Tag Archives: Trains

Railways urges passengers to stay Alert and vigilant while travelling; What you need to do

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Indian Railways is increasingly deploying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and CCTV surveillance systems to strengthen the safety and security of trains, passengers, station premises and the country’s vast railway network.

The Railway Ministry on Wednesday held a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi, bringing together senior officials and field officers from across the country to assess security preparedness and improve intelligence coordination. The meeting, chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan, was attended by Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with the Chairman of the Railway Board and other senior officials.

PIB

Railways stated that swift intervention and timely action by railway staff in several instances helped prevent major mishaps. Officials also stressed the need to strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots level, particularly through improved beat-level monitoring by the RPF.

PIB

The discussions focused on expanding the use of technology-driven security systems, including wider CCTV coverage across railway stations and rail corridors, deployment of AI-based monitoring tools and upgrades to surveillance camera specifications. Strengthening cyber security infrastructure and improving operational coordination between Railway Board headquarters and zonal field units also figured prominently during the review.

The ministry further emphasized the need for closer coordination between the RPF and the Government Railway Police (GRP) through enhanced information-sharing mechanisms to ensure more effective security management across the railway network.

What Passengers Need To Do

  • Remain alert and vigilant while travelling on trains and waiting at railway stations.
  • Immediately report any suspicious person, activity or unattended object noticed on railway premises.
  • Use the Railway helpline number 139 to report security concerns.
  • Cooperate with railway authorities and security personnel during checks and investigations.
  • Support Railways’ efforts to curb anti-social activities by sharing timely information.

What The Government/Railways Is Doing

  • Deploying advanced technologies such as AI-based surveillance systems, drones and CCTV networks to improve railway security.
  • Strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms at the Railway Protection Force (RPF) beat level.
  • Conducting investigations into recent fire incidents and suspected anti-social activities.
  • Expanding CCTV coverage across railway stations and rail routes.
  • Upgrading surveillance camera specifications and monitoring systems.
  • Enhancing cyber security systems across the railway network.
  • Improving coordination and information-sharing between the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP).
  • Holding high-level security review meetings with railway officials and field officers nationwide.
  • Improving operational coordination between Railway Board headquarters and field zones for faster response and monitoring.

 

Also Read:

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

Indian Railways Clears ₹1,364 Crore for Kavach Signalling across Multiple Zones

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw To Flag Off Extended Vande Bharat Connecting Jammu With Srinagr

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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi on April 30, marking a significant upgrade to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The move comes alongside a major capacity expansion, with the train’s rake increased from 8 to 20 coaches in response to consistently high passenger demand.

The service, which earlier terminated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run till Jammu Tawi Railway Station, directly linking the Union Territory’s largest railhead with the Kashmir Valley.

Following the ceremonial run, regular operations will begin from May 2, with two pairs of trains operating six days a week across the 266-km corridor.

The first service will depart Jammu Tawi early morning and reach Srinagar in under five hours, while a second service will offer additional morning and afternoon options from both ends, improving flexibility for travellers.

Seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists and commuters

The extension eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Katra, a long-standing inconvenience for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists travelling further into the Valley. It also enables a single, uninterrupted rail journey connecting Jammu directly to Srinagar.

For pilgrims, especially those combining visits to Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath Yatra routes via Srinagar, the new service simplifies travel logistics significantly. Tourists arriving in Jammu can now access Kashmir’s key destinations entirely by rail, bypassing weather-prone mountain roads.

Boost for local mobility and business

The expanded service is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students, officials and patients travelling between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly during winter when highway closures disrupt road connectivity.

For traders and artisans, the faster and more reliable rail link is likely to ease movement of goods and reduce travel costs, strengthening economic activity across the region.

Akashwani News

Engineering backbone of the route

As part of the visit, the minister will inspect the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, both critical components of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

The Chenab bridge, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower, and the Anji bridge represent some of the most complex railway engineering efforts undertaken in the Himalayan region.

Part of a broader rail transformation

The extension is the latest milestone in a decade-long push to modernise rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The USBRL project, spanning 272 km with extensive tunnelling and bridge construction, has enabled all-weather connectivity to the Valley.

