notice issued by the Railways to a temple outside Mumbai's Dadar station, ruling party leaders claimed on Saturday that they have got it stayed. BJP legislator Mangal Prabhat Lodha said the Dadar Hanuman temple will be protected. Lodha visited the shrine near Platform No. 12 at Dadar East, adjacent to the Central Railway station. He interacted with the temple trustees and joined the aarti'. MLA Kalidas Kolambkar and members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad were also present at the temple. Lodha said he had spoken with Union Railway Minister Ashwnin Vaishnaw and an order has been issued to halt the demolition. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Thackeray on Friday claimed that Railways had issued a fatwa' (edict) to bring down the 80-year-old Hanuman temple built by porters. Taking a dig at the BJP's ek hai to safe hai slogan, he said even temples are not safe in the saffron party's regime. After his temple visit, Lodha, wh

Railways Amendment Bill passed; won't lead to privatisation, says Vaishnaw

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to amend Railway laws with the government insisting that it will not lead to the national carrier's privatisation. Responding to a debate on the Railway Amendment bill, Railway Minister Ashiwni Vaishnaw said in the Lower House that a fake narrative was set afloat that the amendment would privatise railways. "Their (opposition) fake narrative on Constitution has failed... now this will also fall flat," he asserted. The Bill was passed by a voice vote after debate which could not be held earlier due to frequent disruptions of House proceedings during the last week. "A few members have said the Bill will lead to privatisation of railways, an attempt has been made to set a fake narrative. I want to appeal to them with all sincerity not to do this, their one fake narrative about the Constitution has already failed," Vaishnaw said. The Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 which seeks to enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board was

Parliament Session: Railways Amendment Bill passed in LS amid disruptions

Minister assures opp that bill won't cause privatisation, calls it "fake narrative"

What in the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024 is upsetting the Opposition?

During the discussion in the parliament, Congress MP Manoj Kumar raised concerns about the proposed Bill, stating that its passage could undermine the autonomy of Indian Railways

RRB ALP Answer Key 2024 released; know how to download provisional key

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have announced the RRB ALP answer keys 2024. Candidates can download the provisional key alongside question papers and responses from the RRB's official website

Over 99,000 women employees in railways, including 2,037 loco pilots: Govt

As of March 31, 2024, 99,809 women employees were working in the Indian Railways, including 2,037 loco pilots, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday. Vaishnaw was responding to questions raised by BJP MP Doctor Manna Lal Rawat who wanted to know the details regarding women employees in the Indian Railways and those who are in train operation. Rawat also asked about the number of women working as loco pilots in train operation and the percentage of women loco pilots as compared to men. Vaishnaw in response said, Direct recruitment to various posts in the Indian Railways is done as per the laid down procedure. Irrespective of gender, all the candidates fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria are eligible for the recruitment. As on 31.03.2024, 99,809 women employees are working in Indian Railways which includes 2,037 loco pilots, the Railway Minister added.

Railways gives Rs 56,993 cr subsidy on tickets every year: Ashwini Vaishnaw

A total subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore is given every year by the Indian Railways to all categories of passengers, with a 46 per cent rebate on every ticket, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday. Replying to multiple questions in the Lok Sabha on restoring discounts given to various categories of train passengers, he said if the price of a ticket is Rs 100, then the railways charges just Rs 54 for it -- a discount of 46 per cent. "A total of Rs 56,993 crore subsidy is given every year by the Indian Railways to all classes of passengers," Vaishnaw said during the Question Hour. Replying to another question on rapid train service, he said the railways has already started such a service -- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail -- between Bhuj and Ahmedabad and the satisfaction level of passengers is extremely high due to its superior service. Officials said Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has improved intercity connectivity by covering the 359-kilometre distance between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in 5 hou

Railways set to run 992 special trains to manage Kumbh Mela rush in 2025

Apart from special trains, the Indian Railways earmarked Rs 933 crore for developing and upgrading different infrastructure and facilities for passengers during Kumbh Mela 2025

Indian Railways providing clean, hygienic bedrolls: NFR on Cong MP's remark

Recently Congress MP Kuldeep Indora raised the question of whether there is a lack of cleanliness of bedding provided by the railways to its passengers