The admissions for seats at the Railway University in Vadodara have begun, and approximately 3,500 applications have already reached the university, according to News18. Classes will begin in August, and if you are interested, be sure to apply before June 30th. The cut-off for the university is 55%, and courses like BBA and BSc are on offer.
The university will offer courses related to transport streams and will be linked to all the 300 training institutes in the Railways Ministry. The brainchild of PM Narendra Modi, the university aims to ensure that the research and modernisation of India’s Railways system continues unabated.
Internally called the National Rail Transport University, its classes will commence from the National Academy of Indian Railways, in Gujarat’s Vadodara.
The Indian Express reports that Pramath Sinha (Founder-dean ISB, and co-founder Ashoka University), has been tasked with advising the government on how to set up the university, including advice on making it future-ready and help it to become a centre of excellence in transport-infrastructure engineering.
The Railways will also create a not-for-profit company, under Section 8 of the Companies Act, which shall manage the university.
Students who get accepted are lucky indeed. The National Academy of Indian Railways has a beautiful campus which is situated in the sprawling 55 acres of Pratap Vilas Palace, at Lalbaug, Vadodara. Surrounded by lush, green lawns, the academy, founded in 1930, was designed in the Renaissance style, by CF Stevens, a leading architect of his time, and resonates with the calls of peacocks and migratory birds, in its verdant confines.
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For many of us, train journeys hold a special place in our heart. The scenery flying by, enthusiastic co-passengers—a train journey isn’t just a commute. Well, now, rail passengers have something new to look forward to!
As reported in The New Indian Express, in a first-of-its-kind effort, the national transporter will allow passengers to buy fresh, organic Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, in trains.
This initiative has come about thanks to IRCTC’s partnership with a self-help group, called Shree Mahalakshmi Swayam Saahayata Bachat Ghat.
Dig into organically grown, fresh Alphonso mangoes, courtesy IRCTC. Image Credit: Ministry of Railways.
The SHG is famous for its fresh and succulent export-quality Alphonso mangoes, and passengers can purchase these fruits at a special price of just Rs 470 a dozen.
Additionally, IRCTC has also tied up with a startup, TRAPIGO, and this partnership will allow passengers to order fresh food from restaurants in various cities, and get them delivered to trains, reports the Economic Times.
TRAPIGO is a venture by IIT-IIM and NIFT graduates, and is a ‘B2B’ logistics service provider, for food products.
TRAPIGO will ensure you get nice, warm meals delivered to your berth, courtesy IRCTC! Image Courtesy: Ministry of Railways.
Passengers can place orders on the IRCTC website, or on the ‘Food-On-Track’ application, and TRAPIGO shall deliver the food, in neat packaging, complete with co-branded tapes, stickers, etc., at a nominal fee of Rs 15.
Implemented in Nagpur as a pilot project from today, the project will soon be expanded to other cities that fall in the North-Central belt, like New Delhi, Itarsi, Jhansi, Bhopal, etc.
So, the next time you are on any of these routes, dig into a warm meal courtesy TRAPIGO , and don’t forget to gorge on those amazing organic Alphonso mangoes, courtesy the self-help group! Make sure to download the ‘Food-On-Track’ application so that you can order.
Kudos to IRCTC for always pushing the envelope to ensure total passenger satisfaction!
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The Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, wants to install a rail line along the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur expressway. NDTV reports that the government agencies shall work together to make sure the project is fast-tracked, as they want to cut down travel time on the busy route.
A Railway Ministry official told IANS that a feasibility study was conducted to ascertain the construction of a high-speed rail line along the proposed expressway conducted by Ineco, a Spanish consultancy. The reports were favourable.
According to the official, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is in the process of acquiring land for the high-speed rail project. Tunnels and bridges could come up to cross rivers, and travel through hilly areas in a coordinated manner, for both road and rail traffic.
The feasibility study also established that the elevated rail line could be built in the middle, or along the proposed 800 km highway, depending on the ground situation. It is being examined by Railway officials, and the Ineco team will make a detailed presentation on the project.
The bullet train, might come up along the Mumbai-Nagpur expressway. Representative image only. Image Credit: Max Pixel
The study claims that travel time will be cut for both road and train travellers, owing to the access-controlled expressway, and the elevated rail track, with its high-speed, uninterrupted train journey.
The Railways wants to unclog the nation’s highways, which are choking, due to an excess of goods and passenger traffic. The national carrier has also taken a business hit, on shorter routes, and now wants to consolidate its position again.
The Railways is optimistic about this project and is hopeful that land acquisition delays will not hamper it. The ambitious Mumbai-Nagpur section of the rail corridor will be part of the proposed high-speed rail corridor between Howrah and Mumbai, known as the Diamond Quadrilateral Rail Project.
Edited by: Shruti Singhal.
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Having a wait-listed Railways ticket is a gamble—especially if it is an e-ticket. With trains running at full capacity most of the time, getting a confirmed reservation is very difficult, and so far, a ‘waiting list’ e-ticket would be automatically cancelled when the final chart was prepared before the train’s departure.
However, the Railways will now take measures to ensure that such wait-listed passengers do not face more inconvenience than necessary.