The first Vande Bharat service on the route was flagged off by Narendra Modi in June 2025. The latest extension now brings that high-speed service to a wider population base, linking Jammu more directly with Kashmir’s economic and tourism circuits.

Also Read:

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

Indian Railways Clears ₹1,364 Crore for Kavach Signalling across Multiple Zones

Mumbai–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat To Run With 20 Coaches From April 28

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Indian Railways has made the expansion of Train No. 22961/22962 Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express from 16 to 20 coaches a permanent feature, effective from journeys starting April 28, 2026. The additional four coaches include three AC Chair Car coaches and one Executive Class coach, significantly enhancing seating capacity on one of the country’s busiest inter-city routes.

The move follows sustained high demand for the service since its launch. What was initially introduced as a temporary measure to manage peak travel has now been formalised, reflecting Indian Railways’ effort to align capacity with consistently rising passenger volumes.

So far, 162 Vande Bharat services have been operationalised across the network, cutting travel times by up to 45% on several routes. Of these, 90 services run with 8 coaches, 38 with 20 coaches, and 34 with 16 coaches. This means roughly 23.45% of the services now operate with 20-coach formations, while about 21% continue with 16 coaches, and the rest remain in the 8-coach configuration.

Covering a distance of 491 kilometres in approximately five hours and 30 minutes, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route includes stops at Borivali, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. It connects two of western India’s most economically dynamic cities and caters to a wide range of passengers, including business travellers, students, daily commuters, and tourists.

Passenger uptake has been strong. Nearly 4 crore passengers travelled on Vande Bharat services in FY 2025–26, marking a year-on-year growth of around 34%. Since its introduction in 2019, the service has carried over 9.1 crore passengers across more than one lakh trips. Network occupancy has consistently exceeded 100%, underscoring sustained demand.

The growing preference for Vande Bharat trains reflects changing travel expectations, with passengers prioritising speed, comfort, and punctuality. Features such as faster acceleration, cleaner coaches, improved onboard experience, and better timekeeping have contributed to their popularity.

Wikimedia

Indian Railways has been scaling up capacity across high-demand corridors as part of a broader, data-driven strategy. The permanent upgrade of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad service fits into this wider push to meet evolving passenger needs.

In addition to this route, the 20901/20902 Gandhinagar Capital–Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express provides another key high-speed link between Gujarat and Maharashtra, connecting Gandhinagar and the Ahmedabad region with Mumbai.

Vande Bharat trains, designed as semi-high-speed services, come equipped with modern safety and passenger-friendly features. These include the KAVACH safety system, automatic plug doors, ergonomic reclining seats, and revolving seats in Executive Class. Onboard facilities include a mini pantry, charging points at every seat, CCTV surveillance, and dedicated accessible lavatories for Divyangjan passengers.

The permanent shift to a 20-coach configuration on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route reflects a broader transformation underway in Indian Railways, as it expands capacity to match the growing demand for faster and more comfortable travel.

Also Read:

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

Soon Railway Stations, Trains to be Disabled-Friendly

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

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In a bid to manage the annual spike in passenger movement, Indian Railways has rolled out an extensive summer operations plan, scheduling over 18,000 special train trips across the country over a three-month period.

The national transporter will run these services between April 15 and July 15, 2026, aligning with peak travel demand driven by school vacations, seasonal migration, and festival-related journeys. In total, 908 summer special trains have been sanctioned, together accounting for 18,262 trips aimed at easing congestion on key routes.

A significant portion of this capacity has already been activated. As per official data, 660 trains—covering 11,294 trips—have been notified, allowing passengers to begin advance bookings and plan travel ahead of the rush.

The move reflects a calibrated strategy by Indian Railways to distribute passenger load more evenly during high-demand months. By augmenting services well in advance, the railways aim to reduce waiting lists, improve seat availability, and ensure a more comfortable travel experience.

Officials indicate that the special trains will be deployed across major intercity and long-distance corridors, particularly those witnessing heavy seasonal traffic. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen operational preparedness and maintain service reliability during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The scale of the rollout underscores Indian Railways’ continued reliance on advance planning and capacity augmentation to navigate cyclical demand spikes, a recurring challenge in one of the world’s largest rail networks.

