News for 'Ministry of Railways'

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.'

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.

'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.

Modi pulls up Railway Ministry for poor performance

Modi pulls up Railway Ministry for poor performance

Rediff.com7 Jun 2016

Experts say Prabhu displays a clear intent of reforms but has not been able to fully shake-up the mammoth railway system.

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.

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.

Railways, aviation ministries get EC notice for violating poll code

Railways, aviation ministries get EC notice for violating poll code

Rediff.com30 Mar 2019

The EC is learnt to have invoked the 'party in power' clause of the poll code in the case as it could be averred that party in power' is using government transporter for election publicity.

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.

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.

NREGS:Ministries may jointly fund railway projects

NREGS:Ministries may jointly fund railway projects

Rediff.com27 Jan 2010

Under the plan being worked out, the labour component of the railway projects, which include the expansion of train lines or conversion of line gauge, would be funded from NREGS, as most of these projects require a large labour force and generate employment opportunities in rural areas.

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Roads, railways, and coal together are likely to account for 70 per cent of the government's takings from the upcoming second edition of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), set to run from FY26 to FY30. In comparison, these three sectors are estimated to have contributed 66 per cent in the first edition of the NMP - FY22 to FY25.

Vande Bharat All Set For The Mountains

Vande Bharat All Set For The Mountains

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The new Vande Bharat Express train is specially designed to operate seamlessly in Jammu & Kashmir's challenging winter conditions for the upcoming Katra-Srinagar rail route.

Railway safety? Ministry requires more than just funding

Railway safety? Ministry requires more than just funding

Rediff.com21 Sep 2015

The year 2015 has seen eight accidents because of derailments.

Railways withdraws 'RPF train shooter not mental' statement within hours

Railways withdraws 'RPF train shooter not mental' statement within hours

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

The railways on Tuesday said the RPF constable accused in the Jaipur-Mumbai train shooting incident kept the treatment he would have been undergoing for any mental condition a "secret" and no such ailment was detected in the last periodic medical examination for the force's personnel.

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Commerce Ministry seeks approval for railway FDI proposal

Rediff.com13 Mar 2014

The Cabinet can take a decision on the matter only after the Election Commission's approval.

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.

Railway Board shares preliminary findings on Balasore mishap

Railway Board shares preliminary findings on Balasore mishap

Rediff.com4 Jun 2023

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Jaya Varma Sinha, member of operation and business development, Railway Board said, "According to the preliminary findings, there has been some issue with the signalling. We are still waiting for the detailed report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Only Coromandel Express met with an accident. The train was at a speed of around 128 km/h."

'Railways plans to carry 10 billon passengers every year by 2030'

'Railways plans to carry 10 billon passengers every year by 2030'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

'We carry 6.5 billion passengers every year. We have crossed seven billion this year, and are targeting 10 billion by 2030.'

Railway ministry may hive off suburban traffic ops

Railway ministry may hive off suburban traffic ops

Rediff.com22 Feb 2010

The number of passengers in the suburban sector rose 1.48 per cent to 3,210.93 million between April 2009 and January 2010, from 3,164.05 million in the year-ago period. However, earnings rose around 2.5 per cent to Rs 1,441.72 crore (Rs 14.41 billion) from Rs 1,406.73 crore (Rs 14.06 billion).

The Heroes Who Never Gave Up

The Heroes Who Never Gave Up

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Every wheelchair at the Armed Forces' Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune is a story of sacrifice and strength, of courage, resilience and unbreakable spirit.

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India in special flight on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A multi-agency team has gone to the US and all paperwork and legal issues are being completed with US authorities to bring him to India, they said.

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

Railway ministry sits over staff welfare funds

Railway ministry sits over staff welfare funds

Rediff.com21 Sep 2007

There was a shortfall in utilisation of funds for staff welfare to the tune of Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) in 2005-06 and Rs 57 crore (Rs 570 million) in 2006-07, said the Standing Committee on Railways in its latest report.