Passengers with waitlisted Railways tickets, will be allowed to board the train, subject to a confirmed passenger not showing up for the journey. Representative image only. Image Credit:- KalervoK
According to a report in News18, those with e-tickets may now get the option to board the train and claim an empty berth, if those with confirmed seats decide to not show up. This move was earlier restricted to only those with physically printed tickets.
The change is the result of a 2014 High Court judgement on a petition filed by Advocate Vibhas Kumar Jha, which asked the Ministry to abolish the discrimination between physical paper-ticket holders, and e-ticket holders.
The High Court suggested that the Railways stop automatically cancelling the ‘waiting’ e-tickets of passengers when the final chart was displayed. The Court then gave passengers the option to go to the station, board the train and claim the empty seats of those passengers who had reserved seats but didn’t show up.
The order also stated that there was no provision in the law, which gives the holders of a physically printed ticket, an upper hand. Hence, those with e-tickets, should not be discriminated against. Earlier only those with physically printed tickets could board the train if they were on the ‘waiting’ list, to try and find a berth.
The Railways had filed an appeal against the judgement in the Supreme Court, but the Apex Court dismissed the appeal as the Railways’ lawyer was a no-show.
It is now up to the Railways to now come up with ways to remove differences between the validity of e-tickets and tickets in a physical form. Also, the Railways must now conceptualise a plan to ensure that touts and agents do not block seats in bogus names, only to sell them to wait-listed passengers, and charge them a premium.
Well, taking a chance might not be the most prudent thing to do, especially if you are travelling in a group. However, if you do, be rest assured that you might get a seat.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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Train journeys are fun, but we are all familiar with the sinking feeling that comes when we see a co-passenger bring along what seems like half a ton of excess luggage, and the ruckus that follows as everyone in the berth tries to make space for it.
The Indian Railways has lately introduced several measures to ensure that passengers have a smooth journey. For example, they have introduced POS machines on trains, and they now have a solution for the problem mentioned above as well!
The Economic Times reports that the national transporter has decided to strictly enforce its baggage allowance rule—which is over three decades old. As per the rule, the national transporter is allowed to strictly penalise the passengers, if they are found to be travelling with excess luggage.
Currently, the baggage allowance is as follows:
1) Passengers travelling in the Sleeper Class can carry up to 40 kg of luggage for free, and up to 80 kg, by paying for excess luggage.
2) Passengers travelling in the Second Class can carry luggage weighing 35 kg for free, and up to 70 kg, by paying for excess luggage.
3) AC First Class passengers can carry 70 kg of luggage for free, and a maximum of 150 kgs, after paying a fee for the extra 80 kgs.
4) AC 2-tier passengers can carry 50 kg of luggage for free, and a maximum of 100 kg by paying a fee for the extra 50 kgs.
The excess baggage will be stored in the luggage van.
Book excess luggage in the luggage van, or face a fine, says the Railways.Image Credit:- The Times Dooars
While the Railways is following the rules and regulations set by airline operators, there are a few differences. At the airport, every bag being carried by a passenger is weighed, while the Railways will carry out checks at random. Additionally, the baggage limit for domestic flights is much lower than what the Railway’s limits are.
Ved Prakash, the Railway Board Information and Publicity Director, told the Financial Express, that passengers can carry and book excess luggage in the luggage van, up to the maximum limit, by paying a fee equal to 1.5 times the luggage rate. However if a passenger is found travelling with unbooked luggage more than the free allowance, a penalty equal to 6 times the luggage rate will be charged.
For example, if a passenger is travelling 500 km with luggage weighing 70 kg in sleeper class, he can book excess luggage of 40 kg for Rs 109 in the luggage van. However, if he doesn’t, and is caught with the extra luggage, he will end up paying a penalty of Rs 654.
According to the Economic Times, the Railways will start enforcing these rules across all zones through a special drive in the first week of June.
Trunks, suitcases and boxes to be carried in the compartments, must adhere to the prescribed measurements of 100cmX60cmx25cm (length, breadth, height). Luggage that exceeds these dimensions will have to be put into the luggage van.
Well, the next time you think about sneaking in that extra carton of mangoes because you assume you can hide it under the seat, think again!
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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How many of us casually throw plastic water bottles in random places, inside railway stations? The thought probably stems from the feeling “I am leaving this, but someone else will pick it up.”
Well now, you can dispose of plastic bottles responsibly and what’s more—earn money while doing so. According to a report in the Financial Express, the South Western Railway, in an effort to remove the ‘scourge’ of plastic waste, has set up bottle crushers at many railway stations under the Bengaluru division including the KSR City Station, Yeshwantpur Station, Cantonment Station and Krishnarajpuram Station.
What’s more, each bottle you drop into the crusher will earn you ₹ 5, in your e-wallet via PayTM. So, drop a bottle into the crusher, enter your mobile number on the machine, and earn your money!
The plastic bottle shredding machine initiative by the Railways primarily aims to cut down on station littering. Image Credit: East Coast Railway.
RS Saxena, the Divisional Railway Manager (Bengaluru Railway Division), inaugurated the facility at the KSR Railway Station, on World Environment Day. He mentioned that the Railways has tied up with a private firm, to set up automatic bottle crushing machines in major railway stations across Bengaluru division. This step is to prevent travellers from throwing used plastic bottles on the tracks, or in the station premises.
