Indian Railways News

[ezsasa]

Indian Railways Orders 40 More Train 18 Sets For Massive Roll Out On New Routes

 

[sorcerer]

‘Make in India’ boost for Indian Railways! ICF, world’s largest coach manufacturer, rolls out 60,000th coach

https://www.financialexpress.com/in...manufacturer-rolls-out-60000th-coach/1585102/

 

[Mikesingh]

Did you guys know that locos didn't have toilets for the engine drivers?

Imagine a journey of over 12 hours on Indian Railways through out which you are not authorized to take refreshments or answer nature’s call. It may sound weird, but this is how the journey has been for more than 60,000 locomotive pilots, or engine drivers, over the last 163 years.

Whenever they demanded for a toilet in the engine, the Indian Railways argued that it was not feasible to authorise drivers to halt a running train for taking refreshments or urinating.

In what will come as a major relief to these drivers, the Indian Railways had introduced the first locomotive fitted with a bio-toilet in 2016 This engine was flagged off by railway minister Suresh Prabhu. It's an on going project.

When the locomotive pilot is inside the toilet, the engine brakes will not be released by any system.

Here's a Tweet from a loco driver....

Suvamoy Pal
Hooghly, India

24 DEC 2018 —

Thanks to the Indian Railways and BHEL as WAG 9H locomotive gets its toilet. We want this least basic facility within all other locomotives as soon as possible.

 

[Bleh]

WAG-12 finally out for trial on main lines..
WAGC-3 up & running..
So is the new aerodynamic WAP-5..

 

[cobra commando]

Soon, travel to Pune, Nashik, Vadodara in quick time

 

[Why so serious?]

Indian Railways gets French boost for world-class stations! France to provide 7 lakh euros for infra project
The Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC), has entered in a Tripartite Agreement with French Railways (SNCF) and AFD, a French Development Agency.

• By: Devanjana Nag
• June 11, 2019 1:40:48 PM

The move will help Indian Railways in positioning the stations across the country as world-class transport hubs.
Indian Railways join hands with French Railways for world-class infrastructure! In a big boost for Indian Railways infrastructure, IRSDC has signed an agreement with French Railways for under which the latter will provide up to 7 lakh euros for railway station development in India. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Ministry of Railways – the Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC), has entered in a Tripartite Agreement with French Railways (SNCF) and AFD, a French Development Agency. Under this agreement, AFD has agreed to support capacity building for the railway station development program in India by providing in-kind grant financing up to 7,00,000 EURO, through French National Railways (SNCF)-Hubs as well as Connexions as a Technical Partner to the corporation.


This move will not impose any financial liability on Indian Railways or IRSDC, a statement said. IRSDC is responsible for developing and redeveloping the existing and new railway stations across India.

According to Suresh Angadi, MoS railways, both the countries – India and France – have a strong and long-standing prosperous partnership in the railway sector. In the past, French Railways has been involved with India’s national transporter in conducting speed upgradation study for Delhi-Chandigarh section as well as for station development of Ambala and Ludhiana railway stations. The move will help Indian Railways in positioning the stations across the country as world-class transport hubs.

The IRSDC has been tasked to transform many railway stations into airport-like hubs of world-class standard. Currently, the redevelopment is being carried out at Habibganj and Gandhi Nagar railway stations. For this big railway infrastructure development project, many other stations across India like Chandigarh, Anand Vihar, Baiyyappanahalli, Surat, Shivaji Nagar, Sabarmati, Kanpur, Kanpur, Bijwasa, Sabarmati, Gwalior, Nagpur, Amritsar, Thakurli, Gandhinagar (Jaipur) stations have also been identified by the national transporter.

Besides, Indian Railways is also redeveloping and beautifying various other railway stations. Some of the stations, which were recently given a new makeover include Mathura Junction, New Delhi railway station, Haridwar Junction, Agra Cantt., Lonavala station, Patna Junction, Jaipur Junction among others. This financial year, Indian Railways aims to redevelop 68 railway stations in total.

 

[Cutting Edge 2]

Indian Railways Orders 40 More Train 18 Sets For Massive Roll Out On New Routes

Good to know we need more such trains in our country.

I must say train 18 is a pride of nation. Even foreigners who come to India are surprised to see this train. A big made in India success story.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

BREAKING: New PSU Indian Railway Rolling Stock Co. to hold all railway manufacturing
The new PSU - Indian Railway Rolling Stock Company - will be structured along the lines of China's rolling stock manufacturer PSU CRRC Group.

