February 6, 2026 6:37 PM

DPRs prepared for rail doubling and new line projects to boost border connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir

In a move aimed at strengthening rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir’s border regions, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared for the Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam rail line doubling (118 km) and a new railway line from Baramulla to Uri (40 km). In a written reply to Rajya Sabha on Friday, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said these projects are part of ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade railway infrastructure in the region. However, he clarified that final sanctionin...

February 5, 2026 7:01 PM

172 stations completed under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Railways Ministry has completed redevelopment works at 172 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, said Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. The scheme aims at long-term, phased redevelopment of stations with a focus on passenger amenities, sustainability and urban integration. Under the scheme, 1,337 stations have been identified for redevelopment across the country. The master plans include improved station access, better waiting halls and toilets, lifts and escal...

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 23, 2026 10:39 PM

Indian Railways deploys humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam railway station

Indian Railways has deployed a humanoid robot, named ASC ARJUN, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station to enhance passenger safety, security and service delivery, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative across the railway network. The robot will operate alongside Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to assist in station operations, particularly during periods of heavy passenger movement. The deployment reflects Indian Railways’ push towards adopting emerging technologies to improve public conven...

January 22, 2026 6:46 PM

Trucks-on-Trains service emerges as game changer in India’s freight transport, driven by dedicated freight corridor

As India’s economy expands and freight volumes rise sharply, Indian Railways’ Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) initiative is driving a strategic shift in logistics through its innovative Trucks-on-Trains (ToT) service. By combining the flexibility of road transport with the efficiency of electrified rail corridors, the service is reducing congestion, emissions and logistics costs while improving reliability in long-haul freight movement. Introduced as part of Indian Railways’ long-term fr...

January 20, 2026 10:10 PM

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train sees massive demand, tickets sell out within hours

The newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper train operating between Kamakhya and Howrah has witnessed an overwhelming response from passengers, with all tickets for its first commercial run selling out within hours of the reservation window opening. According to the Railways Ministry, the ticket booking for the service opened on January 19, at 8 am, and seats across all classes were fully booked in less than 24 hours through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and other authorised platforms. T...

January 20, 2026 7:23 PM

‘One Station One Product’ scheme transforms railway stations into hubs of local enterprise

The Indian Railways’ One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative has emerged as a significant platform for promoting local craftsmanship and grassroots entrepreneurship, transforming railway stations into vibrant showcases of India’s regional identity while providing direct market access to thousands of artisans. Launched in 2022, the OSOP scheme has expanded rapidly across the country. As of January 19, 2026, OSOP outlets have been set up at 2,002 railway stations, with a total of 2,326 outl...

December 31, 2025 4:31 PM

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train completes CRS high-speed trial at 180 kmph

Indian Railways has successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously developed Vande Bharat Sleeper Train under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The trial was conducted on the Kota-Nagda section, where the 16-coach train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, marking a significant step in India’s push for advanced and self-reliant rail technology. During the trial, the CRS carried out detailed technical assessments covering ride stability, oscil...