South Western Railway’s Mysuru Railway Station, and the railway stations of Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai, already have these bottle crushing machines.
The machine is the size of a refrigerator and can crush around 5000 bottles daily. Once the bottles are dropped inside the machine, they will be completely crushed and released as fine plastic pieces. The crushed plastic can be sold as scrap in the market, or, as in the case of the Western Railway Zone, used to make bags and t-shirts.
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Indian Railways is in the process of undertaking a modernisation drive for some trains, under a banner called “Project Utkrisht”. According to the New Indian Express, this should put an end to criticism that the Railways only pays attention to improving passenger amenities in premium trains, like the Shatabdi, Duronto and Rajdhani.
The Railway Board recently approved Project Utkrisht, under which 140 rakes of 66 trains nationwide, will be upgraded.
The Railways, by way of Project Utkrisht, plans to modernise coaches, and fit them with amenities. Image Credit: CR Business Solutions
According to a senior Railway Board official in DNA, all 140 rakes will be refurbished at the cost of Rs 60 lakhs, by March 2019.
Plans drawn by the Railway Board speak of modifications like:-
· Vinyl wrapping of coaches
· Information posters
· Change of torn seats
· Compressed cushion seats
· Dustbins in coaches
· Braille signs
· Wi-Fi connections
· Toilet indicators, improved flushing valves and LED lights for the toilets.
· Fire extinguishers
Also, there will be regular inspection and maintenance, to ensure that the amenities remain top-notch.
In Karnataka, six express trains and superfast trains shall get a makeover, and provided with premium facilities for passengers to enjoy their journey. The Hampi Express train, Rani Chennamma Express Train, the Mysuru-Tuticorin Express Train, the Kamakhya-Yeshwantpur AC Express train, the Bengaluru-Kochuveli Express, and the Yeshwantpur-Howrah Duronto Express, have been selected for upgrades.
A senior Railway official told the New Indian Express, that Project Utkrisht is aimed at providing better facilities in trains used by poor and middle-class passengers. Whether the makeover will result in a ticket-price increase is yet to be decided, he said.
The Railways has continuously been taking steps to ensure passenger comfort and convenience. Introducing softer blankets and POS machines as well as better food has been the case till now. With ‘Project Utkrisht’, the national transporter aims to take development a notch higher and bring a comfortable and memorable railway experience for all its passengers.
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On Friday, June 8, 2018, the Coimbatore-Bengaluru UDAY Express was flagged off. There are thousands of trains that run daily, except that this train was special, it had a vending machine on it! NDTV reports that the tab-operating machine would give drinks, juices and snacks. Tea, coffee, aerated drinks, canned juices and packets of snacks were also on the menu.
Passengers can choose items from the list and add it to their cart,and once their payment goes through, the vending machine automatically dispenses the items, like in the below video!
First ever food vending machine in running train installed in- Coimbatore – Bengaluru UDAY Express over Southern Railway pic.twitter.com/1C2ezhxNiT
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 9, 2018
The UDAY Express has many other amenities like an infotainment system with wi-fi, and GPS-based passenger information system, food-vending machines, and an exclusive dining area for passengers. The aesthetic orange-yellow double-decker air-conditioned chair car train has ten coaches including two power cars, with brake vans.
The train, 22666/22665, Coimbatore-KSR Bengaluru UDAY Express, starts from Coimbatore Junction, at 5:45 a.m, arriving in Bengaluru at 12:40 p.m. From Bengaluru, it starts at 2:15 p.m, reaching Coimbatore at 9 p.m. The train’s quick travel time is a boon for business-class travellers.
So, the next time you travel by this train, order your snacks off the vending machine! A great technological leap by the Railways indeed!
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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We all are a part of WhatsApp groups. There is always that one large family group, a group for work, and another one to discuss well, anything under the sun.
According to the Financial Express, the Railways has finally jumped on the bandwagon of instant communications, and is all set to monitor cleanliness in trains, amongst other things, using WhatsApp groups.
Pantry, bed linen or any other department, will have its own WhatsApp group, on which daily status reports will be shared.
The Railways wants to keep a check on quality-whether it is linen, or the pantry, using WhatsApp groups.Representative image only. Image credit.
Vishwesh Chaube, General Manager, Northern Railways said that these groups would ensure the monitoring of pantry cleanliness, bedrolls, and air-conditioner functionality. Photographs uploaded into the group will be looked into by senior officials.
The Railways has also decided to use recycled water, to wash coaches, and an automatic coach washing plant at the Hazrat Nizamuddin station is touted to wash a 24-coach train in just eight minutes. The plant will use only 240 litres of water to wash a coach, as opposed to around 1,500 litres, in the case of manual washing. According to Mr Chaube, the unit will use 20% fresh water, and 80% recycled water.
It will clean the coach using vacuum cleaners, jet cleaning machines, and scrubbers. Appropriate branded chemicals will replace phenyl, and mosquito repellents will keep the nuisance away. Air fresheners will be used to ensure that the train always smells good.
We hope that the carrier can leverage WhatsApp and provide a superior experience to passengers.
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While monsoons in Mumbai create the most romantic atmosphere at its iconic public spots, more often than not, the rains prove to be a bane to the common people.
