Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

March 18, 2026 6:59 PM

RailOne app logs 2.57 crore downloads; 7.64 lakh tickets booked daily

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said the RailOne app has recorded 2.57 crore downloads, with an average of 7.64 lakh tickets booked daily (both reserved and unreserved) as of March 15, 2026. He informed the Lok Sabha that the app was introduced to simplify ticket booking by integrating the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) on mobile phones, alongside conventional counter-based services. The RailOne app brings together multiple passenger...

March 18, 2026 6:20 PM

Railways draws $942 million FDI in 11 years; exports at ₹26,000 crore:Ashwini Vaishnav

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the railway sector has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows of $942 million between 2014-15 and 2025-26 (up to December 2025). Citing the FDI policy circular dated October 15, 2020, he said 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic route in railway infrastructure. The permitted areas include suburban corridor projects through public-private partnerships, high-speed train projects, dedicated freight li...

December 10, 2025 8:05 PM

Railways continues affordable fares while accelerating station upgrades: Ministry

Indian Railways announced on Wednesday that it has rationalised passenger fares effective July 1, 2025 after a five-year gap, while freight rates remain frozen since 2018 despite rising input costs. At the same time, the rail network is moving forward with large-scale station redevelopment — over 1,300 stations have been selected under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for upgrade, signalling a push to improve both affordability and passenger experience. In a written reply to the Parliament, Ra...

March 27, 2025 11:22 AM

Indian Railways to introduce access control and permanent holding areas at 60 stations for better crowd management

In an effort to enhance passenger safety and streamline crowd management, Indian Railways will implement a comprehensive Access Control System along with permanent holding areas at 60 stations across the country. This decision comes after successful trials during peak rush periods, particularly during festivals and major events like the Mahakumbh, as revealed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written statement to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The permanent holding areas will be set up out...

February 13, 2025 11:06 AM

Indian Railways ensures smooth return for pilgrims after Maghi Purnima: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with CEO and Chairman of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, reviewed the crowd management at Prayagraj Railway Stations from the war room at Rail Bhavan on Wednesday. The Minister emphasized that Indian Railways is working tirelessly to ensure pilgrims return home without delays after the holy bath on Maghi Purnima. He directed officials to make trains available in all directions and instructed the Prayagraj division to run additional trains as needed...

January 13, 2025 5:52 PM

A war room inaugurated at Rail Bhavan to monitor Mahakumbh Mela arrangements

In preparation for the grand Mahakumbh 2025, Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated a dedicated 'war room' at Rail Bhavan to monitor nine key railway stations in the Prayagraj region through 1,186 CCTV cameras. The initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to ensure smooth operations and enhanced security during the Mahakumbh Mela, which is expected to attract over 40 crore devotees. The war room, set up by the Railway Board, will provide real-time surveillance through 764 ...

January 3, 2025 3:10 PM

Vande Bharat sleeper trains set to revolutionize long-distance rail travel with 180 km/h speed and luxury

The introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains marks a transformative leap for Indian Railways, extending its world-class travel experience to long-distance commuters. Following the success of Vande Bharat Express chair car trains on short and medium distances, the sleeper variant is now being tested to offer a similar combination of speed, safety, and luxury for longer routes. These trials, conducted at a peak speed of 180 km per hour, signify a new era in rail travel for commuters. The suc...

September 16, 2024 6:33 PM

Bengal: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to visit Kanchenjunga Express train accident site

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday left for Darjeeling in West Bengal to visit the site of the accident in which at least five people were killed and over 20 sustained injuries after the Kanchenjunga Express passenger train was hit from behind by a goods train. Vaishnaw is expected to reach the Bagdogra airport situated 40 kilometres away from the site of the collision this morning which caused two bogies to derail. The accident took place at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station in the Kat...