Indian Railways Ensuring Safe and Timely Travel

 Ministry of Railways//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted On: 28 OCT 2025 at 9:01 PM by PIB Delhi

Updated on 30th October 2025 at 19:35

All for Passengers During the Festive Rush Through Comprehensive Arrangements

Courtesy Image

New Delhi: 28th October 2025: (PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen)::

For decades, rail travel during the festive season has been associated with festivals in the Indian psyche. Whether it's summer vacation or the long winter holidays, the excitement of traveling during festivals is always heightened. The sentiments of pilgrimage and reconnecting with relatives also add to this desire. Numerous stories are rife about this. Through improved passenger arrangements during the festive season, Indian Railways is ensuring safe and timely travel on every route. Diwali is over, Dussehra is over, and the excitement of Navratri and Karva Chauth continues.

Now, after Chhath Puja, 1.2 million railway employees are on duty around the clock to ensure a comfortable return journey for passengers. Indian Railways is running more than 12,000 special trains to ensure smooth travel during the festivals.

Passengers have appreciated the smooth travel during the festivals. Many hopes are now raised for the future. People are also happy, thanks to the availability of confirmed tickets and the excellent arrangements made by Indian Railways. Cleanliness, hygienic and cheap food have also been ensured in the Railways.

*12 Lakh Railway Employees Working Round the Clock to Ensure Comfortable Return Travel for Passengers After Chhath Puja

*Indian Railways Running Over 12,000 Special Trains To Ensure Smooth Festive Travel

*Passengers Appreciate Smooth Festive Travel Experience, Including Availability of Confirmed Tickets and Good Arrangements by Indian Railways

Despite the heavy passenger rush, Indian Railways has risen to the occasion by ensuring that everyone reaches home safely and timely to celebrate the festivals with their loved ones. Passengers are expressing happiness and satisfaction with the railway’s well-managed festive arrangements. Over 12 lakh railway employees are working round the clock to ensure safe, comfortable, and timely return travel for passengers after Chhath Puja.

Indian Railways is operating over 12,000 special trains between 1st October and 30th November to cater to the increased passenger demand during Diwali and Chhath Puja. These special services have been planned to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for people across the country. So far, more than 1.6 crore passengers have travelled on these trains, and a similar number is expected to undertake return journeys after the Chhath festival, as Indian Railways continues to provide additional facilities to manage the festive rush efficiently.

To manage the heavy rush, holding areas with passenger amenities have been set up at major stations. A new permanent holding area at New Delhi Station can accommodate over 7,000 passengers and is equipped with 150 toilets each for men and women, ticket counters, automatic ticket vending machines, and free RO water facilities. Indian Railways has also set up dedicated holding areas at 30 stations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to ensure passenger comfort and organised entry during the festive rush. Use of CCTV surveillance, handheld Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and improved passenger movement patterns are being used to ensure smooth operations.

To ensure smooth passenger movement and better coordination, Indian Railways has set up war rooms at the Division, Zone, and Railway Board levels. The Railway Board receives live feeds from all locations, while mini control rooms have been established at major stations. This real-time monitoring system helps coordinate operations across the country, track station conditions, and assess the need for additional trains and other requirements.

Passengers Express Happiness Over Festive Travel Arrangements by Indian Railways

Passengers travelling during the festive season are sharing their experiences and expressing happiness with the confirmed tickets, arrangements, and overall travel experience provided by Indian Railways. To handle the massive festive rush, Railway staff across the country are actively guiding passengers, maintaining order at stations, and ensuring smooth onboarding and deboarding. Continuous monitoring, efficient crowd management, and timely coordination are helping ensure that every passenger reaches their destination safely, comfortably, and on time.

A passenger travelling from New Delhi to Chhapra expressed happiness at getting confirmed tickets to celebrate Chhath with his sister and thanked Indian Railways for the arrangement. At Bhagalpur, a traveller appreciated the festive atmosphere created by Chhath songs, while in Pune, another passenger praised the well-organised holding area with water, fans, and proper seating arrangements.