Hosts of office goers, wait at the platform to board a local from one end of the city to another, most trains are either delayed or cancelled.
Reason?
The tracks lie submerged under water.
Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railways, told Mumbai Mirror that in September 2017 that over 23 rakes were stuck on tracks due to heavy rains and over 155 coaches had to be put out of service after water flowed into them. Every second day would see a disruption in train services.
Fun fact: As little as four inches of water can bring a locomotive engine to a standstill until the tracks clear. After crossing four inches, the water enters traction motors at the bottom of the engine, which can cause an ‘engine failure’.
And so, in a move to ease the woes of the aam aadmi, Central Railways has decided to roll out a modified “waterproof” locomotive engine which will be equipped to run even in 12 inches of water!
The purpose of this modified engine is to move trains that are stuck on flooded tracks to avoid unnecessary delays.
The main feature of this modified engine is that its motors are completely sealed which will prevent water from entering it, thereby avoiding engine failure.
It is also equipped with sensors to monitor any increase in motor temperature at all times.
Officials of the Central Railways told the publication that trials had been conducted and the engine which is currently stationed at the Kurla Locomotive Shed is ready to be rolled out.
Here’s looking forward to a romantic as well as safer monsoon for commuters in Mumbai!
In an effort to tackle two critical issues—passenger grievances and overcharging of food items—the Indian Railways and IRCTC will be launching two apps, ‘Rail Madad’ and ‘Menu on Rails’, respectively today, reports the Economic Times.
Here’s all you need to know about them.
Rail Madad
Got a complaint? The Rail Madad app will help you out! Image Credit: Rail Madad App
The Rail ‘Madad’ (Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During travel) app, allows passengers to lodge complaints through mobile applications or the web, and also allows them to check feedback on the status of their complaint, in real time. Here is how this works.
1. The app uses minimum inputs to register a complaint and issues a unique ID, relaying the complaining online to relevant officials for immediate action, simultaneously.
2. After the necessary action has been taken on the complaint, the passenger is updated via SMS.
3. The app displays relevant helpline numbers, like a security helpline, child helpline, etc., and even allows for direct calling facility, for immediate assistance.
4. Different modes of filing complaints, including online and offline modes, are being integrated into a single platform.
Menu on Rails
Check the prices of food items, and avoid being overcharged!Image Credit: Menu on Rails App
This app intends to spread awareness among passengers about the menu options on various trains and stations, along with their rates. IRCTC also wants to ensure that caterers do not overcharge the passengers.
1. This app will display the menu served in Mail/Express trains including Humsafar Trains, Rajdhani Trains, Shatabdi Trains, Duronto Trains, Gatiman Express and the Tejas Express.
2. Food items on the app, are categorised into four categories: beverages, breakfast, meals and a-la-carte.
3. This app will display the prices of beverages (like tea, packaged drinking water, and coffee) as well as the rail meals, the Janata khana, Standard veg (Thali), standard non-veg (thali), standard veg-thali (casserole) and Standard Non-veg (Casserole), for trains as well as railway stations.
4. The a-la-carte category includes 96 food items. These are categorised into breakfast, light meals, combo meals, non-veg, diabetic foods, Jain food, sweets, etc.
5. There are also pre-booked meals, separately displayed, for EC and CC classes in case of Shatabdi trains, and 1A, 2A and 3A classes for Rajdhani and Duronto trains. There are also food items for sleeper classes in Duronto trains and pre-booked food items in the Gatiman and the Tejas Express. The menu is also provided for trains that are running late.
6. The app is designed to create awareness about food items available on trains, along with their prices. It will also help customers who have pre-booked their meal, to know about the quantity of the food in advance.
Whether it is addressing your complaints, or giving you the detailed prices of food items, so you don’t get overcharged, the Railways is definitely leveraging technology to enhance your train journey experience!
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Awaiting clearance from the Delhi government, the high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), will cut the travel time between Delhi and Meerut by around 60 minutes, reports the Times of India. Yes, that’s right, 82 km will be covered in just an hour. And what’s more, you will be travelling in an aerodynamic train that will cradle you in business-class luxury. Women will have a reserved coach.
The RRTS project has received the nod from the Uttar Pradesh government and is being executed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). Here are some features of the train:
The Delhi-Meerut high-speed corridor, is all set to change the way we travel by train.Representative Image Only.Image Credit: Maxpixel
1. It will start at Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan, and stop at Meerut’s Modipuram, going via Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Modinagar, with 24 stations in between, with three in Delhi.
2. It will have a designated speed of 180 kmph, but the average speed is touted to be around 100 kmph.
3. There will be six coaches in each train, with one business class coach, and one reserved for women.
4. It will have reverse seating, like an aircraft. The General coaches will have more space to stand, and the business class coach will provide a plush ride at a higher fee. The train doors will be flush-type to reduce pressure, like those of an aircraft. The fares of the different categories are yet to be decided.
5. The business class coach will offer many passenger-friendly amenities, like a bigger seating space. Business class passengers may also have a business lounge at the stations, with a separate enclosure or a lounge, with proper seating, and even facilities where the coach stops at the platform.
6. According to an NCRTC official, there are talks to provide free Wi-Fi on the train.
7. The trains will have the facilities of universal access, which means differently-abled people won’t have an issue embarking or disembarking.
