CENTRAL RAILWAY
342 special trains to be run for Ganesh festival, says railway minister
Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 342 special trains will be operated for the Ganesh festival starting September 7. This exceeds the demand for 300 special trains. Additionally, 12 ongoing infrastructure projects in Mumbai aim to enhance the suburban train network, with significant investments totalling Rs 16,240 crore.
Cabinet nod to 3 railway projects worth Rs 6,456 cr
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved three railway projects valued at Rs 6,456 crore. These projects, spanning Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh, will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 300 kilometers. They include the construction of 14 new stations and will improve connectivity for about 1,300 villages and over 30 lakh people.
Railway Board to amend level crossing norms, station masters' body opposes move
The Railway Board has directed its zones to identify non-interlocked level crossing gates that can remain open to road traffic at all times. Currently, these gates are closed except when vehicles need to pass and no train is approaching. The All India Station Masters' Association has opposed the move, citing safety concerns.
IRMS officer Satish Kumar becomes first Dalit chairman of Railway Board
Jaya Varma Sinha, who is the current chairperson and CEO of the board, is superannuating on August 31 and Kumar's appointment will be effective from September 1. "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Satish Kumar, Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), Member (Traction & Rolling Stock), Railway Board to the post of Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board," a govt order said.
Indian Railways is pacing towards net zero emissions: Railway Board
Indian Railways is making significant strides towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Efforts include converting buildings to net zero carbon emission structures and increasing renewable energy production. Solar and wind energy capacities have notably increased, supporting over 1,950 solar-powered railway stations, with plans to expand further.
More than 1.36 lakh WR and CR employees to benefit from UPS: Officials
Employees under National Pension Scheme opting for UPS will be eligible for an assured pension of 50 per cent of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before superannuation; the minimum qualifying service has been kept at 25 years. Central Railway has 96,039 employees currently, of which 70,778, or 73.69 per cent, are New Pension Scheme subscribers, who will benefit from UPS, said general manager Ram Karan Yadav.
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Unified Pension Scheme to put a Rs 6,250-cr pressure on govt
Effective April 1, 2025, the Unified Pension Scheme will ensure assured pensions for 23 lakh central government employees, boosting the government's contribution to 18.5%. This change will cost the exchequer Rs 6,250 crore annually. Employees' contributions stay at 10%.
CBI gets nod to bring to trial Lalu Prasad Yadav's former OSD in land-for-jobs case
The Central Bureau of Investigation received permission to prosecute Bhola Yadav, former OSD to ex-railway minister Lalu Prasad, in the land-for-jobs scandal. Sanctions for prosecuting Lalu Prasad and others are still pending. A court has demanded a decision by August 20, with authorized officials confirming the matter is under consideration.
Land-for-jobs 'scam': Court adjourns order on cognisance of ED charge sheet against Lalu, Tejashwi Yadav
A Delhi court has postponed its order to September 7 regarding the supplementary ED charge sheet against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, his son Tejashwi Yadav, and eight others in the alleged land-for-job scam. The charge sheet relates to Group-D appointments in the West Central Zone of the railways during Lalu Yadav's ministerial tenure.
PM Modi’s Ukraine Visit: Inside Rail Force One, the lavish train crossing war-hit regions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine is a historic event, marking the first time an Indian leader has visited the country since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. His journey aboard the high-security "Rail Force One" train underscores the unique logistical challenges and security concerns in the war-torn region. Modi’s visit is a significant diplomatic engagement that highlights global efforts to address the ongoing conflict and showcases the resilience of Ukraine's rail network in supporting these critical missions.
Railways to install AI-enabled CCTV cameras on locomotives, yards
To curb rail accidents, the Railway Board will install AI-equipped CCTV cameras on locomotives and at key yards. Chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha said security will be heightened during the Kumbh Mela, with 900 special trains planned for 2025. The Prayagraj Junction infrastructure will also be expanded.
Central Railway to run 18 special trains from August 15 to 20; See the full list, routes
The Central Railway planned to run special trains to provide convenient travel options for passengers during the long weekend marked by Independence Day and Rakhi festival, said Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer of Central Railway.
Two coaches of Rani Kamlapati-Saharsa passenger train derail at Itarsi station in MP; no casualties
On Monday evening, two coaches of the Rani Kamlapati-Saharsa special passenger train derailed while entering Itarsi station in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred at 6:10 PM, but no casualties were reported, thanks to the train's slow speed of under 5 km/h. The derailment involved two third AC coaches, and an inquiry has been ordered. After removing the affected coaches, the train resumed its journey at 9:10 PM. Passengers were provided refreshments at Itarsi station, a key railway junction in India.
CAG flags financial loss of Rs 2,604 crore to Railways on interest payments, GST recovery, more
The CAG reported financial losses of Rs 2604.40 crore to Indian Railways, citing issues like non-recovery of loans, missed shunting charges, and GST non-compliance. Other flagged areas included unproductive expenditures and irregular contract awards. The CAG suggested changes to curtail these losses and advised responsibility fixing to prevent future lapses.
9,784 railway bridges sanctioned for repairs, rebuilding as on April 1: Vaishnaw
These members were concerned about the status of collapse of railway bridges in the last three years and the number of persons killed and injured as a result of that. They also wanted to know the steps taken by the government to repair all the old railway bridges across the country. The railway minister clarified that no railway bridge has collapsed in Maharashtra during the last three years and all railway bridges are safe for train movement at permitted speed.