त्योहारों के समय भारतीय रेल द्वारा चलाई जा रही स्पेशल ट्रेन सेवाओं व स्टेशनों पर यात्रियों के लिए किए गए बंदोबस्त से यात्रियों दिखे खुश।#FestivalSpecialArrangements#YatriSewa pic.twitter.com/JmkCN5PCKp

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 27, 2025

Passengers at Bhagalpur appreciated the improved festive arrangements made by Indian Railways during Chhath Puja. A passenger shared that the arrangements were excellent, adding that with Chhath songs playing at the station, a festive atmosphere had been created.

Passengers at Bhagalpur appreciated the improved Festive Special arrangements by the Ministry of Railways during Chhath Puja.#YatriSeva #FestivalSpecialArrangements@RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @RavneetBittu @DrLMurugan @PIB_India @airnewsalerts @DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/5ReOFuq1li

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) October 26, 2025

Highlighting Indian Railways’ dedication to passenger care, staff at Howrah Railway Station provided assistance to a Divyang passenger, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for their support.

हावड़ा रेलवे स्टेशन पर रेल कर्मचारियों के द्वारा दिव्यांग यात्री की सहायता कर सेवा और समर्पण का परिचय दिया गया।यात्री द्वारा भारतीय रेल का आभार व्यक्त किया गया।#YatriSewa #FestivalSpecialArrangements pic.twitter.com/oYYmBcG6vS

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 24, 2025  

 A passenger thanked Indian Railways for confirmed tickets and cleanliness, while another appreciated the security and safety on board. A traveller from Jabalpur praised the staff for their punctuality and helpfulness.

भारतीय रेल की स्पेशल ट्रेन सेवाओं ने त्योहारों में यात्रियों को बेहतर सुविधाओं के साथ सुखद सफर का अनुभव कराया। यात्रियों द्वारा भारतीय रेल की व्यवस्थाओं की प्रशंसा की गई ।#FestivalSpecialArrangements#YatriSewa pic.twitter.com/Xq0Q8JxRzv

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 25, 2025

A passenger travelling from New Delhi to Bihar to celebrate Chhath said the arrangements were excellent, cleanliness was commendable, and the confirmed seat was comfortable. 

स्पेशल ट्रेन सेवाओं के साथ हर सफर खास ,

यात्रियों ने बताया, त्योहारों में रेल यात्रा बनी और भी सुगम व आरामदायक।#YatriSewa #FestivalSpecialArrangements pic.twitter.com/FvV1pKUUpV

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 25, 2025

 A passenger travelling from Bandra Terminus to Barauni said that everything was well-organised, from getting a confirmed seat to entering the station gates, and also appreciated the RPF’s efforts.

भारतीय रेल की स्पेशल ट्रेन में सफर कर रहे यात्रियों ने दी सकारात्मक प्रतिक्रिया, कहा, सुविधाएँ और स्वच्छता दोनों बेहतरीन। pic.twitter.com/aFWqXgjDw6

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 22, 2025

 A passenger praised the efficient railway system, smooth online ticketing, orderly queues, and the RPF’s vigilance in ensuring safety and proper seat allocation during the festive rush.

Indian Railways is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and seamless travel during the festive season. Over 12 lakh dedicated employees are working round the clock to ensure smooth operations and a pleasant journey for every passenger. From running extra trains to maintaining cleanliness, safety, and punctuality, every effort is made to offer an efficient and reliable travel experience.

त्योहारों के समय में स्टेशन की स्वच्छता और सुविधाओं ने यात्रियों को किया प्रभावित।#FestivalSpecialArrangements#YatriSewa pic.twitter.com/4dDKdAPuDJ

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 22, 2025

***Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma***(Release ID: 2183536)

12,000+ Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath

Ministry of Railways//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted on 21 AUG 2025 at 2:09 PM by PIB Delhi

20% Discount on Return Tickets for Onward Journeys 

Image By Meta AI 

New Delhi: 21st August 2025:(PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk//Image by Meta AI)::