8. The stations will have platform screen doors, and trains will be loaded with safety features for safety and stability at high speeds.
9. The Sarai Kale Khan station, the starting point of the Delhi-Meerut corridor will be a transit hub, with an existing inter-state bus terminal, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, and the upcoming Delhi Metro station, on the Pink Line, which you can read about here.
10 Business class passengers also have dual-automated fare collection gates, with one gate for entry into the station’s paid area, and the other installed at the platform level-so passengers can enter a business-class coach. As a passenger, you can decide your class of travel at any time, using AFC gates.
Also, the corridor will be connected to the other RRTS corridors, the Delhi-Panipat line, and the Delhi-Alwar lines. All three will originate at the RRTS station that will come up at Sarai Kale Khan. In the words of the NCRTC official, all three RRTS corridors will be connected, so that a person coming from Meerut can change trains at Sarai Kale Khan, and proceed to Gurgaon, or Sonepat, as required.
The RRTS station can accommodate 12-coach trains with superior amenities is all set to change the way India travels on rails.
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This year has been a year of innovation and change for the Indian Railways. Trying to obliterate the conception that most people have, the national carrier has aimed to be cleaner, greener and above all, passenger-centric. The Railways and IRCTC, have always prided on passenger facilities and have tried to implement measures pan-India.
The Railways has always acted on your feedback and has depended on it to better the services you can avail. 2018 saw the Railways make forays into technology and using it to their advantage. This year, the Railways has, as always, tried pushing the envelope. Here are ten ways the Railways tried to make 2018 better for its passengers.
1. POS machines on trains:-
IRCTC decided to introduce POS machines on board, to reduce overcharging.Image credit: IRCTC
Acting on the complaints of overcharging of food items by vendors, the Railways decided to bring POS machines on board to avoid discrepancies. The Railways decided that electronic billing and a record of transactions would prevent vendors from charging customers inappropriately. This came close on the heels of the Railways announcing that if a passenger didn’t receive a bill for the food ordered, there would be no charge applied.
2. Safety Button for Women:-
The Railways wants to install a panic button for women on trains.Representative image only. Image Credit: India Rail Buff
The carried declared 2018 as the year for women’s safety. So, based on passenger feedback, the Railways started taking steps to ensure women that felt secure while travelling in trains. The highlight was the panic button installed on trains. Solo women travellers on trains, have been the inspiration for this button, which is linked with the guard coach, and placed at convenient points near the electric switches. Women finding themselves in trouble can press the button, thereby receiving timely help from authorities.
3. Food vending machines:-
First ever food vending machine in running train installed in- Coimbatore – Bengaluru UDAY Express over Southern Railway pic.twitter.com/1C2ezhxNiT
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 9, 2018
As a first, the Railways installed a food vending machine on the Coimbatore-Bengaluru UDAY express. Passengers could use a tab to order tea, coffee, aerated drinks, canned juices and a variety of snacks. Choose the items from the list, add it to your cart, and once the payment goes through, the vending machine will automatically dispense your items. This was the first time a food-vending machine was used on a train, so passengers could get what they wanted to eat when they wanted it.
4. Cleaner, softer linen:-
Expect cleaner blankets in the AC coaches of the Indian Railways. Representative image only. Image Credit
The Railways decided to give the train linen an overhaul, and passengers travelling in AC coaches were lucky enough to get cleaner, softer and better quality linen before they turned in for the night. The Railways, acting on a directive, ensured that the blankets given to passengers in AC coaches were devoid of grease, soap, filling or any other additive. This marked a change from the regular woollen blankets which tend to be slightly rough. The new blankets are a comfortable blend of wool and nylon and are washed more frequently than the ones the Railways used to issue earlier.
5. Airline-like meals, thanks to AI and CCTV technology:-
IRCTC wants to keep a check on quality-whether it is linen, or the pantry, using WhatsApp groups.Representative image only. Image credit.Wikimedia Commons
Once again, the Railways, acting on harsh consumer feedback decided to infuse technology into its catering process. AI-based technology and CCTV cameras ensured that kitchen regulations were followed so that the passenger would get top-quality, hygienic food. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman of the Railway Board, promised that ‘high quality and tasty food’ would be served in premium trains on a trial basis, and in all trains after that. He compared the proposed meal, comprising around 2 or 3 items, to the food served in flights.
6. CCTV cameras on trains, to improve security:-
The Railways decided to install CCTV cameras in coaches, to increase safety.Representative image only. Image Credit: Debadutta Senapati
The Railways decided to install cameras in coaches, covering entry gates, aisles and vestibules, to improve passenger safety and security. The footage generated by those cameras are under constant watch by members of the Railway Protection Force. The cameras were planted with an aim to aid the process of tracking the past movements of offenders who enter women-only coaches, to arrest them promptly. The government set aside a huge sum during Budget 2018, ensuring that around 12 lakh CCTV cameras could be installed in trains, to give passengers a sense of safety and security.