Zone-Wise Details

The operation of summer special trains spans across all major zones of Indian Railways, ensuring balanced regional connectivity and efficient passenger handling:

  • South Central Railway leads with 124 trains (1,184 trips) approved and 76 trains (324 trips) notified.
  • Western Railway has approved 106 trains (2,078 trips) with 92 trains (1,667 trips) notified.
  • North Western Railway has approved 76 trains (2,245 trips) and with 62 trains (1,878 trips) notified.
  • Northern Railway has approved 76 trains (2,090 trips) with 56 trains (1,535 trips) notified.
  • Central Railway has approved 74 trains (3,082 trips) with 70 trains (2,238 trips) notified.
  • Southern Railway has approved 72 trains (558 trips) with 38 trains (133 trips) notified.
  • East Central Railway has approved 64 trains (2,711 trips) with 38 trains (1,060 trips) notified.
  • North Central Railway has approved 54 trains (1,163 trips) with 46 trains (688 trips) notified.
  • North Eastern Railway has approved 52 trains (814 trips) with 34 trains (477 trips) notified.
  • East Coast Railway has approved 28 trains (410 trips) with 18 trains (88 trips) notified.
  • West Central Railway has approved 28 trains (408 trips) with 18 trains (192 trips) notified.
  • Eastern Railway has approved 24 trains (392 trips) with 10 trains (276 trips) notified.
  • North Frontier Railway has approved 24 trains (220 trips) with 20 trains (141 trips) notified.
  • South Eastern Railway has approved 20 trains (276 trips) with 18 trains (250 trips) notified.
  • South East Central Railway has approved 10 trains (122 trips) with 8 trains (70 trips) notified.
  • South Western Railway has approved 76 trains (509 trips) with 56 trains (277 trips) notified.

Passenger Benefits:

The large-scale introduction of summer special trains is expected to significantly benefit passengers by:

  • Reducing waiting lists during peak travel season.
  • Providing additional berths and confirmed travel options.
  • Enhancing connectivity between major cities and regions.
  • Ensuring smoother and more comfortable journeys.

By deploying special trains across high-demand routes, Indian Railways is ensuring that passengers experience minimal inconvenience during the summer rush.

With timely planning and large-scale deployment of special train services, Indian Railways continues to prioritise passenger convenience and travel comfort. The extensive coverage across zones and the high number of notified trains reflect a strong commitment to meeting passenger demand efficiently and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience during the summer season.

 

Also Read:

Soon Railway Stations, Trains to be Disabled-Friendly

Indian Railways Clears ₹1,364 Crore for Kavach Signalling across Multiple Zones

 

 

London Underground polluted with metallic particles small enough to enter human bloodstream

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The London Underground is polluted with ultrafine metallic particles small enough to end up in the human bloodstream, according to University of Cambridge researchers. These particles are so small that they are likely being underestimated in surveys of pollution in the world’s oldest metro system.

The researchers carried out a new type of pollution analysis, using magnetism to study dust samples from Underground ticket halls, platforms and operator cabins.

The team found that the samples contained high levels of a type of iron oxide called maghemite. Since it takes time for iron to oxidise into maghemite, the results suggest that pollution particles are suspended for long periods, due to poor ventilation throughout the Underground, particularly on station platforms.

Some of the particles are as small as five nanometres in diameter: small enough to be inhaled and end up in the bloodstream, but too small to be captured by typical methods of pollution monitoring. However, it is not clear whether these particles pose a health risk.

Other studies have looked at overall pollution levels on the Underground and the associated health risks, but this is the first time that the size and type of particles has been analysed in detail. The researchers suggest that periodic removal of dust from Underground tunnels, as well as magnetic monitoring of pollution levels, could improve air quality throughout the network. Their results are reported in the journal Scientific Reports.

The London Underground carries five million passengers per day. Multiple studies have shown that air pollution levels on the Underground are higher than those in London more broadly, and beyond the World Health Organization’s (WHO) defined limits. Earlier studies have also suggested that most of the particulate matter on the Underground is generated as the wheels, tracks and brakes grind against one another, throwing up tiny, iron-rich particles.

“Since most of these air pollution particles are metallic, the Underground is an ideal place to test whether magnetism can be an effective way to monitor pollution,” said Professor Richard Harrison from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences, the paper’s senior author. “Normally, we study magnetism as it relates to planets, but we decided to explore how those techniques could be applied to different areas, including air pollution.”