Four New Amrit Bharat Express Trains Connecting Bihar to Delhi, Amritsar, and Hyderabad: Railway Minister

Vande Bharat Express Between Purnia and Patna ; Buddhist Circuit Train Connecting  Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya and Koderma:Ashwini Vaishnaw

Big Rail Expansion for Bihar: Buxar–Lakhisarai to Become Four-Line Corridor, Patna Ring Railway, Sultanganj–Deoghar Rail Link, and Patna–Ayodhya Train

Festival season is becoming more interesting with new announcements by Indian Railway. According to railway sources 12,000+ Special Trains wul run for Diwali & Chhath. Railway also announced 20% Discount on Return Tickets for Onward Journeys Between October 13 to 26 & Return Journeys Between November 17 to December 1. Ie was declared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

For the convenience of passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has decided to operate more than 12,000 special trains.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the press at Rail Bhawan, said that after discussions with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Union Minister Lalan Singh, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, it was decided to make special arrangements for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals. He emphasized that passengers should also be facilitated during their return journey.

After consultations with senior public representatives, it was decided that over 12,000 special trains will run for Diwali and Chhath. At the same time, due care will be taken to ensure passengers face no difficulties during their return travel, the minister said.

He further announced that passengers undertaking onward journeys between October 13 to 26 and return journeys between November 17 to December 1 will be offered a 20% discount on return tickets. This initiative will be implemented during this festive season and will benefit a large number of people.

In addition, four new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be introduced from Gaya to Delhi, Saharsa to Amritsar, Chhapra to Delhi, and Muzaffarpur to Hyderabad. A new circuit train, covering important sites related to Lord Buddha and catering especially to middle-class families, will also be launched, covering Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya and Koderma, the minister announced.

The Buxar–Lakhisarai rail section will be expanded into a four-line corridor, enabling more train operations. A ring railway system will be developed around Patna. Sultanganj and Deoghar will be connected by rail. A new train service will also run between Patna and Ayodhya. A washing pit facility will be set up at Laukaha Bazar, and work will be carried out on several newly approved road overbridges in Bihar, shri Ashwini Vaishnaw added.

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving more projects for Bihar and for the launch of several new trains, including Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat.

Railways Rationalises Basic Fare for Passenger Train Services

Ministry of Railways//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted On: 30th June 2025 6:01 PM by PIB Delhi

No increase up to 500 Km in ordinary class

New Delhi: 30th June 2025: (PIB New Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk)::

No increase up to 500 Km in ordinary class; Increase of Rs.5 for distance 501 to 1500 Km & Rs.10 for distances up to 2500 Km & Rs.15 for distance slab 2501 to 3000 Km

In a move aimed at streamlining fare structures and enhancing financial sustainability of passenger services, the Ministry of Railways has rationalised the basic fare of Passenger train services, effective from 01 July 2025. The revised fares are based on the updated Passenger Fare Table issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA).

Key Highlights of Fare Rationalisation (Effective from 1st July 2025):

No change in Suburban single journey fares and Season Tickets (for both suburban and non-suburban routes).

For Ordinary Non-AC Classes (Non-suburban trains):

Second Class: Increased by Half Paisa per Kilometre subject to condition that

No increase up to 500 Km

Increase by Rs.5 for distance 501 to 1500 Km

Increase by Rs.10 for distance 1501 to 2500 Km

Increase by Rs.15 for distance 2501 to 3000 Km

Sleeper Class: Increased by 0.5 paisa per kilometre

 First Class: Increased by 0.5 paisa per kilometre

 For Mail/Express Trains (Non-AC):

Second Class: Increased by 01 paisa per kilometre

Sleeper Class: Increased by 01 paisa per kilometre

First Class: Increased by 01 paisa per kilometre

For AC Classes (Mail/Express trains):

AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier/3-Economy, AC 2-Tier, and AC First/Executive Class/Executive Anubhuti: Increased by 02 Paisa per kilometre

The fare revision also applies to premier and special train services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, AC Vistadome coaches, Anubhuti coaches, and Ordinary non-suburban services, in accordance with the revised class-wise fare structure.