7. A Railways Debit Card:-
The Railways and SBI launched a debit card, so passengers can avail certain advantages while booking online.Representative image only. Image Credit: SBI
In a boost to cashless spending, the Indian Railways decided to equip all passengers with their very own SBI Debit Card. The State Bank of India and IRCTC venture will allow passengers to buy rail tickets without charging any additional interest, and also make passengers eligible for loyalty plans. Tickets are the primary source of revenue for the Railways, and post-November 2016, the Railways waived off the fees for online booking. Now, even though IRCTC doesn’t charge for online bookings, it is bearing the cost of bank service charges.
8. Allotment of lower berths to senior citizens and women:-
The Railways looks out for senior citizens and women, allowing them to book lower berths, online. Representative image only. Image Credit: Ajit Kumar
The Railways made changes to its ticketing system, such that elderly passengers and solo women travellers can book lower berths through the online ticket booking system. The IRCTC official page states that elderly passengers above 60 years of age, and women passengers who are 45 or above, can apply for the quota on the IRCTC website. Earlier, it was only pregnant women who could apply for the lower berth, but now, that facility has been extended to all women travelling alone and the elderly.
9. Applications for grievance redressal and a food menu:-
IRCTC launched apps to make passenger experience smoother.Image Credit: Rail Menu app and Rail Madad app.
The Railways went down the technology road and developed two mobile apps to make passenger life simpler. One will allow you to submit complaints, while the other one is a food menu, allowing you to see the prices of menu items beforehand. The Railways ‘Rail Madad’ and ‘Rail Menu’ applications will allow passengers to air their grievances, and check the listed prices so that they are not overcharged during their journey.
10. Change your boarding station:-
Want to change the station from where you are supposed to board? Thanks to the Railways, you can!Representative Image Only. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This is a huge boost for travellers who want to change their station of origin. In cases where the ticket has already been booked, passengers can log on to the IRCTC account, and change the station. This marks a big change, as earlier, changing the boarding destination was cumbersome and tiring. Now, with a few mouse clicks, boarding points can be changes according to customer convenience!
Whether it is putting passenger safety into focus, or improving the quality of food, the Railways has consistently made changes throughout 2018. All in the name of passenger satisfaction. So the next time you decide to book a ticket, be ready to be surprised by the amenities you can access!
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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The Indian Railways has been taking measures to improve medical facilities in response to the death of a railway officer due to cardiac arrest, on a Jaipur-Kota train. The Supreme Court then issued directions, based on a PIL filed post the tragic incident.
According to a senior official in The Times of India, around 88 life-saving equipment, medicines and injections will be available, at all stations, and on all trains.
A total of 162 trains have been identified and provided with the new first-aid boxes, which contain around 58 different kinds of medicines, and first aid material.
The Railways has decided to increase its efficiency of responding to medical emergencies.Representative Image Only. Image Credit: HPS Society
According to the official, the new equipment will include delivery kits, oxygen cylinders, laryngoscopes, catheters, syringes, tablets, splints, bandages of various sizes, ointments and oxygen defibrillators.
A committee of AIIMS formed by the Supreme court is looking into the issue of providing emergency care to passengers travelling on trains. The committee’s report has listed the equipment that the Railways needs to provide.
Until now, stations and trains would carry a first aid box, but it was of a basic nature.
Among other measures, the Railways is providing folding stretchers at all stations and will seek the help of doctors travelling on the trains, or present at the nearest station, if the need arises.
The new box will be a significant improvement over the other, and will contain life-saving drugs on long-distance trains. Along with the help of a doctor on-board, proper medical care will be administered to passengers. Selected long-distance trains will also carry the augmented first aid boxes.
The Railway’s Lifeline Express has been running on the Indian Railways network for the past 27 years, providing medical services to lakhs of passengers across India. All TTE’s, guards and station masters are trained in providing basic medical care, the officer concluded.
In case of emergencies, station masters/managers are empowered to summon the Railway Medical Officer on call to attend to passengers.
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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Being right on time, every time is a tad bit difficult. The Indian Railways has its fair share of delays as well. While some waits are short, others run into hours that are frankly agonising. The crowded station does not make things easier either. These waiting periods just might be a little less inconvenient thanks to the IRCTC’s policy to be implemented across the Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi Express.
This policy of the ‘Indian Railways’ is called a ‘train late’ situation. If your train is running two hours later than its arrival time, you are entitled to a meal, provided you are travelling by any of the trains mentioned above.
The IRCTC has compiled quite a sumptuous menu with good options for those looking for a quick, healthy bite.
IRCTC does not want you to remain hungry.Representative image only. Image credit:- Paul Simpson (Flickr)
Tea and Coffee
Dig into two biscuits, and sip some tea or coffee. You will get a CCM-approved biscuit brand, and sugar as well as sugar-free sachets (7gms) and a milk creamer sachet (5gms).
Breakfast/Evening Tea
You will get four slices of bread, brown or white, you choose. Along with that, you get 1-butter chiplet (8-10 gms). As for beverages, you get one 200 ml fruit drink, in a tetra pak, and a choice of tea or coffee. Again, accompaniments include sugar and sugar-substitutes, and a milk creamer sachet of 5 gms.
Lunch/dinner
There are two dining options.
In the first option, you get 200 gm of rice, 100 gms of yellow dal or rajma chole as you choose, and 15 gm pickle sachets.
In the second dining option, you get seven pooris, totalling around 175 gms, another 100 gms of mixed vegetables or aloo bhaji, 15 gm pickle sachets and salt and paper sachets.