Indian Railways is set to bundle its manufacturing (locomotives and rolling stock) units and workshops into a new public sector unit (PSU) - Indian Railway Rolling Stock Company. The PSU will be structured along the lines of China's rolling stock manufacturer PSU CRRC Group. In June 2015, China had merged China Northern Rolling Stock Corporation and China Southern Rolling Stock Corporation to form China Railways Rolling Stock Corporation.

The railway ministry is preparing a Cabinet note for this. Officials told BT the plan is to start with the latest coach factory in Rae Bareli. The rest of the units can be taken over by the new entity slowly. Consultation with unions is a must before moving the Cabinet note, said officials. The unions are worried that the new entity may push for downsizing the number of employees. "We shall clear their apprehensions. India is not China. It takes a lot of effort to build consensus. We are ready for that," said one official. At present, Railways operate Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Dhankuni; Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi; Diesel Modernisation Works, Patiala; Integral Coach Factory, Patiala; Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala; and Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli.

Also Read: Women to fill half of 9,000 vacancies in Railways, says Piyush Goyal

The idea behind the restructuring plan is to ensure operational efficiency. Indian PSUs are marred by inefficient decision-making, poor reporting structures, slow execution and powerful trade unions. The officials explained that each unit will operate as a profit centre reporting to the CEO, who will report to the chairman and managing director (CMD) of the new PSU. The CMD will report to the Railway Board. If implemented, this will demolish the existing convention of manufacturing units headed by general managers.

"Our major challenge is to get access to state-of-the-art technology, cheaper capital and flexibility," said the official. At present, these units are dependent on internal arrangements of railways and budget allocation for capital. "The PSU model will allow us to go to markets to avail of funds for expansion and other needs," says another official.

The global rail manufacturing is going through a churn. The sheer size of CRRC Group allows it to dominate the manufacturing of equipment such as rolling stock, diesel/electric locomotives, metro cars and vehicles and their spares across the world. Its rise forced Siemens and Alstom to merge their railway businesses in September 2017. However, the European Commission blocked the merger. The new Indian PSU can stir the market by manufacturing at cheaper prices.

The challenge, however, remains in accessing technologies that can help it compete with these big conglomerates. In fact, China not only made the research unit of its entity more efficient but pumped in funds too. The economies of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia Pacific, Africa and South America are in the process of upgrading their railway systems. The potential is huge, says a top railway official, adding that the new structure will give the flexibility to explore these markets without government dependence. The potential in the Indian market is huge too.

India has managed to manufacture only 6,000 Linke Hofmann Busch or LHB coaches over the last two years. In addition, India is adding train sets Vande Bharat (Train18). Of the 65,000 coaches in railways fleet, only 10,000 have been replaced with LHB coaches so far. The railways have decided to upgrade because the anti-climbing feature in LHB coaches reduces fatalities and injuries during accidents. Moreover, these locomotive manufacturing units are moving towards producing double traction locomotives which can run on both electricity and diesel. Indian Railways has also committed procurement to GE (diesel locomotives) and Alstom (electric locomotives).

India is also developing Train19 (with berths, instead of Train18's chair car) and Train20 (with a lightweight aluminium-based body). These self-propelling train sets have great demand across the world. The original unit cost for the first rake of this train set is $14 million, 40 per cent cheaper than the offer price from the European competitors. These cost-efficient train sets have stirred interest in South America and Southeast Asia too. The idea appears good. But the challenge lies in execution.

 

[Cutting Edge 2]

BREAKING: New PSU Indian Railway Rolling Stock Co. to hold all railway manufacturing
The new PSU - Indian Railway Rolling Stock Company - will be structured along the lines of China's rolling stock manufacturer PSU CRRC Group.

Also Read: Women to fill half of 9,000 vacancies in Railways, says Piyush Goyal

I must say that after decades of neglect, under Modi gov, Indian Railways is having its golden period.

 

[Prashant12]

Rail link between Rest of India and Kashmir likely by 2023

Jammu, Jun 30 (UNI) The all weather rail link between Rest of India and the Kashmir valley is a dream coming true likely by 2023.

"The crucial and second longest tunnel, which is six-kilometre long on the Katra-Banihal section near Reasi was ready and is through," a senior Railway Official here said on Sunday.

