News for 'Ministry of Railways'

Delhi 10/11 blast: Pulwama doctor was driving Hyundai i20 car

Delhi 10/11 blast: Pulwama doctor was driving Hyundai i20 car

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Hours before the blast in Delhi, eight people, including three doctors, were arrested and 2,900 kg of explosives were seized with the uncovering of a "white collar" terror module on Monday.

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

Delhi stampede: Railways orders high-level probe, announces ex gratia

Delhi stampede: Railways orders high-level probe, announces ex gratia

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Indian Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. Those seriously injured will receive Rs 2.5 lakh, and those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh. The stampede occurred late Saturday night, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and more than a dozen injuries. The incident was triggered by a surge in passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is taking place, on platforms 14 and 15 of the station.

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Six states evince interest to join UPS, says PFRDA chairman S Ramann

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) adoption rate has risen to over 4.35 per cent, with more than 100,000 people out of 2.3 million eligible individuals opting for it, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman S Ramann said in an exclusive interview with Business Standard on Monday. He also said that six states had approached the PFRDA for help in adoption of the scheme.

India's Aging Bridges Under Scrutiny

India's Aging Bridges Under Scrutiny

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Among India's 150,746 railway bridges, 25.8 per cent are over a century old.

Railway ministry drops plan to monetise stations

Railway ministry drops plan to monetise stations

Rediff.com13 Dec 2022

The ministry of railways has dropped its proposal for monetisation of stations on public-private partnership mode, and projects are now being taken up under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode, a source said. The source also told PTI that the ministry of railways has been asked to expedite monetisation of other assets, including trains, goodsheds, hill rail, stadiums, railway colonies and railway land parcels among others. "Largest asset class (stations) dropped. Stations earlier proposed on PPP mode are now being taken up under EPC mode," the source said.

Railways may not probe Jalgaon train tragedy because...

Railways may not probe Jalgaon train tragedy because...

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

An independent probe from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is unlikely in the Jalgaon train tragedy due to the negligence of passengers, according to railway sources. The tragedy occurred when 12 passengers were killed after stepping down from their train due to a fire rumor and were struck by another train. Experts say the CRS probe is unlikely because the passengers' actions were deemed negligent. While the CRS is typically involved in serious railway accidents, the 1998 rules allow for discretion when deaths or injuries result from passenger negligence. Passengers had ample time to move to safer locations but remained on the side tracks, ultimately leading to the tragic incident.

Now, reservation charts to be prepared 8 hrs before departure

Now, reservation charts to be prepared 8 hrs before departure

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

"The new upgraded Passenger Reservation System (PRS) will allow over 1.5 lakh ticket bookings per minute. This will be an increase of roughly five times from 32,000 tickets per minute in the current PRS," it added.

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Ports are being developed as hubs of green hydrogen production

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The government is developing ports across the country as centres for green hydrogen production and export, Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW) said on Tuesday. "Across the country, over 12 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based e-fuel capacity has been announced.

All Mumbai local trains to have automatic doors

All Mumbai local trains to have automatic doors

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The Railway Ministry has decided to have automatic door closing facilities in coaches of all existing and new local trains for Mumbai Suburban, a senior official said on Monday after four passengers died and six were injured when they fell from a moving overcrowded local train in Thane district.

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

These platforms carry with it the solemn duty of accountability to hold, otherwise it will imperil both the rule of law and the fabric of social harmony, the court observed.

Mumbai's Rail Network Saw 922 Deaths In 5 Months

Mumbai's Rail Network Saw 922 Deaths In 5 Months

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

210 deaths were directly attributed to commuters falling from overcrowded trains.

150 locomotives with world-class amenities to be exported to Guinea

150 locomotives with world-class amenities to be exported to Guinea

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Railway Ministry will deliver the advanced locomotives to the African nation over the next three years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first locomotive for export on Friday.

After Brahmaputra dam, China to build Xinjiang-Tibet rail link near LAC

After Brahmaputra dam, China to build Xinjiang-Tibet rail link near LAC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

China is set to build a rail link connecting Xinjiang province with Tibet, part of which will run near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India.

Railways To Begin Hiring Again

Railways To Begin Hiring Again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

With a large number of Indian youth aspiring to work in the railways, delays in filling up railway job vacancies were a point of criticism against the BJP in the run-up to the elections.

Centre, HC slam X Corp for remarks on govt officers in takedown case

Centre, HC slam X Corp for remarks on govt officers in takedown case

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

A lawyer for Elon Musk's X told the Karnataka high court on Tuesday that if every "Tom, Dick and Harry" government official is authorised to send content takedown notices then it would amount to misuse of official powers, remarks that drew strong condemnation from the Centre as well as the judge.

4 killed after falling off overcrowded local trains in Thane

4 killed after falling off overcrowded local trains in Thane

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The incident occurred between Diva and Kopar railway stations when the overcrowded train was going towards Kasara, an official said.

Railways reduces advance train booking time to 60 days

Railways reduces advance train booking time to 60 days

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

All bookings done up to October 31 under the Advance Reservation Period of 120 days will remain intact, it added.

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The bilingual -- Hindi and English -- invitation cards for I-Day anniversary celebrations carry this image on the top right corner of the invite, while the silhouetted image of the Chenab bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, sits at the lower side of the cards, which have largely being issued online via 'Aamantran' website of the Ministry of Defence.

Railways To Revamp Signal Failure Protocols

Railways To Revamp Signal Failure Protocols

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

The government will look to standardise rules around operations protocol during failure of automatic signalling.

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

How Census 2027 Will Be Done

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'There will be not less than 31 lakh people working in the census process.'

