Railways Minister

February 4, 2026 8:32 PM

Indian Railways plans to manufacture 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets

The Indian Railways has planned to manufacture 260 rakes of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets as part of its efforts to modernise long-distance passenger travel and enhance safety and comfort, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In a written reply, the Minister said the development of new rolling stock such as the Vande Bharat Sleeper requires a holistic approach that combines technological innovation, strategic planning and advanced manufacturing...

February 4, 2026 8:30 PM

Indian Railways deploys AI-based intrusion detection system to prevent elephant deaths on tracks

Indian Railways has introduced an artificial intelligence-enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to prevent accidents involving elephants on railway tracks, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. In a written reply, the Minister said the initiative has been taken by the Ministry of Railways in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to addre...

February 4, 2026 8:27 PM

Railway recruitment underway for over 1.43 lakh non-gazetted posts; exams completed for nearly 60,000 vacancies

The Indian Railways is in the process of recruiting 1,43,086 non-gazetted personnel as per the Annual Recruitment Calendar for 2024 and 2025, with major stages of examinations already completed and selection panels finalised for more than 31,000 candidates. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that recruitment action has been taken up against all notified vacancies. During January-December 2024, the Railways issued 10 ...

January 4, 2026 3:53 PM

Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at New Delhi Railway Station

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inspected India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at New Delhi Railway Station, marking a key step towards the launch of the country’s first semi-high-speed overnight Vande Bharat service. During the inspection, the Minister reviewed sleeper coaches, seating and berthing arrangements, modern interiors, safety systems and passenger convenience features. Emphasising passenger safety and comfort, he examined advanced facilities includin...

October 30, 2025 8:49 PM

Ashwini Vaishnaw approves development of 76 passenger holding areas at major railway stations across India

In a step to enhance passenger convenience and crowd management, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday approved a comprehensive plan for developing 76 passenger holding areas at key railway stations across the country. The initiative follows the successful model of the Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station, which has significantly improved passenger comfort and station management during peak travel seasons. The newly approved holding areas will adopt a modular des...

July 8, 2025 11:36 AM

Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates railway development projects at Karpoorigram station in Bihar

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure development projects at Karpoorigram railway station in Bihar’s Samastipur division, marking a significant step toward modernization of the region’s railway facilities. The minister began the day with an inspection of Digha Bridge Halt, where he reviewed key passenger amenities, safety, cleanliness, and security arrangements. He instructed officials to ensure a modern and ...