Pollution levels are normally monitored using standard air filters, but these cannot capture ultrafine particles, and they do not detect what kinds of particles are contained within the particulate matter.

“I started studying environmental magnetism as part of my PhD, looking at whether low-cost monitoring techniques could be used to characterise pollution levels and sources,” said lead author Hassan Sheikh from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “The Underground is a well-defined micro-environment, so it’s an ideal place to do this type of study.”

Working with colleagues from Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Sheikh and Harrison analysed 39 dust samples from the London Underground, provided by Transport for London (TfL). The samples were collected in 2019 and 2021 from platforms, ticket halls, and train operator cabins on the Piccadilly, Northern, Central, Bakerloo, Victoria, Northern, District and Jubilee lines. The sampling included major stations such as King’s Cross St Pancras, Paddington, and Oxford Circus.

The researchers used magnetic fingerprinting, 3D imaging and nanoscale microscopy to characterise the structure, size, shape, composition and magnetic properties of particles contained in the samples. Earlier studies have shown that 50% of the pollution particles in the Underground are iron-rich, but the Cambridge team were able to look in much closer detail. They found a high abundance of maghemite particles, ranging in diameter from five to 500 nanometres, and with an average diameter of 10 nanometres. Some particles formed larger clusters with diameters between 100 and 2,000 nanometres.

“The abundance of these very fine particles was surprising,” said Sheikh. “The magnetic properties of iron oxides fundamentally change as the particle size changes. In addition, the size range where those changes happen is the same as where air pollution becomes a health risk.”

While the researchers did not look at whether these maghemite particles pose a direct health risk, they say that their characterisation methods could be useful in future studies.

“If you’re going to answer the question of whether these particles are bad for your health, you first need to know what the particles are made of and what their properties are,” said Sheikh.

“Our techniques give a much more refined picture of pollution in the Underground,” said Harrison. “We can measure particles that are small enough to be inhaled and enter the bloodstream. Typical pollution monitoring doesn’t give you a good picture of the very small stuff.”

The researchers say that due to poor ventilation in the Underground, iron-rich dust can be resuspended in the air when trains arrive at platforms, making the air quality on platforms worse than in ticket halls or in operator cabins.

Given the magnetic nature of the resuspended dust, the researchers suggest that an efficient removal system might be magnetic filters in ventilation, cleaning of the tracks and tunnel walls, or placing screen doors between platforms and trains.

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PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Express from Una in Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi

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The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of the new Vande Bharat Express from Amb Andaura, Una to New Delhi, today.

The Prime Minister inspected the train coaches of the Vande Bharat Express and took stock of the onboard facilities. Shri Modi also inspected the control centre of the locomotive engine of Vande Bharat Express. He also inspected Una railway station.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, Governor of Himachal Pradesh,  Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister of Railways, Ashvini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur when he arrived at Amb Andaura Railway Station in Una district of Himachal Pradesh.

The introduction of the train will help boost tourism in the region and provide a comfortable and faster mode of travel. The travel time from Una to New Delhi will be reduced by two hours. Running from Amb Andaura to New Delhi, it will be the fourth Vande Bharat train to be introduced in the country and is an advanced version compared to the earlier ones, being much lighter and capable of reaching higher speeds in a shorter duration. Vande Bharat 2.0 is equipped with more advancements and improved features such as reaching a speed of 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 52 seconds, and a maximum speed of up to 180 kilometres per hour. The improved Vande Bharat Express will weigh 392 tons when compared to the previous version of 430 tons. It will also have a Wi-Fi content on-demand facility. Every coach has 32” screens providing passenger information and infotainment compared to 24” in the previous version. Vande Bharat Express will also be environmentally friendly as the ACs will be 15 per cent more energy efficient. With dust-free clean air cooling of the traction motor, travel will become more comfortable. A side recliner seat facility provided only to Executive Class passengers earlier will now be made available for all classes. Executive Coaches have the added feature of 180-degree rotating seats

In the new design of Vande Bharat Express, a photo-catalytic ultraviolet air purification system is installed in the Roof-Mounted Package Unit (RMPU) for air purification.  As recommended by Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, this system is designed and installed on both ends of RMPU to filter and clean the air free from germs, bacteria, viruses etc. coming through fresh air and return air.

