News for 'Railway Ministry'

Railways to take reforms path to boost share in freight transport

Railways to take reforms path to boost share in freight transport

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

"Indian Railways is now the world's second-largest cargo carrier by volume, up from fourth, even as its share of the country's total freight movement remains well below potential.'

Indian Railways Allows Bulky Sports Gear On Trains

Indian Railways Allows Bulky Sports Gear On Trains

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Indian Railway Ministry has issued a new circular allowing sportspersons to carry oversized and bulky sports equipment, such as javelins, on trains. This relaxation, however, excludes pole-vault poles due to technical feasibility. The equipment can be transported in designated luggage spaces on a priority basis, subject to freight charges, and existing weight limits will not apply.

Modi to flag off India's first hydrogen train from Jind on July 17

Modi to flag off India's first hydrogen train from Jind on July 17

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the country's first hydrogen train from the Jind railway station in Haryana on July 17, sources in the railway ministry said.

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.

IRCTC fines Tejas Express food vendor Rs 1 lakh after fly found in meal

IRCTC fines Tejas Express food vendor Rs 1 lakh after fly found in meal

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The IRCTC has fined a catering firm Rs 1 lakh and issued a show-cause notice for licence termination after a passenger found a fly in his meal on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Rajdhani Express. The firm, Araha Hospitality Pvt Ltd, was warned for lapses in meal preparation and packaging, and instructed to improve hygiene and quality control to prevent future incidents.

Railways Set for Rs 2.7 Trillion Budget

Railways Set for Rs 2.7 Trillion Budget

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

There is a minimum requirement of Rs 2.5 trillion capital expenditure every year and it is understood at the highest levels of the government.

Railways announces fare hike from Dec 26. Check fare details

Railways announces fare hike from Dec 26. Check fare details

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"There is no increase in the monthly season tickets of suburban trains and up to 215 km travel in ordinary class of other trains," officials said adding that the increase in fare will fetch 600 crores to the Railways till March 31, 2026.

Railways to make OTP mandatory for Tatkal tickets at counters

Railways to make OTP mandatory for Tatkal tickets at counters

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Indian Railway Ministry has introduced a one-time password (OTP) system for Tatkal train tickets booked at reservation counters to curb misuse and ensure fair access for genuine passengers.

Stricter punishment, speedy probe as anti-paper leak law kicks in

Stricter punishment, speedy probe as anti-paper leak law kicks in

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces fast-track courts and significantly enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com3 days ago

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

Raut says rebels fighting over Union ministry, claims 'Rs 25 crore settlement'

Raut says rebels fighting over Union ministry, claims 'Rs 25 crore settlement'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut has made explosive claims of a Rs 25 crore deal for dissident MPs who miss out on Union ministerial berths, highlighting growing rifts within Maharashtra's political landscape. Six Sena-UBT MPs are expected to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with Aaditya Thackeray calling them 'shameless, ungrateful and corrupt'.

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

'A Stone Can't Be Answered With An AK-47'

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'

Hideki Makihara Sparks Bullet Train Row

Hideki Makihara Sparks Bullet Train Row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

In a social media post, former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara blamed the Indian side's approach to the project as being one of 'sheer chaos', of not keeping promises, and of continuously 'pushing their own self-interest'.

Railways Criticised For Train Speeds, Fares

Railways Criticised For Train Speeds, Fares

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

A parliamentary committee has criticized Indian Railways for slow train speeds, discrepancies in 'superfast' fares and inadequate punctuality standards.

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).

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."

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

India to run 35 hydrogen-powered trains in first phase

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.

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.

Railways add 116 coaches in 37 trains as IndiGo turmoil hits flyers

Railways add 116 coaches in 37 trains as IndiGo turmoil hits flyers

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The Railway Ministry has decided to increase coaches in premium trains to accommodate travelers affected by Indigo airline's flight disruptions.

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.

24 killed, dozens hurt in Pak train blast; BLA claims responsibility

24 killed, dozens hurt in Pak train blast; BLA claims responsibility

Rediff.com25 May 2026

A powerful explosion ripped through a shuttle train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, stating the train was transporting military personnel.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.

Railways gets record Rs 2.78 lakh cr capex; focus on new lines, safety

Railways gets record Rs 2.78 lakh cr capex; focus on new lines, safety

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Budget allocation includes the construction of new lines and the purchase of locomotives, wagons, and coaches, among other works.

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Environment Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) has cleared the expansion of the Magadh opencast coal mine in Jharkhand, operated by Central Coalfields Limited, despite pending court cases regarding alleged encroachment of forest land.

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.

Shrinking Forests Fuel Deadly Elephant Encounters in Assam

Shrinking Forests Fuel Deadly Elephant Encounters in Assam

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The incidents resulted in 1,468 human deaths and 337 injuries, making it one of the country's gravest wildlife-related crises.

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka posting mend frayed India-Bangladesh ties?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, signalling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

CLEAN Railway Toilets In 56 Seconds!

CLEAN Railway Toilets In 56 Seconds!

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Cleaning services would translate to regular sanitation at intervals of around 3 to 4 hours every day on a majority of mail and express trains.

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Govt raises import duty on gold, silver after PM's appeal

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian government has increased import duties on gold and silver from 6 per cent to 15 per cent to curb inbound shipments of precious metals amid a rising import bill due to the West Asia crisis.

BSF troops given filthy coaches, 4 railways officials suspended

BSF troops given filthy coaches, 4 railways officials suspended

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

A controversy erupted after a train with dilapidated and dirty coaches was provided to ferry Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Tripura for deployment during the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw suspending four officials and ordering an inquiry.

Land for job: Frame charges against Lalu, orders court

Land for job: Frame charges against Lalu, orders court

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family, and others in the alleged land-for-job scam, accusing Yadav of using his railway ministry position for personal gain.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

10K surrender in 10 yrs: Are Maoists in their last mile?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A combination of security pressure and rehabilitation efforts has significantly weakened Naxalism in India, leading to numerous surrenders and the elimination of key leaders.

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.

UP Police Crack Down on Illegal Oxytocin Trade, Arrest Gang Member

UP Police Crack Down on Illegal Oxytocin Trade, Arrest Gang Member

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a member of an interstate gang involved in the illegal smuggling of oxytocin injections in Lucknow and seized a large quantity of the drug.

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.

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.

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.

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Pak turns to ADB for $7 bn railway funding after China backs out

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Pakistan has approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a USD 7 billion loan to upgrade a major railway line after China apparently declined to support the project. The development of Mainline-I (ML-I) railways between Peshawar and Karachi is stuck due to a lack of funds.