Revamp of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Policy in works to woo private players
The Indian Railways is revising its Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal policy to boost private sector involvement in freight infrastructure. New guidelines will reduce costs for private developers, aiming to double the number of terminals. Some capital expenses will now be covered by the railways, making investments more attractive. Key Points
Economic Times"PM Modi has made a lot of efforts to bring improvement in railways," says Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, while speaking to ANI, lauded the transformative efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revamp the Indian Railways over the past decade. Vaishnaw emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, the Railways have made significant strides, operating at an impressive pace of development. […] Key Points
ThePrintCabinet approves six multi-tracking projects across Indian Railways worth over Rs 12,000 crore
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved six projects of the Ministry of Railways on Thursday, totaling Rs. 12,343 crore. These projects aim to streamline operations and alleviate congestion on the busiest sections of the Indian Railways network. The Cabinet-approved projects will extend across 18 districts in six states: Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland. Key Points
Economic TimesRailways spent Rs 98.10 to earn Rs 100 in 2022-23: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railways achieved highest ever total revenue of 2,40,177 cr in 2022-23 with operating ratio of 98.10%. CAG report examined Railways finances to end of March 2022 and made recommendations. Railways' total receipts in 2020-21 were 1,91,367 cr, showing incremental revenues of 50,584 cr. Data from the minister reveals that Railways spent Rs 97.30 in 2018-19, Rs 98.36 in 2019-2020, and Rs 97.45 in 2020-2021 to earn Rs 100. Covid-19 had a significant impact on railway operations in 2021-22 as well. Key Points
Economic TimesRailways reports highest ever 9-month capital spend
Indian Railways has reported its highest capital expenditure in the first nine months of the financial year, spending Rs 1.96 lakh crores till December 2023. This is 75% of the total capex of the Railways during this financial year. The investment is primarily focused on infrastructure projects like new lines, gauge conversion, and passenger amenities. Key Points
Economic Times
Indian Railways cuts SUV mass transport rates by 33%
According to officials aware of the matter, the new rates for transporting SUVs is 33% lower than the existing charges for moving large passenger vehicles. There was a demand from automobile transporters to rationalise rates since demand for large cars has risen in the Indian market, a top Railways official told ET. SUVs have become the rage with the share of such vehicles rising to 49% in the domestic passenger vehicle market in calendar year 2023. In comparison, the share of small cars, once the dominant category, fell to about 30% in the same period. Key Points
Economic TimesPay Rs 30k for dirty toilets: Consumer forum to Indian Railways
A Delhi District Consumer Commission has directed Indian Railways to pay Rs 30,000 as compensation to a passenger who suffered due to dirty toilets and unavailability of water. Read more about the case and the commission's decision. Key Points
Times Of IndiaIndia to save Rs 1.28 lakh crore every year if more cargo moves by Rail: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishna
India's Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that India could save Rs 1.28 lakh crore annually in diesel costs by 2031 if it successfully transports an additional 1,500 million tonnes of cargo via trains. He highlighted that another 3,000 million tonnes of additional cargo is expected to move in the country by 2031 at the current economic growth rate. Key Points
Economic TimesIn last 5 yrs, 361 railway workers died in train accidents while doing maintenance work on tracks
Rlys minister Vaishnaw provided this data in response to a question in Rajya Sabha. He also said 'approaching train' warning system RAKSHAK not effective in hilly terrain, tunnels etc. Key Points
ThePrintIndian Railways only chugging along, a new business plan could put it on superfast track
Railways' profitable business is losing ground to road competition, while it's losing money on passenger travel. By not raising fares, it's not really sparing the public. Key Points
ThePrint
Railways ply 1,700 special trains to ease festival rush
To facilitate travel during the festival season, Indian Railways has deployed 1,700 special trains, providing an extra 26 lakh berths. This move aims to address the surge in passenger demand due to Diwali and Chhath Puja. Key Points
Economic TimesIndian Railways looks for ways to dodge proposed GST on Dedicated Freight Corridor payouts
India Business News: Tax authorities have signaled an 18% GST on remittances from Indian Railways to the Rs 1.24 lakh crore DFC for usage. Key Points
Times Of IndiaIn 2021-22, Railways’ finances slipped into ‘concern zone’: CAG
The CAG report said that the Operating Ratio (OR) of the Railways was 107.39% in 2021-22. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesRailways to seek cabinet nod for ₹5.25 lakh cr linkage plan
The Railways ministry plans to seek Cabinet approval for a ₹5.25 lakh crore investment programme during fiscal years 2024-31 to improve rail connectivity to mining areas, cement plants and consumption points, based on the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Key Points
Economic TimesBetter coaches, automatic doors, better food, more comfort: Railways plans to run trains like low-cost air
Indian Railways is set to launch regular non-AC long-distance trains connecting major cities. In addition to increasing train services, the railway authorities also plan to enhance passenger comfort and safety, including replacing the remaining old coaches, introducing automatic trains and reducing the variety of passenger coaches to just two types. Key Points
Economic Times
Top wrestlers resume Railways duty, Sakshi Malik says will continue protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan
Wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have resumed their duties in the Railways, a spokesman of the Northern Railways have confirmed. The protesting wrestlers met Union Home Minister Amit Shah late Saturday evening. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaOdisha train crash: Anti-train collision system 'Kavach' wasn't available on route
'The rescue operation has been completed. Now, we are starting the restoration work. Kavach was not available on this route,' Indian Railways Spokesperson Amitabh Sharma said Key Points
FirstpostTrain passes by Ranpat Waterfall. Watch stunning view
The Ministry of Railways shared a stunning view of a train passing by Ranpat waterfall. Watch the video inside. | Trending Key Points
Hindustan TimesRailway Budget 2024: Railways get a boost as Sitharaman announces more Vande Bharat trains, three 'major'
Railway Budget 2024: Railways is one of the key drivers of the PM GatiShakti scheme and the National Logistics Policy. The PM GatiShakti – the National Master plan for multi-modal connectivity – has a size of Rs 100 lakh crore, which aims to achieve decongestion of railway infrastructure by 51% by 2024-25. The substantial fund allocation was aimed at the ambitious project of laying new railway lines, aimed at easing congestion within the Indian Railways network and ensuring its preparedness for the future. Key Points
Economic TimesVande Bharat trains to be cleaned in ‘14 minutes’
Vande Bharat Trains, offering semi-high-speed service, started in Feb 2019 from Delhi to Varanasi. Now, 68 services run across India. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times
Railways fences Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express route to stop hits
In order to avoid increasing incidents of run-ins with cattle, the Indian Railways is working on a metal barrier fencing along the 623-km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route. Up to 357 km has been fenced according to the latest information provided on the construction. Key Points
The HinduRailways Budget: Can Budget 2024 build the safety net for happy rail rides?