The Vande Bharat Express 2.0 offers a myriad of superior and aircraft-like travelling experiences. It is equipped with advanced state-of-the-art safety features including an indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System – KAVACH.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrates its 38th Raising Day

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The Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 38th Raising Day on 20th September 2022 by organizing a parade for the first time at the central level at Jag Jeewan Ram RPF Academy, Lucknow. This is the first time that a National Level Parade of RPF was organized outside New Delhi. The choice of venue at the Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy at Lucknow – the Centralized Training Institute of RPF and the alma mater of the officers of the Force recruited through the civil service exam, assumes notable significance.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 38th Raising Day

The Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute of the Parade. The programme was attended by Shri Brij Lal, MP, Rajyasabha, senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces, State Police, various Government Departments, Railways and other dignitaries.

The Minister of State for Railways presented the ‘President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service’, ‘Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service’, ‘Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak’, ‘Uttam JeevanRaksha Padak’ and ‘ Jeevan Raksha Padak’ to 23 RPF personnel, including award of Sarwottam Jeewan Raksha Padak posthumously to Late Shri Gyan Chand, Head Constable RPF NCR who laid down his life at the altar of duty while saving a lady who had jumped in front of a moving train with intention to commit suicide. The force remembered Shri Gyan Chand with tearful eyes and chest swelling with pride.

The Chief Guest inaugurated and hoisted a 100 feet high Monumental National Flag at the Academy Campus and unveiled and dedicated the installation of a Railway Coach with Engine for train intervention training. The renovated main-hall of the Academy, which has now been air-conditioned was also inaugurated by the Minister. A Special “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” Edition of the “Rail Sainik”, the quarterly e-magazine of RPF was released on the occasion.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 38th Raising Day

The Minister of State for Railways praised the poise, turnout and march of the contingent. In her speech, she appreciated the role of RPF in ensuring safe travel for women passengers. She heaped fulsome praise on Meri Saheli teams for providing security to women traveling alone in long distance trains. She outlined the prominent role of training and skill up gradation in improving the performance of any organization and announced sanction of Rs 55 Crores for enhancing training facilities in RPF.

Smt. Jardosh also announced setting up of a skill up-gradation training centre in the premises of 3rd Battalion RPSF, Lucknow for up-gradation of skills of family members of RPF personnel, especially ladies at the cost of Rs 3 Crores. Further, she announced construction of rest shelters cum mobilization halls for lady RPF train escorting personnel at 75 locations across the country.

The Director General, RPF, Shri Sanjay Chander, welcomed the Minister and outlined the various new initiatives taken by the force to provide a safe and secure train travel to the passengers. He stated that the RPF is making use of technology in various spheres of its working to ensure an optimal utilization of the manpower. The force has been on the forefront in providing assistance to the needy passengers, the elderly and the children. The RPF has been doing commendable work in preventing Human Trafficking, Transport of Narcotics, Hawala Money, Prohibited Wildlife and other illegal activities on trains and stations. He pointed out that we have entered the Amrit Kaal which would last till 2047 during which we have to work with our heart and soul to take India to the pinnacle of glory that she deserves. The vision 2047 is the roadmap towards such a lofty ideal. He mentioned the vision 2047 of the force which will include innovation, use of technology, optimum utilization of resource to increase the response, reach and effectiveness of the force. He underlined that the goal of the force is Sewa Hi Sankalp and all members of the force, from Constable to DG, have to work towards reinforcing its service commitment.

The Railway Protection Force was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1957 for providing security to Railway property. Subsequently, the force was empowered to enquire, arrest and prosecute the offenders involved in unlawful possession of railway property in 1966. Over the years, it was felt that the force needed to be given the status of “An Armed Force of the Union” and finally the status was bestowed upon the force on 20th September 1985 by amending the RPF Act by the Parliament. Therefore, 20th September is celebrated every year as the Raising Day of RPF by members of the force and their families.

The Raising Day is an important milestone in the growth of a force and celebrated with festive spirit by members of the force where they share their happiness with the public and reaffirm their commitment to serve them and work for the overall public good.

Earlier the Raising day was celebrated by organizing parades and other functions at the zonal, divisional and battalion levels. However, from this year it has been decided to organize only one parade at the central level to symbolize the national character of the force.