Snag in signalling system at CSMT hits suburban services on Central Railway
Numerous passengers began hopping off the bogies and strolling down the tracks as the trains headed for CSMT gathered on the tracks. The problem, according to commuters, was affecting both the Slow and Fast routes on the Main Line, resulting in trains arriving 20 to 30 minutes late.
Tamil Nadu has been given highest budget for railways...: MoS Jitendra Singh on DMK protest over Union Budget
Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the Union Budget as "futuristic," emphasizing that Tamil Nadu received the highest railway budget allocation. He refuted opposition claims of discrimination and highlighted benefits for startups and employment. Despite criticism from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Singh asserted the budget's inclusivity and focus on growth.
18 years on, Railways all set to replace iron trunks of loco pilots, guards with trolley bags
The Indian Railway Board has requested all its zones to provide trolley bags to loco pilots and guards, replacing the iron trunks they carry for their personal belongings and official equipment. The move was initiated in 2006 and remained pending for 11 years due to opposition from the pilots and guards. In 2018, the Board decided to push the scheme in two zones - Northern Railways and South Central Railways - for trial.
Capital expenditure on Railways increased by 77 pc over 5 years: Economic Survey
Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Railway Ministry for the enhancement of operations and services, the survey mentioned Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project and Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) with the progress made in these respective projects.
Government of India upgrades IRCTC to 'Schedule A' CPSE
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Mini-Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has been upgraded from 'Schedule B' to 'Schedule A' category by the Government of India. The move signifies IRCTC's robust performance and its contribution to the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.
Railway Budget: Will NDA government’s railway modernisation ambitions get a budgetary boost?
Union Budget 2024 for Railways: The Indian Railways, symbolizing the nation's "desi essence" with its affordability and extensive network, remains central to India's transportation. The NDA government retained Ashwani Vaishnaw as Railways Minister to advance its modernization vision, including expanding Vande Bharat trains. Despite its modern symbolism, Vande Bharat faces criticism and reduced speeds due to outdated tracks.
Mumbai local trains: Revised Central Railway timetable from next month. Key changes here
In August, Central Railway will enhance efficiency by relocating trains from CSMT to Dadar, extending CSMT-Thane locals to Kalyan, and moving Dadar services to Parel, increasing Parel services to 46. Operating 894 services, including 623 slow, 271 fast, a senior official stated these strategic changes optimize infrastructure and improve punctuality without adding new services.
Goods train derails near Patna
A goods train derailed near Patna on Friday afternoon, disrupting rail traffic on the Fatuha-Islampur section. The incident occurred close to Daniyawan station, approximately 40 km from Patna. According to the East Central Railway, six carriages of the goods train went off track. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Long-distance trains rescheduled amid rains; services restored on Kalyan-Kasara route: Central Railway
Due to waterlogging caused by heavy rains between Kalyan and Kasara stations on Sunday, several long-distance trains including the 16345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram Express, 12289 CSMT-Nagpur Duronto Express, and 12145 LTT-Puri SF Express were diverted, rescheduled, or short-terminated. Services were disrupted on the stretch restored with restricted speed following soil and tree blockages earlier. This impacted the CR's vital suburban network servicing over 30 lakh daily commuters.
Kanchanjunga Express accident: ECR suspends issuing of T/A 912, directs drivers to maintain caution
The East Central Railway (ECR) has suspended the T/A 912 written authority letter for train drivers to cross signals in case of automatic signal failure. The decision was taken at a safety meeting, following a Kanchanjunga Express-goods train collision that killed 10 people. The ECR's circular stated that the T/A 912 would not be issued until further advice, and instead, the provision of G&SR 9.02 will be used for double line.
Sealdah station upgrades disrupt train services for second day, passengers face hardship
Passengers experienced significant disruptions for the second consecutive day on Saturday as numerous suburban trains were canceled or short-terminated due to infrastructure upgrades at Sealdah station. An Eastern Railway official reported that 80 local trains were cancelled, and 147 suburban train services were short-terminated or short-originated to facilitate platform length extensions and an electronic interlocking system upgrade from Friday to Sunday afternoon.
Day after 63-hour mega block, local train services hit on Central Railway
Mumbaikars faced delays in local train services on Central Railway due to new signalling system after mega blocks at Thane station.
Mumbai CSMT, Thane platforms being extended to accommodate 24-coach trains: Central Railways
The Central Railways is working on Thane’s platform 5/6 and Mumbai CSMT’s platform 10/11 to run 24-coach trains. A 63-hour megablock that started Thursday midnight has affected suburban services. The block has lead to the cancellation of 930 suburban locals and 86 long-distance trains causing inconvenience to passengers. Extra UTS counters have been opened at Dadar for affected trains.
Central Railway's 63-hr block: Mumbai's suburban services grind to a halt as 930 local trains cancelled
Central Railway's suburban services faced disruptions due to a 63-hour block for widening platforms at Thane station, causing inconvenience to commuters. The Maharashtra government permitted public service vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to operate during the block, easing travel woes. Railway authorities urged commuters to avoid non-essential train travel and announced the cancellation of several trains. Work progress at Thane station was ahead of schedule, with services expected to normalize soon.
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