He added that the tunnel was completed in 4 years at a cost of over RS 550 crores.

http://www.uniindia.com/rail-link-b...ashmir-likely-by-2023/north/news/1648734.html

 

[Mikesingh]

The IRSDC has been tasked to transform many railway stations into airport-like hubs of world-class standard. Currently, the redevelopment is being carried out at Habibganj and Gandhi Nagar railway stations. For this big railway infrastructure development project, many other stations across India like Chandigarh, Anand Vihar, Baiyyappanahalli, Surat, Shivaji Nagar, Sabarmati, Kanpur, Kanpur, Bijwasa, Sabarmati, Gwalior, Nagpur, Amritsar, Thakurli, Gandhinagar (Jaipur) stations have also been identified by the national transporter.

Besides, Indian Railways is also redeveloping and beautifying various other railway stations. Some of the stations, which were recently given a new makeover include Mathura Junction, New Delhi railway station, Haridwar Junction, Agra Cantt., Lonavala station, Patna Junction, Jaipur Junction among others. This financial year, Indian Railways aims to redevelop 68 railway stations in total.

I've been hearing this so called redevelopment stuff since the age of the dinosaurs!! But nothing seems to have moved. Most stations are sh*t!

Now here's New Delhi 2050 concept - (I'll probably be dead and gone by then!! Damn! )

This futuristic design is revealed as a part of future of Indian railways 2050 that will include driver less trains and ticket less travelling. It will have 18 platforms and will be able to handle more than 500,000 passengers a day. Railway stations will have huge platforms with high glass panel walk ways.

 

[Suryavanshi]

(I'll probably be dead and gone by then!! Damn!

Mike sir apne to dukhi kar diya hume.

May u live long enough to see those stations realised.

 

[Mikesingh]

Mike sir apne to dukhi kar diya hume.

May u live long enough to see those stations realised.

Thanks buddy!

This frikkin 30 char rule will kill me before that anyway!!

...............................................

 

[Chinmoy]

Railways speeds up 261 trains under 'Mission Raftaar'

https://www.livemint.com/news/india...odaya-tejas-express-trains-1562037314392.html

 

[Chinmoy]

Rail service to Tripura's Sabroom will start soon: Rly

https://www.devdiscourse.com/articl...rvice-to-tripuras-sabroom-will-start-soon-rly

 

[Mikesingh]

Make your train journey delicious: How to get food from your favourite restaurant delivered at your seat on Indian Railways

Using IRCTC's eCatering service, passengers from all over the country can have a wide range of cuisines delivered right at their reserved seats.

Today Railway Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted about the e-catering scheme, the food ordering service for Indian Railway passengers. Using this service, passengers from all over the country can have a wide range of cuisines delivered right at their reserved seats.

This is how this e-catering service of IRCTC works. Passengers can choose to dial 1323 or send an SMS “MEAL” to 139 for ordering their meals. Alternatively, passengers can also log in to the IRCTC e-catering website or download the “Food on Track” mobile app that’s available on both IOS and Android.

While booking online, you would be required to enter your PNR number first.



After entering the PNR number, you will see a list of stations where your train will make a halt at. After clicking on the drop-down menu of any station, you will see the catering services and restaurants available at that station. You can then click on any service of your choice.



Then you will get to see the menu to select the items that you want. The total price would be displayed at the bottom. Click on next when you’ve finished selecting the items.



After that, you will have to fill a short form confirming your personal details including your name, mobile number, email address, coach and seat number.



Confirm your order and click on continue.



Then select your payment method, either Cash on Delivery or prepaid and click on “Pay Now”.

After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation via SMS and email. It will include the details of your order and an OTP (One Time Password) which will be used for verification by the service provider at the time of delivery of the meal.

There are several private companies already working with the Indian Railways in offering e-catering services including Railrestro, Railyatri, Zoopindia, and TravelKhanna to name a few.

https://www.opindia.com/2019/07/mak...ampaign=daily_brief&utm_content=newsletter-50

Happy munching!! :biggrin2:

 

[charlie]

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...-initiative/articleshow/69757727.cms?from=mdr
SiemensNSE -0.97 % is equipping Indian Railways in its initiative to upgrade its electric locomotives from 6000 HP to 9000 HP, the company said on Wednesday.