AI will bring in 'humongous changes': IT Minister Vaishnaw

AI will bring in 'humongous changes': IT Minister Vaishnaw

Rediff.com30 May 2025

'I think that kind of change is coming. We should stay prepared for that change, whichever industry or sector we are in, we must be prepared.'

Railway ministry cancels decision to share IRCTC convenience fee

Railway ministry cancels decision to share IRCTC convenience fee

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

The ministry of railways has decided to withdraw its decision on sharing of convenience fee earned by IRCTC on online bookings of train tickets, the DIPAM secretary said on Friday.

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

On the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Utkarsh Mishra recalls the conditions under which the Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched the final struggle for independence.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Women RPF personnel to carry chilli spray cans to deter threats

Women RPF personnel to carry chilli spray cans to deter threats

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

According to the railway ministry, this non-lethal yet effective tool will help women RPF personnel tackle challenging situations swiftly, particularly while safeguarding female passengers travelling alone or with children to ensure their safer train journeys.

Rlys asks X to remove disturbing photos, videos of Delhi stampede

Rlys asks X to remove disturbing photos, videos of Delhi stampede

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Indian Railway Ministry has requested Twitter (X) to remove disturbing images and videos related to the February 15 stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, citing concerns about the dignity of the deceased and the trauma experienced by survivors and their families. The request followed complaints from relatives of those affected by the stampede, which claimed 18 lives and injured several others.

New Pamban bridge built to withstand stronger cyclones than 1964

New Pamban bridge built to withstand stronger cyclones than 1964

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

The newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, is designed to withstand cyclones of greater intensity than the 1964 disaster that significantly damaged the old bridge. The new bridge features a vertical lift spanner and is built to withstand wind speeds of 230 kmph and considerable seismic loading, according to a senior official from the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). The bridge's construction incorporated several safety protocols, including a seated lift spanner and girders positioned well above sea level, ensuring minimal risk from high tides and cyclones.

Railway unions back train driver killed in Kanchanjunga accident

Railway unions back train driver killed in Kanchanjunga accident

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

The employees' unions said that squarely blaming the driver, who is not alive to defend himself, amounts to making him a scapegoat for the systematic shortcomings of the Railways.

Railways to scale up advanced Kavach 4.0 installation on new routes

Railways to scale up advanced Kavach 4.0 installation on new routes

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

Kavach 3.2 version is being installed on approved high-density routes, the railway officials said, adding that upgrading and installation of the latest version on new routes will go on simultaneously to cover a wider railway network in a shorter period.

Fall in other goods freight may put Railways' 2030 target off track

Fall in other goods freight may put Railways' 2030 target off track

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Indian Railways has managed to improve its freight volumes each year since the pandemic. However, its inability to add new industries and goods will pose a challenge for the national transporter in the wake of it setting an ambitious target of 45 per cent share in the national logistics by 2030. According to officials, the ministry of railways achieved 114 million tonnes (mt) of miscellaneous goods (classified as balance and other goods) in 2023-24.

Vaishnaw, Thakur take charge of Railways, I&B ministry

Vaishnaw, Thakur take charge of Railways, I&B ministry

Rediff.com8 Jul 2021

A former Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1994-batch, Vaishnaw has handled important responsibilities for over 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the public-private partnership (PPP) framework in infrastructure, something that will help him in the rail sector.

Every passenger gets 55% concession: Railway minister

Every passenger gets 55% concession: Railway minister

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

Every passenger gets 55 per cent concession on train journeys, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said regarding demands to restore pre-Covid fare concessions for senior citizens and media persons.

Train crushes woman loco pilot returning after 'washroom break'

Train crushes woman loco pilot returning after 'washroom break'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A woman loco pilot was killed in the Malda division of West Bengal after being hit by a speeding train while returning from a washroom break. The incident has sparked outrage among loco pilots' unions who have been demanding improved washroom facilities and safety measures for female drivers. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for safe working conditions for women loco pilots, who face numerous challenges due to the lack of basic amenities and support.

Home ministry office in Delhi gets hoax bomb threat

Home ministry office in Delhi gets hoax bomb threat

Rediff.com22 May 2024

It was written in the email that the "building will explode as bomb is planted", a police officer said and added that the IP address and other details of the mail are being checked.

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Heavy security has been deployed at vital installations in Delhi, including government buildings and areas with high footfalls, following Pakistan's drone attacks on Indian military sites. Police have strengthened vigil in areas with high footfalls and have canceled leaves for all Delhi Police personnel. The developments come after India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles.

Confusion over two Prayagraj trains triggered Delhi station stampede

Confusion over two Prayagraj trains triggered Delhi station stampede

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

A deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station occurred on Saturday evening as passengers confused two trains with similar names, "Prayagraj Express" and "Prayagraj Special," and rushed to change platforms after an announcement. The confusion led to a surge of people on the stairs, resulting in the tragic deaths of 18 people. The Railway Ministry stated that the arrival of the "Prayagraj Special" at platform 12 caused panic among those waiting for the "Prayagraj Express" at platform 14, leading to the stampede. An unprecedented rush of passengers due to the Maha Kumbh and the delay of multiple trains heading to Prayagraj contributed to the chaos. The incident highlighted the dangers of inadequate crowd management during peak travel periods.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Railways Realising Its Paperless Dreams

Railways Realising Its Paperless Dreams

Rediff.com17 May 2023

'Currently, 81 per cent of all reserved tickets are booked through e-ticketing.'

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The drills will include operationalising air raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil defence, and rehearsing evacuation plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been holding high-level meetings as India considers countermeasures against the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians.