News for 'Ministry of Railways'

Railway Staff Sacked For Throwing Garbage From Train

Railway Staff Sacked For Throwing Garbage From Train

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

A passenger shot the video of the railway worker throwing railway garbage out of the train and posted it online.

Railways gears up for crowd control in Kumbh's last week

Railways gears up for crowd control in Kumbh's last week

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Indian Railways has established holding areas at various stations across northern India in anticipation of a surge in pilgrims during the final week of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This comes after a stampede at New Delhi Railway station claimed 18 lives due to confusion over train names. The holding areas are located outside the platforms to control passenger flow and prevent overcrowding, ensuring safe and smooth travel operations.

Govt moots power sector reforms to address discom losses

Govt moots power sector reforms to address discom losses

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

The idea is to establish a robust and forward-looking legal framework that addresses the financial stress of power distribution companies, which are facing losses of over 6.9 trillion, while curbing high industrial tariffs that, according to the government, have affected competitiveness, constrained economic growth, and slowed the transition to clean energy.

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.

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.

Train attacked in Pak again; 2nd blast in 10 hrs leaves dozen injured

Train attacked in Pak again; 2nd blast in 10 hrs leaves dozen injured

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Quetta-bound Jaffar Express was targeted in the Spizend area of Mastung on Tuesday, latest in a series of attacks that have targetted this train since March this year.

Sabotage caused Bagmati Express train accident, finds probe

Sabotage caused Bagmati Express train accident, finds probe

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The Commissioner of Railway Safety has determined that the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express accident was caused by sabotage, prompting increased security measures and investigations.

Govt planning transport authority to drive multimodal corridors

Govt planning transport authority to drive multimodal corridors

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The government is planning to set up an integrated transport planning authority for faster and comprehensive planning among multiple transport ministries such as highways, railways, and shipping & ports.

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.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

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.

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.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.