Travel: Majestic train journey across South India

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New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANSlife) A train journey is perfect for anyone looking for a fascinating way to experience southern India. Such trips make a wonderful way to get closer to the rich culture and heritage. Although trains are usually associated with cities, Sripad Vaidya, Co-founder & COO, Confirmtkt handpicked five destinations with wide-reaching scenic beauty that one can marvel at when travelling by train.

Kollam – Sengottai

The train journey from Kollam to Sengottai will be a fulfilling experience for travellers who like to explore offbeat places. The railway line connects the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu through these two junction points. Passengers witness several lush green forests, clean & swiftly flowing rivers, and hills throughout the ride. Along the way, they pass a heritage bridge and a national highway built above and below the tracks. Train journey ensures travellers get to see Kerala’s natural beauty, making it the most picturesque trip ever.

Ooty to Coonoor

People who want to enjoy train travelling near the hilly areas of the south must not miss Ooty to Coonoor train journey. Both of these destinations are popular among visitors for their picture-perfect scenic beauty.

These two hill stations are located in Tamil Nadu and are connected via a special toy train. The tracks connecting Ooty to Coonoor are part of Nilgiri Mountain railways, which have been honoured by UNESCO due to their impeccable uniqueness and raw beauty. The best part of the train journey is it takes passengers through the tea plantations of Ooty and mountains covered with greenery.

Chennai to Rameshwaram

This train journey is one-of-a-kind in its own way. Aside from giving a nature trip, it also takes people through a mythological journey. The railway connecting Chennai to Rameshwaram runs over Pamban Bridge, famous as India’s first bridge. Natives believe that Pamban Bridge was built by Lord Rama while searching for Goddess Sita, who Ravana abducted. The bridge links the Mandapam region in India with Rameswaram and Pamban Island. Though the rail ride is only 2.2 Km long, its surroundings and religious background make it one of the best life experiences.

Kanyakumari to Trivandrum

The train ride between these two destinations in south India is like a slideshow of the rich plantation practices of the country. In this two-hour-long train journey, travellers pass through many luxuriant plantations of green tea, coconut groves and farms of a variety of spices. Take the train ride via Island Express; it covers the natural splendours of the path and gives the opportunity to experience the local life of the south up close.

Best train services for South Indian trips:

Aside from regular railway expresses, one can sweeten their journey to the south by booking a ride with some renowned train services. These are:

  • Golden Chariot
  •  Golden Chariot Southern Splendour
  •  Maharajas’ Express Southern Jewels
  •  Maharajas’ Express Southern Sojourn
  •  Deccan Odyssey Jewels of Deccan.

These trains put the luxury of the passenger as their top priority. The trip package offers private and comfortable accommodation, porterage services, an onboard butler, meals, drinks and snacks free of cost. Travellers also enjoy off-train excursions, WiFi, and even a lounge and bar are part of these luxurious trains’ facilities.

On some routes, guests can smell the spicy aromas of India and see the mystical waterfalls, lush plantations, and wildlife. Once on the journey, one will truly feel like they have discovered an entirely new continent. Hence, it’s time to experience the splendour of south India’s train journeys yourself rather than searching for them on the internet.

 

Indian Railways records best ever cargo loading in August’22

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Indian Railways has recorded best ever August Monthly freight loading of 119.32 MT in August’22. The incremental loading in the month of August has been 8.69 MT i.e. a growth of 7.86 % over the previous best August figures achieved in 2021. With this, Indian Railways has had 24 straight months of best ever monthly freight loading.

IR has achieved an incremental loading of 9.2 MT in Coal, followed by 0.71 MT in Fertilizer, 0.68 MT in Balance other goods and 0.62 MT Containers. Increase in automobile loading has been another highlight of Freight Business in FY 2022-23 and 2206 rakes have been loaded in FY 2022-23 till August as compared to 1314 rakes during the same period of last year i.e. a growth of 68%.

The cumulative freight loading from 1st April’2022 to 31st August ’2022 has been 620.87 MT as against 562.75 MT achieved in 2021-22 i.e. an incremental loading of 58.11 MT, with a growth of 10.32 % over same period last year.