Cabinet okays 32,500 cr for Railways' multi-tracking projects

Cabinet okays 32,500 cr for Railways' multi-tracking projects

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved seven multi-tracking projects of Indian Railways at an estimated cost of around Rs 32,500 crore, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The proposed projects, which will be fully funded by the Centre, will help increase the existing line capacity, smoothen train operations, reduce congestion and facilitate ease of travelling and transportation. The projects covering 35 districts in nine states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal -- will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by 2,339 km and provide employment of an estimated 7.06 crore man-days to the people of the states.

Railway ministry appeals against Bannerjee report

Railway ministry appeals against Bannerjee report

Rediff.com9 Mar 2006

The petition mentions that the scope of inquiry of the Banerjee Committee "extends to more than two states."

I almost made it to Railway Ministry: Paswan

I almost made it to Railway Ministry: Paswan

Rediff.com24 May 2004

'It is not a question of stature. I had expected Railways,' said the Chemicals and Fertilizer Minister.

Prabhu seeks merger of railway and union budgets

Prabhu seeks merger of railway and union budgets

Rediff.com15 Jul 2016

Currently, Railways is facing a loss of Rs 34,000 cr in passenger segment and its earnings are falling.

To avoid 2022 crisis, Indian Railways ferries more coal for electricity

To avoid 2022 crisis, Indian Railways ferries more coal for electricity

Rediff.com15 May 2023

As Indian Railways looks to avert the crisis like last summer, preparations are under way to stock up coal at thermal power plants. Much like February and March, thermal coal movement in April was 5 per cent higher than the previous year, data from the Ministry of Railways shows. While India prepares for a hot summer this year, 48.23 million tonnes (mt) of coal for thermal power plants was ferried by Indian Railways in April. The national transporter also moved about 500,000 tonnes--18.4 per cent-- more imported coal for power plants this April than it had done last year.

Railways rolls out energy efficiency plan to meet 2030 net-zero target

Railways rolls out energy efficiency plan to meet 2030 net-zero target

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

Focuses on meeting non-traction demand through renewables.

Death of elephants: Railway ministry the culprit?

Death of elephants: Railway ministry the culprit?

Rediff.com24 Sep 2010

The WWF had earlier asked for halting movement of night trains in the New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar section passing through wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks and restricting their speed.

'Railways is known for covering up accidents'

'Railways is known for covering up accidents'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2023

'Imagine what will happen when a train running at 128 kmph moves onto a track that is meant to have only a speed less than 30 kmph!' 'Naturally, it will derail, and the coaches will go for a tailspin.'

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

India dismisses Pak allegation of complicity in train hijack

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

India has strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations of backing terrorism against that country following the Balochistan train attack. India said Islamabad should look inwards before shifting the blame on others for its "failures " and that the whole world knows "where the epicentre of global terrorism lies ". Pakistan, on the other hand, has accused India of "sponsoring terrorism " without directly implicating it in the Balochistan train attack that killed 21 passengers.

Uproar in LS as Oppn protests over Modi's Kumbh statement

Uproar in LS as Oppn protests over Modi's Kumbh statement

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Tuesday due to noisy protests by the opposition, who demanded answers regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the Mahakumbh. Opposition members protested after PM Modi's statement and demanded the inclusion of stampede deaths in the statement. The House proceedings were initially adjourned until 1 pm, and when the House resumed, opposition members continued their protests, forcing the Chair to adjourn the proceedings for the day.

Kavach trial: Train stops on its own before red signal

Kavach trial: Train stops on its own before red signal

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Vaishnaw travelled in the engine of a Kavach-fitted train, which, while speeding at 130 kmph, stopped 50 metres before red signal on its own without any manual interference with the braking function by the loco pilot.

Railways not to cancel any more passenger trains

Railways not to cancel any more passenger trains

Rediff.com9 May 2022

The Indian Railways has decided to not cancel any more passenger trains to accommodate more freight traffic for coal transport. It will also gradually restore the ones it cancelled recently. The national transporter is of the view that coal supply is now reaching normative levels and does not need any more special measures. "Early data suggests that coal supply has stepped up since the passenger trains were cancelled.

Anti-collision system yet to be installed on route, railways launches probe

Anti-collision system yet to be installed on route, railways launches probe

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

The railways has initiated a high-level probe into the train crash in Odisha to be headed by the commissioner of railway safety, South Eastern Circle.