Siemens is supplying indegenously-made integrated propulsion system and steel tank transformer to the Indian railways that is undergoing a transformation as part of its rail electrification initiative.

"The advanced technology aims to save traction energy co ..



Upgrading 6000 HP to 9000 HP loco.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Major layoff likely in Indian Railways; officers told to prepare list, hold performance reviews

Zonal officers asked to prepare list of employees above 55 as Indian Railways plans to lay off around 3 lakh staff members.

The Indian Railways is likely to go for a major layoff wherein as many as three lakh employees may be asked to take early voluntary retirement. It is expected that employees above the age of 55 may be asked to quit their positions.

The Ministry of Railways and Railway Board have already written to all zonal chiefs in this regard, seeking a report on the performance of employees. They have also sought a list of all employees above the age of 55 and of those who complete 30 years of service in the first quarter of 2020.

All zonal managers have been directed to hold performance review of staff members and prepare their service record on its basis. The performance review will take into account employees’ physical and mental fitness, daily attendance record and discipline.

The letter was sent to the officials on July 27 and they have been asked to compile the lists/reports and send them to the ministry and Railway Board by August 9.

With this move, the Indian Railways intends to reduce its workforce from 13 lakh to around 10 lakh.

This comes almost a fortnight after Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal had said that the his ministry was studying profiles of corrupt officials and that action would be taken against officials who had integrity issues. He said that the move was intended to send a “right message”.

“Ministry of Railways is now studying profiles of many officers to see if some action can be initiated to give a message to the others,” Goyal had said.

In June this year, the central government retired as many as 15 senior officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs from their services with immediate effect. These officers were retired on several charges, including bribery, disproportionate valuation of consignments, aiding smuglling among others.

 

[Indx TechStyle]

Indian Railways Will Become World’s 1st 100% ‘Green Railways’; Rs 18,000 Crore Will Be Spent On Solar Panels

Indian Railways will become 100% Green

We cannot stress enough on Modi’s commitment to turn India and its peripheral power systems towards a greener switch. Two months back, we informed you of how for the first time, India is known to have invested more into greener initiatives than coal, the heart and soul of the production sectors.

Last year, we also brought to you the Indian Railway Organization for Alternate Fuels (IROAF)’ task of fitting train coaches with solar panels, which will power lights and fans inside coaches, in short for Indian Railways to shift to a greener area. Aspiring to become the world’s first ‘green railways’, Indian Railways has started to work for this initiative.

Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal spoke about the Modi government’s ambitious plan to make the national transporter environment friendly, which means the Indian Railways is planning to expand the use of solar energy.

Indian Railways To Turn ‘Completely Green’ By 2029

Speaking of the details surrounding this idea of turning fully green in the coming 10 years, Piyush Goyal kept forth the government’s proposal in Rajya Sabha. According to him the Railway is beginning to set up solar panels on unused railway lands.

This will not only protect the unused lands from being encroached but will also lead to power generations on these lands, which would be fed to the power grid. In a way, setting up of this initiative shall server dual purpose. Of course, all of these processes aren’t two-day work and will surely take time.

Piyush Goyal had earlier reported that Indian Railways plans to invest Rs 18,000 crore on solar power units along tracks. Goyal also said, that the Indian Railways was planning on electrification of tracks and using biodiesel to justify the ‘Green Railways’ project.

Shift to Electrification of Tracks by 2022

The Railway Ministry believes that the whole transport system wouldn’t be 100% ‘green’ until tracks aren’t electrified completely and the use of bio-diesel. Goyal assures that the government is working towards achieving 100% electrification of tracks by 2022.

According to records, in the year 2017-18, Indian Railways electrified 4,000 plus km of train tracks and in 2018-19 the distance went above 5200 km. The government is reducing the diesel cost inputs by fast electrifying its tracks on a large scale. He also revealed that the Indian Railways is planning to have every train come through electric traction that comes to Delhi. This might happen in the near future.

Greener Shifts in the Absolute Recent Past

A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) assured that renewable power investments in India exceeded those of fossil fuel-based power for the third year in a row and that spending on solar energy surpassed spending on coal-fired power generation for the first time in 2018, a greener feat could not have been achieved.

India is looking forward to investing $500 billion in creating renewable energy generation of 500GW by 2028, along with $250 billion investment in grid expansion and modernisation of green energy capacity.

 

[cobra commando]

Air hostesses to give flight- like service on board Vande Bharat Express