No Change in Ancillary Charges:

Reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other charges remain unchanged.

GST will continue to be levied as per applicable rules.

Fare rounding principles remain as per existing norms.

 Implementation

Revised fares will apply to tickets booked on or after 01.07.2025. Tickets issued before this date will remain valid at the existing fare without any fare adjustment. PRS, UTS, and manual ticketing systems are being updated accordingly.

The Ministry of Railways has issued necessary instructions to all Zonal Railways to ensure smooth implementation of the revised fare structure.Zonal Railways have also been directed to update fare displays at all stations.

To view the revised Passenger Fare Table,Click Here

*****//Dharmendra Tewari/ Shatrunjay Kumar//(Release ID: 2140857)

First AC car provides shower with hot water-Vande Bharat

Ministry of Railways//Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 6:10 PM//PIB Delhi

Pleasant rail journey: Story of Vande Bharat Express 

New Delhi: 03 October 2024: (PIB//Rail Screen Desk):

The Government of India has made significant efforts towards strengthening the 'Make in India' campaign. As an excellent example of the success story of 'Make in India', Indian Railways launched India's first indigenous semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express. It has become a symbol of India's aspirations for modern, efficient and comfortable rail travel.

On February 15, 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express train running at a speed of 160 kmph on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route was flagged off. Indian Railways is operating a total of 102 Vande Bharat train services (51 trains), connecting states with Broad Gauge (BG) electrified network. During FY 2022-23, around 31.84 lakh were booked to travel on Vande Bharat trains. The overall occupancy of Vande Bharat trains during this period has been 96.62%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31, 2024 flagged off three Vande Bharat trains through video conferencing, which will enhance connectivity in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These state-of-the-art trains, embodying the Prime Minister's vision of 'Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, will improve transport links on three major routes (Meerut City-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil).

Vande Bharat trains will provide a world-class travel experience to the residents of these regions by ensuring speed as well as comfort. These trains are equipped with top-class amenities and advanced safety features such as Kavach technology, 360-degree rotating seats, accessible toilets for Divyangjans and integrated Braille signage, etc.

Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express

Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is the first Vande Bharat service connecting Meerut to Lucknow. The train is expected to give a major boost to religious tourism in the region by providing a faster and more efficient travel option to various pilgrimage sites including Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Surajkund Temple, Aughadnath Temple and Hanuman Chowk Temple in Meerut and Chandrika Devi Temple, Bhootnath Temple and Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Lucknow. Additionally, the Vande Bharat Express will provide a major boost to industries such as sports goods, musical instruments, sugar and electronics in the Meerut region by improving quick connectivity to the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express is the first Vande Bharat train connecting Madurai to Bengaluru via the Tiruchirapalli route. This service will connect the vibrant temple city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu to the metropolitan city of Bengaluru, the capital of the state of Karnataka. Additionally, it will provide convenient travel for business professionals, students, working personnel and other passengers travelling from their hometowns in Tamil Nadu to the metropolitan hub of Bengaluru.

Chennai Egmore- Nagercoil Vande Bharat

Chennai Egmore- Nagercoil Vande Bharat is the first Vande Bharat train connecting the beautiful city of Nagercoil to Chennai. Covering a distance of 726 km within Tamil Nadu, this train offers a modern and faster travel experience to residents of 12 districts including Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar Madurai, Dindigul, Trichy, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai. This service will also greatly benefit pilgrims visiting the divine Arulmighu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari.

India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset at BEML's Bangalore Rail Complex on September 1, 2024. The trainset has been indigenously designed and manufactured by BEML, India's leading rail and metro manufacturer.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train set is expected to revolutionise long-distance rail travel in India and set new benchmarks for comfort, safety and efficiency. The train is equipped with several world-class features, including an integrated reading light with USB charging provision, public announcement and visual information system, inside display panels and security cameras, modular pantry and exclusive berths and toilets for differently-abled passengers.

Additionally, the First AC car offers shower with hot water, enhancing passenger comfort. Meticulously engineered with utmost detailing, the trainset prioritises both aesthetic appeal and functionality in all elements from the front nose cone to the interior panels, seats, sleeper berths and more.