The freight NTKMs (Net tonne kilometers) have increased from 63 Billion in August ’21 to 73 Billion in August’22 registering a growth of 16 %. The cumulative NTKMs in the first five months have also grown by 18.29 %.

 

Railways/Photo:en.wikipedia.org

The sustained efforts of Indian Railways to increase supply of Coal to Power houses, in close coordination with Ministry of Power and Coal, have been one of the key features of the freight performance in the month of August. The loading of Coal (both domestic and imported) to Power Houses has increased by 10.46 MT in August with 44.64 MT Coal being moved to Power houses as against 34.18 MT last year, i.e. a growth of 31%. Cumulatively, in the first five months of the year, IR has loaded more than 58.41 MT extra coal to Power Houses as compared to same period of last year, with a growth of more than 32%.

The commodity wise growth number show that IR has achieved impressive growth in almost all commodity segments with the following growth rates :

Soon Railway Stations, Trains to be Disabled-Friendly

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In order to provide better accessibility to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), short term facilities, as detailed below, have been planned at all stations, beginning with ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations:-
• Standard ramp for barrier free entry
• Earmarking at least two parking lots
• Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building
• Signages of appropriate visibility
• At least one toilet (on the ground floor)
• At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
• ‘May I help you’ Booth
In addition, long term facilities, as detailed below, have also been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations:-
• Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer
• Engraving on edges of platform
In order to facilitate easy movement of elderly and Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), as per the existing guidelines, ‘A-1’ category stations qualify for provision of escalators/elevators while ‘A’ category, ‘C’ category and stations of tourist importance qualify for provision of escalators under ‘Desirable Amenities’. So far, 394 escalators at 167 stations and 219 lifts at 100 stations have been provided. Further, work is in progress for about 380 nos. of escalators at 133 stations and 427 nos. of lifts at 134 stations which shall be completed over a period of next two to three years.
Indian Railways have manufactured about 3450 SLRD/SRD coaches (SLRD-Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment, SRD- Second Class Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) which have a suitably designed compartment and toilet adapted to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)/wheelchair borne passengers. In SLRD coaches, wider entrance door for wheelchair borne passengers, wider berths, wider compartments, space for provision of wheelchair, larger lavatory and lavatory doors have been provided. Inside the toilets, additional grab rails on the side walls for support, wash basin and mirror at lower height have been provided. It is endeavored to have at least one such coach in each Mail/Express train having ICF design coaches.
Further, the fully air conditioned Garib Rath trains have been provided with an Air conditioned Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) friendly compartment and toilets in the power cars.
For assistance to visually impaired travelers, Braille signages are now being provided in newly manufactured coaches.
Availability of Wheelchairs on Platforms: Instructions already exist for provision of Wheelchair at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. Zonal Railways have also been instructed to provide one wheelchair per platform and in case of island platforms one wheelchair per two platforms at all ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations.
Battery Operated Cars (BOCs): Zonal Railways have been authorized to introduce Battery Operated Cars (BOCs) at major railway stations for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), elderly and ailing passengers on ‘first come first served’ basis through sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, Trusts, Charitable institutions, Corporate and PSUs/Corporate Houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility free of charge to passenger or to the Railway. 70 BOCs have already been provided at 48 major railway stations. Further, instructions have also been issued to Zonal Railways to invite Expression of Interest for providing the facility of Battery Operated Car service on payment basis initially at all ‘A-1’ category stations keeping in view the financial sustainability of the service. This facility can be availed by passengers on ‘first come first served’ basis, however, preference shall be given to Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), pregnant women and medically sick passengers.
Yatri Mitra Sewa: ‘Yatri Mitra Sewa’ is being provided at major stations for enabling passengers to book wheelchair services cum Porter services etc. The responsibility of providing Yatri Mitra Sewa is entrusted to IRCTC who may provide this service ‘Free of cost’ through some NGOs, PSUs etc. under CSR or on payment basis. This service can be booked on IRCTC e-ticketing website and 139 (IVRS and SMS) or through a mobile.
Complaints on railway services are received from all walks of life through various channels viz.; Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) web portal, Complaints Management System Portal, Social media etc. which are forwarded to concerned Departments of Railways for necessary action. However, no separate data is maintained regarding complaints of railway services being Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) unfriendly.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 11.08.2017 (Friday).