News for 'Railway Ministry'

Banks, railways lead in corruption complaints, shows CVC report

Banks, railways lead in corruption complaints, shows CVC report

Rediff.com13 hours ago

A recent Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report reveals that over 70,500 corruption complaints were lodged against various government bodies last year, with banks and the Railways accounting for the highest numbers. While a significant portion of these complaints has been disposed of, thousands remain under process, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing corruption within public sector entities.

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.

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit for 2024-25 has highlighted Indian Railways' concerning trend of repaying lease charges to its borrowing arm, IRFC, from budgetary grants instead of internal resources, alongside significant delays in safety-centric works.

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian government has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, establishing IST as the sole reference for all official purposes nationwide. These rules, effective in 180 days, aim to synchronise digital systems, reduce reliance on foreign time sources, and enhance coordination across critical sectors like banking, railways, and telecommunications.

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Elephants vs Rajdhani Express: Alert forest officials avert tragedy in Assam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A major tragedy was averted in Assam's Hojai district on Wednesday when forest personnel alerted the Rajdhani Express after spotting a large herd of elephants crossing a railway track, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma 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.

Kanda Express To Lower Onion Prices

Kanda Express To Lower Onion Prices

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Centre has launched dedicated Kanda Express onion trains from Nashik to major cities, releasing buffer stocks at 35/kg to curb a sharp seasonal rise in onion prices.

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.

Kanda Express brings 453 tonnes of onion to Delhi, aims to cool prices

Kanda Express brings 453 tonnes of onion to Delhi, aims to cool prices

Rediff.com5 days ago

The first 'Kanda Express', a dedicated rail rake carrying 453.65 tonnes of onion from Nashik, Maharashtra, has arrived in Delhi to boost supplies and help rein in soaring prices, with the onion to be sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg.

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.

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

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.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

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.

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.

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.

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'.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

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.

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."

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.

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'.

'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.'

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.