BEML has pioneered the integration of critical systems including electrical, propulsion, bogies, external plug doors, brake system and HVAC, ensuring seamless integration and maximum performance across the trainset. The entire manufacturing and assembly process is consolidated at BEML, underlining the company's commitment to quality and precision.

Conclusion

Vande Bharat Express has revolutionised rail travel in India by offering a unique combination of speed, comfort and safety. With the continued expansion of this service, Indian Railways aims to further enhance connectivity across the country, contribute to economic growth and regional development.

The success of Vande Bharat Express is a testimony to India's capabilities in indigenous manufacturing and is an important step towards realising the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Santosh Kumar/Sheetal Angral/Ritu Kataria/Aswathi Nair//(Backgrounder ID: 153234)

RPF caught YouTuber for dangerous railway track stunt

 Posted Date: 02 Aug 2024 4:00 PM by PIB Delhi

RPF DG appealed to citizens not to get involved in illegal activities and report any such act

Symbolic Images Created with AI Playground Team

New Delhi: 02 August 2024: (PIB//Rail Screen Desk)::

Earlier, such acts were done by illiterate youth only to show their foolishness. Then when the selfie culture started, similar boys started risking their lives to take selfies on the banks of rivers, canals and streams. Such stupid bravery started being shown by standing at the door of moving trains. Many boys lost their lives in these cycles. Those who survived also got serious injuries. Now some YouTubers have started showing the stupidity of playing with similar dangers. To prevent such incidents, security forces personnel have started performing their duties with full alertness.

In a major crackdown on reckless behaviour, the Railway Protection Force has apprehended a YouTuber for endangering public safety by criminal tampering with railway tracks for publicity. Viral videos on Twitter had shown a person placing various kinds of objects on railway tracks, prompting an urgent investigation. The culprit, Gulzar Sheikh has uploaded more than 250 videos on his YouTube channel and has over 2 lakhs subscribers. His on-camera activities posed a significant risk to both railway safety and operations.

Through a detailed analysis of Sheikh's YouTube profile and social media presence, RPF Unchahar, Northern Railway registered the offence under various provisions of the Railway Act on 01/08/2024. On the same day, a joint team of RPF and Local Police arrested Mr. Gulzar Sheikh, son of Syed Ahmed from his residence in Khandrauli Village, Soraon (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.

While appreciating RPF, Lucknow Division for the prompt and effective action, DG RPF emphasized that legal action against Mr. Gulzar Sheikh would serve as a strong deterrent to persons attempting to compromise the safety of Indian Railways. He reiterated the importance of railway safety and assured the public that any attempts to undermine rail safety will be met with firm resolve and strict legal action and those engaging in such activities will be prosecuted to ensure maximum punishment.

DG RPF also appealed to the public not to indulge in such activities and report any acts which compromise the railway security and safety. Such information can be given to the Railway Protection Force or on Rail Madad through the toll-free helpline number 139.

****//PPG/KS/SK//(Release ID: 2040721) 

Now Wifi facility provided at 6108 railway stations

Posted On: 29 March 2023 at 4:29 PM by PIB Delhi

151 Railway Stations of Punjab also included

New Delhi: 29th March 2023: (PIB//The Rail Screen)::

Indian Railways have decided to provide free Wi-Fi at all railway stations except halt. So far, Wi-Fi facility has been provided at 6108 stations. State-wise list is appended. The provision of Wi-Fi at stations depends upon the availability of Infrastructure like Optical Fiber Cable & Other resources.

Indian Railways is committed to make all its railway stations and trains accessible for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) as part of “Sugamya Bharat Mission”. Improvement/ augmentation of customer amenities including those for differently abled passengers (Divyangjan) at Railway stations is a continuous process.

Expenditure incurred for customer Amenities during each of the last three years & current year is as under:

APPENDIX

State-wise list of stations where Wi-Fi facility provided till date: -

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

**** YB/DNS//(Release ID: 1911792)