The IRCTC has always acted on feedback to implement policies to ease commuters troubles during train travel. Whether it is the introduction of softer blankets, POS machines, or a food-vending machine in a train, the steps taken by the IRCTC make train travel a pleasure.
(Edited by Shruti Singhal)
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Planning a weekend getaway? You may need to put them on hold, as the Railways is planning a ‘Mega Block.’
What does this mean?
A ‘Mega Block’ refers to a disruption of services by the national carrier, in order to carry out much-needed maintenance work. According to a report by the Financial Express, the Indian Railways will rework its timetable by August 15, 2018, and identify the trains which will be affected by the maintenance drive. Following this, the drive will be formally launched.
Major work across all the zones of the Indian Railways is expected to be carried out every Sunday.
Avoid booking without checking, as the Railways is carrying out maintenance work! Image Credit:- Incredible_indianrailways_1010
Speaking at a press conference, Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal said, “We will work towards passenger engagement, creating awareness among the passengers, informing them in advance. Whenever a train gets delayed during a meal time, we will provide free food and drinking water to them.”
According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the minister also added that the time-tables of all the zonal railways would be revised in such a way that maintenance work is carried out in a planned manner.
As a passenger, you will be informed about the delay via SMS and newspaper ads. GPS loggers in the system, which will help log the progress of each train on a real-time basis, will be uploaded on to the official website of the Indian Railways. Passengers can enter train details, and find out where the train is.
In addition to the above, the Railway Ministry also plans to increase coach-factory outputs. Their goal is to have spare rakes and additional coaches to standardise the rakes.
Well, considering that the national transporter carries millions daily, setting time aside to keep that massive network in prime shape is essential. So, don’t make weekend plans, without factoring in these time-blocks!
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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The Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned to help people affected by the Assam floods. From providing relief in the form of food and medicines to transporting them to shelters, the national carrier is doing it all reports The Hindu. Here is how it is playing out.
Stations in Assam, like Katakhal, were used to 14 trains, and around 500 passengers passing through on a regular day. Now, for the last week, there have been no trains, but about 1200 people are on the platforms, seeking shelter from the torrential downpour and floods that have wreaked havoc in Southern Assam.
Ever since the rail line was converted to broad gauge a few years ago, many stations now are on high ground and have raised pucca platforms and improved infrastructure—and all these features have immensely helped during this difficult time. In fact, one of the very few patches of dry and high land in the area, is the Hailakandi district junction, from where tracks branch off to Agartala, Silchar and then Jiribam in Manipur and Bairabi in Mizoram.
Speaking to the publication, S Umesh, the Badarpur area manager of the North East Frontier Railway (NFR), said, “Katakhal itself is at an elevation of 20.85 metres above sea level and escaped the floods, that have completely submerged the railway tracks, and much of the region”.
He added that this is the worst scenario that the people have witnessed in 13 years.
Thankfully, the Railways decided to step in and help. According to NFR Headquarters spokesperson Pranav Jyoti Sharma, railway officials and security personnel ran sorties on motorised trolleys on submerged tracks. Boats were used to provide medicines, food and other relief material to people, who have taken shelter in the platform. Sharma also mentions that there are around 50 families taking refuge in railway coaches as well. In fact, the Railways has appointed 15 spare coaches, at Silchar railway station just for this.
More than 400 other people have taken shelter in nearby smaller stations, like Salchapra—the Food Corporation of India’s railhead—and at Algapur. Even Silchar, southern Assam’s biggest city, has people seeking shelter from the rain.
Well, it is indeed commendable that the Indian Railways has thrown open the doors of its stations for people to take shelter in, and is stepping up relief operations to help stranded people in Assam.
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Open any news website, and you will inevitably read a story about a rail accident in some corner of India. Little surprise that when a major train accident is averted, it makes the news. More so when the people averting a major rail disaster are a poverty-stricken father and his child.
On June 15, Swapan Debbarma and his daughter, Somati, who belong to the Dhanchara village in northern Tripura, averted a train accident, saving the lives of over 2,000 passengers, according to IANS.
Swapan and his daughter were climbing down from Atharamura hill in Dhalai district when they saw a passenger train approaching a point where there were no railway tracks. The train was moving from Agartala towards Dharmanagar, reports UNI.
Reports indicate that heavy rains and massive landslides had dislocated the train tracks. Realising the danger ahead, Swapan jumped onto the tracks, took off his shirt and waved it vigorously hoping that the train driver would notice him. Somati also joined her father in his efforts.
It worked. “If we had not spotted the signal and stopped the train, it could have met with a severe accident,” Sonu Kumar Mandal, the driver of the train, had told media persons.
According to Sudip Roy Barman, the Tripura Health and Science and Technology Minister, Swapan and Somati come from a tribal family of six, and try and make ends meet by selling forest produce, primarily firewood and bamboo, at the local market.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Biplab Deb told the Tripura Assembly that his government would recommend the duo to the central Ministry of Railways for financial assistance and reward. Th Northeast Frontier Railway has also promised to reward Swapan.