Union Budget 2024: The Indian Railways proposes a groundbreaking ₹1 lakh crore plan to procure 7,000-8,000 new train sets over 15 years. Aimed at relieving passenger demand, the initiative targets track optimization. As the budget approaches, securing funds for this ambitious plan remains pivotal for modernising India's rail network and enhancing travel experiences. Key Points
Economic TimesCapex revival : 5 stocks from capital good and engineering sector; with upside potential of up to 35 %
Capital goods and engineering is a very broad term. From a company making small machinery parts to one making a large turbine for power generation all tend to get clubbed together. But they are all different, both in their ability to perform complex tasks and the industry they are catering. While a power turbine maker had tough times given the fact hardly any new power plant came up in the last ten years. Some others like the ones which were dealing with railways, had a good time given the expansion and modernisation of Railways has been on fast track. Key Points
Economic TimesAmid swanky Vande Bharat trains and calls to preserve rail heritage, the question is: who does the Indian Railways actually cater to?
The Indian Railways turns 170 on April 16. The Railways are as much at a crossroads today as the rest of India, reconciling the trials and tribulations of the past with a future reckoning. Perhaps the most striking symbols of Indian Railways in the current zeitgeist are the talismanic Vande Bharat Express trains. Much of this modernisation contributes to passenger comfort, but sometimes it also leads to a spectacularly short-sighted loss of beauty and cultural heritage. In cities across India, colonial-era station buildings, many of which are a syncretic mix of local culture and European styles — such as Kacheguda in Hyderabad and Egmore in Chennai — are set for modernisation that will almost certainly produce drab, mall-like monoliths. The modernisation of railway facilities is a necessary imperative but one that has created debate for decades. Determined to document for posterity the glory of our railways, and also highlight their modern-day progress, a new crop of travellers and influencers has jumped on the social travel bandwagon. The social travel phenomenon is reflective of a much larger reality: Indian trains have been, and always will be, inextricably linked with the lived realities of people. But who should the massive organisation really cater to? Perhaps they are for the business and luxury traveller, who with the proliferation of affordable air travel is taking more often and more naturally to the skies? Or perhaps the rail network should serve the itinerant migrant populations that move between parts of the country seasonally. The Railways were witness, via the Shramik Special trains, to millions of migrant workers making their way back home by any means possible during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Or are Indian trains for the enthusiasts and rail fans who seek an appropriate preservation of the past while awaiting the future with a combination of excitement and trepidation? Key Points
The HinduOne railway app soon for tracking trains, ticketing
Indian Railways is developing a super app that will combine ticketing, train tracking, and other services offered through over a dozen mobile apps. The app will improve user experience by reducing the number of downloads needed for a complete bouquet of railway services. The super app will also include other apps like Rail Madad, UTS, and National Train Enquiry System. Key Points
Economic Times
Railways freight loading increases 2% YoY in May led by coal
The freight revenue of ₹14,641.83 crore have been achieved in May 2023 against ₹14,083.86 crore freight earnings in May 2022, thereby an improvement of about 4% over last year Key Points
mintPolicy support likely to continue: 4 stocks from Railways sector with upside scope of up to 30%
Railways was among the last sectors to get re-rated due to the policy focus. But the speed at which the stocks got re-rated was very sharp. Whether it was companies which are financing the expansion of Railways or private sector companies which are making coaches in the last eighteen months all of them have done extremely well . After they reach a certain level of valuations where they may not be classified as cheap. The question is whether the policy push which may continue in coming years will make their bottomline move up sharply which ensures that not only valuations are taken care of but also there is continued re-rating. Key Points
Economic TimesKatra-Banihal link: Indian Railways completes around 95 per cent work
With the completion of the project, Kashmir will be linked to the rest of the country through rail. The Katra-Banihal line is likely to be started from December or January. Key Points
Firstpost