Railways
International Women's Day: All women crew operates Vande Bharat Express for first time
In a groundbreaking move to celebrate International Women’s Day, Central Railways has made history by operating the Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22223) with an entirely women-led crew. For the first time ever, the high-speed train, which travels from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Shirdi, is fully staffed by women, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, ticket examiners, and on-board catering staff.
International Women's Day: In a first, an all women's crew operates the Vande Bharat Express | Watch video
Central Railways celebrates International Women’s Day by running the Vande Bharat Express with an all-women crew for the first time. The initiative aims to highlight women's strength and leadership within the Indian Railways. Prime Minister Modi also honors women's achievements by giving them control of his social media platforms.
Sarai Kale Khan RRTS Station trial runs to begin from next month
Trial runs between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan RRTS stations are expected to start by end of April. Sarai Kale Khan will connect to two other proposed corridors and is nearing completion. This key station enhances connectivity, reduces congestion and pollution. It will serve as an important transport hub, ensuring efficient travel for daily commuters.
Railways switches to centralised computer-based tests to prevent discrepancies in promotion exams
The Railway Board will now conduct departmental promotion exams through centralized Computer Based Tests (CBT). All zonal railways must create an examination calendar. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) will supervise the exams. These changes follow a paper leak scam involving 26 officials. Measures include encrypted papers and detailed candidate monitoring to prevent future leaks.
IRFC eyes improved margins from non-Railway lending
Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) plans to improve net interest margins by lending to non-railway projects such as metro systems and infrastructure linked to Indian Railways. It also explores refinancing loans from institutions like the World Bank, aiming to diversify and boost financial returns.
Navratna status gives us freedom to fund anyone from railway ecosystem: IRFC
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has earned Navratna status, allowing it to finance companies across the rail eco-system beyond Indian Railways. The company, which has funded Rs 5 lakh crore until now and maintains zero NPA status, aims to support rolling stock, container train operators, and metro rail projects.
With a revenue of over Rs 26,600 crore IRFC becomes India's third-largest government NBFC
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has been awarded Navratna status by the Government of India, marking its significant financial achievements, with over Rs 26,600 crore revenue and Rs 6,400 crore profit as of March 2024. IRFC continues to play a pivotal role in financing railway infrastructure, while also expanding into sectors linked to railways such as power and mining.
Indian Railways signals weak container growth trend amid global uncertainty: Report
Indian Railways' container volumes have seen only 4.1% year-on-year growth for FY25-to-date, with EXIM container volume growth barely at 0-2%. Analysts suggest that global trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions are affecting demand. While some ports reported 9% growth, key container train operators show mixed performance, pointing to potential challenges in the sector.
Government panel pulls up railways and telecom for slow asset monetisation
A core group criticises railways for poor performance in asset monetisation and urges various ministries to meet higher targets. Concerns were raised over slow progress and reduced targets in railway and housing projects. The road transport ministry aims to monetise 35,000 km of highways to generate ₹3.5 lakh crore.
DMRC-DAMEPL dispute: Comply with order or face coercive action, SC to DAMEPL, Axis Bank officials
The Supreme Court of India has warned Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL) and Axis Bank of coercive measures if they do not comply with its previous verdict to refund nearly Rs 2,500 crore to DMRC. The legal dispute dates back to 2012, involving a contract termination and arbitration.
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Railways' 2030 net zero plan builds on renewable, nuclear and thermal power
Indian Railways plans to meet its 10-gigawatt traction requirement by 2030 using a mix of nuclear, solar, hydropower, wind, and thermal sources. With 95% of trains running on electricity by 2025-26, carbon emissions are expected to reduce significantly. The initiative brings environmental benefits and significant cost savings in diesel expenditure.
Indian Railways will get its most advanced and powerful engine in one month's time
India's Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces the imminent launch of a 9,000 HP locomotive, mostly made in India, to enhance freight train efficiency. The state-of-the-art engine, ready within 30-40 days, will significantly boost freight operations and integrates with advanced digital tracking systems.
DPR for first-ever railway link to Bhutan from Assam completed: NFR
Bhutan is set to receive its first railway link as Indian Railways has completed the detailed project report for a 69.04 km track from Assam to Bhutan. The new railway line will enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, boosting connectivity and local business development in the region.
New Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line proposed to boost India-Bhutan connectivity
A new railway line from Kokrajhar to Gelephu connecting Assam with Bhutan has been proposed to improve cross-border connectivity. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the 69.04 km project, aiming to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The development includes six new stations and multiple bridges with a budget of Rs. 3,500 crores.
Ahmedabad's heritage will be incorporated in redevelopment of its railway station: Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced significant innovations in the Ahmedabad railway station redevelopment project, highlighting the incorporation of architectural elements reflecting the city's heritage. Special care is being taken to construct at high speed while minimizing train cancellations to transform the station into a global heritage site with world-class facilities.
360 km of the Bullet Train project complete, undersea tunnel nearing completion
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces significant progress on the Bullet Train project, with 360 km completed, addressing delays due to previous permission issues. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu praises the MAHSR project's pace, highlighting its contribution to employment and infrastructural development in line with PM Modi's vision.