In a similar incident earlier this year, the railways rewarded a farmer for stopping a goods train before it could move over a fractured track in Assam. The hero of the moment won Rs 5,000 for his efforts.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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For the Railways, you, the passenger, have always been the top priority. Hence, it is little wonder that all Railway initiatives are based on passenger feedback. For safety and security, a panic button for women was installed, and for transparency in billing onboard POS machines were introduced.
This initiative is to collect real-time feedback during your journey. And for this, the Railways has got a Train Captain, reports the Economic Times.
Babul Dey of Tinsukia Division was the first such Train Captain, onboard the Dibrugarh-New-Delhi Rajdhani Express.
According to Pranav Jyoti Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer, NF Railways, the Train Captain will be the overall in-charge of the train and will be responsible for ensuring that all amenities are provided to the passengers on behalf of the Railways.
What will the Train Captain look into?
To address any grievances passengers might have, the Railways has introduced a train captain. PSU Connect
Coach and toilet cleanliness, availability of water and the functioning of electrical fittings like lights, fans and charging points. He will also be responsible for coordinating with onboard teams dealing with housekeeping, catering, electrical, mechanical and RPF/GRP squads, throughout the train journey.
Look out for the Train Captain, he will be wearing a badge, and all onboard personnel from the Railways as well as outsourced agencies will have to report to him. The Train Captain’s contact number and name will be printed on the reservation chart.
To facilitate effective implementation of its new policy, the Railway Board has directed all Zonal Railways to introduce Train Captains on a priority basis to all premium trains, to address any issues that passengers might face during their journey.
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The Indian Railways has always strived to make train journeys for you as pleasant as possible. If you rewind a few years, trains were notorious for poor hygiene, running late and generally being inefficient. Well, drastic steps taken by the Railways have more or less reversed the above.
Amongst their many initiatives, the Railways has also introduced new trains. Loaded with facilities, these trains are better than their older counterparts thanks to superior technology and advanced safety features.
Here are trains that the Railways has introduced. All these trains cover multiple routes, to some of the most scenic destinations in India. So, hop on and embark on an exciting adventure!
1) Humsafar Express
The Humsafar Express, a new train by the Railways, is loaded with great features.Image Credit:- Indian Trains
From anti-graffiti vinyl coating on the coach interior to a reading light for each seat, CCTV cameras, GPS, mobile and laptop charging points and an LED display screen, this fully AC III Tier train, launched in 2016 is quite advanced. It even has braille display for the visually impaired, a smoke-detection system, baby nappy changing pads, tea and coffee vending machines and a refrigerator to store food brought from home, and an oven to heat it. Read more about it here.
The Tejas Express is a high-tech train, that has a separate LCD screen for each passenger, automatic doors, a smoke and fire detection system, magazine racks and snack tables, tea and coffee vending machines, water level indicators in bio-toilets, sensorised taps, hand dryers, braille displays, digital destination boards, and executive class and chair cars. Extremely aesthetic, the Tejas Express also has a host of safety and passenger-convenience features.
3) Vistadome Coach Train
Behold amazing views, from the Vistadome coaches by the Railways.Image Credit: Marveltrip.com
To begin with, these trains have see-through roofs and large side windows that enable passengers to experience a panoramic view of the surroundings. Additional features include hanging LCD screens, a mini-pantry, mini-fridge, automatic sliding compartment doors, bio-vacuum toilets as well as 360 degrees rotatable double-wide reclining seats. Learn more here.
The Utkrisht Double Decker Air-Conditioned Yatri Express, is quite the fancy new train, with a host of new features, like a GPS-based passenger information system, an infotainment system with Wi-Fi, food vending machines as well as an exclusive passenger dining area. With anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping, a mini pantry, diffused LED lighting and LCD screens, this chair-car train is quite the modern marvel.
5) Mahamana Express
The Mahamana Express, a great initiative by the Railways. Image Credit: Umesh Upadhyay
The train first ran between Varanasi and New Delhi, with remarkable design and facility upgrades, for passengers in India. This train is loaded with amenities like ergonomically designed ladders, a snack table for the side berth, window roller blinds, LED berth indicators, more charging points fire extinguishers, an electric chimney in pantry car, revamped toilets fitted with odour control mechanisms, exhaust fans, bigger mirrors and controlled discharge water taps. Read more here.
The Antyodaya Express is a fully-unreserved, long-distance superfast train service between Tambaram and Tirunelveli, and has stainless-steel coaches of the Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) varieties. With cushioned seats, a luggage rack, two chargers per bay, two water dispensers per coach, fire extinguishers and additional dustbins, this train is a boon for unreserved travellers.
7) Gatimaan Express
The Gatimaan Express has staff ob-board to serve food, like an airline. Image Credit: Gatiman Express
Reportedly India’s fastest train, the Gatimaan Express now runs up to Gwalior, Jhansi. This train has two executive chair car coaches and 8 AC Chair car coaches. There are two sets of menus for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers, apart from an assortment of snacks like cakes and wafers. The train has advanced safety features, like an automatic fire alarm, an emergency braking system, passenger information system, sliding doors, free Wi-Fi, and hotspots for multimedia devices, as well as bio-toilets and 8-inch LCD’s behind every seat. Learn more here.
This train is truly special, as the service was re-started again after almost five decades. This train runs between India and Bangladesh and is the only other train apart from the Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express, that runs between the two countries. On its inaugural journey, the train carried 53 passengers.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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