Dear Aspirants, Explore the month-wise Indian Railway Current Affairs for 2024. All railway-related current affairs are provided in a one-liner format. Remember, with numerous news items related to Indian Railways, it may be challenging to recall all for exams. Hence, this blog post covers only the most significant ones.
Railway Current Affairs 2024 (January to December)
November 2024
- SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant (SAIL-BSL) has signed an MoU with RITES Ltd for Project Management Consultancy in rail connectivity works.
- BEML Limited and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have signed an MoU to finance and implement critical infrastructure projects, focusing on defense, rail transportation, and infrastructure development.
- The fourth 25T Bollard Pull Tug, named Yuvan, manufactured by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, has been launched.
- The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has announced a significant loan of €300 million (approximately ₹2,800 crore) for constructing a new suburban railway network in Bengaluru.
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has launched the ‘Digital Memorial of Valour’, honoring the sacrifices of its brave personnel who died in the line of duty.
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), has introduced a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect vulnerable children found on railway premises nationwide.
- The Sultanganj Railway Station in Bihar is set to be renamed after the revered Hindu shrine Ajgaibinath Dham.
October 2024
- Indian Railways establishes Rail Rakshak Dal in NWR Zone: Indian Railways has introduced the Rail Rakshak Dal in the North Western Railway (NWR) zone as part of a pilot project. This initiative aims to ensure prompt responses to train accidents and facilitate efficient rescue operations.
- Launch of Hindi Edition of ‘Sangyaan’ Mobile App: At the 40th Raising Day Parade of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Nashik, Maharashtra, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Hindi edition of the ‘Sangyaan’ mobile app, designed to enhance communication within the force.
- Appointment of Manoj Kumar Dubey as CMD and CEO of IRFC: Manoj Kumar Dubey has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).
- Cabinet Approves Two Railway Projects in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two railway projects with an estimated cost of ₹6,798 crore:
- Doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections covering 256 km.
- Construction of a new rail line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 km. Both projects are expected to be completed within 5 years.
- RITES Limited signs MoU with Etihad Rail: RITES Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail to explore collaborations and leverage capabilities in the development of railways and associated infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader region.
September 2024
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three railway projects: Jamshedpur-Purulia-Asansol 3rd Line, Sardega-Bhalumuda New Double Line, and Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road New Line, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 6,456 crore.
- Satish Kumar has been appointed as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board.
- The CCEA approved a new railway line project under the Ministry of Railways with a total cost of Rs. 18,036 crore, connecting Indore and Manmad.
- Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara signed an MoU with Monash University, Australia for collaboration in joint research, education, and executive training in railway engineering.
- Vijayawada Junction Railway Station was awarded Non-Suburban Group-1 (NSG-1) status by the Ministry of Railways.
- PM Modi flagged off India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. Several Vande Bharat trains were also launched on routes such as:
- Nagpur to Secunderabad
- Kolhapur to Pune
- Agra Cantt to Banaras
- Durg to Visakhapatnam
- Pune to Hubballi
- The first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi.
August 2024
- Western Railway has included Kandivali and Dahisar in the Amrit Bharat Station scheme.
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) inaugurated an advanced Water Level Monitoring System on the Brahmaputra Mail Express at Kamakhya Railway Station on August 16.
- Jagjeevan Ram Railway Protection Force Academy, Lucknow, received an “Excellent/अति उत्कृष्ट” rating from the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) for adhering to National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutions.
- A 750-meter-long Tiranga rally was held by students in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, on the World’s highest railway bridge on the Chenab River.
Tiranga rally was taken out with a 750 m long tricolor, on the World's highest railway bridge on Chenab River ahead of Independence Day in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/lY4tiOrPVx
— DD News (@DDNewslive) August 13, 2024
- Indian Railways is introducing a new QR code payment system for cashless travel.
- Waltair Railway division of East Coast Railway Zone flagged off its first refrigerator container rake with 1,080 tonnes of frozen shrimp to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai.
- Indian Railways cancelled a Rs 30,000-crore tender with Alstom India for 100 aluminium-body Vande Bharat trains.
- IRCTC and NCRTC launched the ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative to enhance passenger experience on Indian Railways and Namo Bharat Trains.
July 2024
- Central Railway recently installed a first-of-its-kind 10 MWp floating solar plant in Igatpuri Lake.
- The Ministry of Railways launched the ‘Startups for Railways’ initiative with an ‘Innovation Portal’ to boost efficiency and safety.
- Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) advanced to the Scheduled ‘A’ category of PSUs.
- Mizoram’s capital city is set to become the fourth capital in the Northeast region to gain railway connectivity by July 2025.
- China unveiled the world’s first passenger train made entirely of carbon fiber.
June 2024
- Launch of Sangyaan App by RPF:
Recently, the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the Sangyaan App. This application is designed to educate and empower RPF personnel by providing comprehensive information on three new criminal acts, thereby enhancing their knowledge and capabilities in enforcing the law.
- MoU Between Plasser India and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya:
Plasser India has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. This collaboration aims to enhance the research, teaching, and training of students, deepening their understanding of topics related to the rail sector.
- Trial Run on Chenab Bridge by Indian Railways:
Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial run on the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge, the Chenab Bridge. This bridge is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and represents a significant achievement in railway engineering.
International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD)
Date: Annually observed on 6th June
Objective: To raise public awareness about the risks at level crossings and improve safety at railway crossings globally.
Key Highlights:
Global Participation:
- The ILCAD campaign is widely followed by the world’s railway community.
- It is a key event for those involved in the railway sector.
2024 Observance:
- 6th June 2024 marked the 16th annual ILCAD.
- The campaign emphasized the safety of vulnerable people.
2024 Campaign Slogan:
- “Beware of trains. Life can change in a split second.”
By focusing on these aspects, the campaign aims to reduce accidents and fatalities at railway crossings, promoting a safer environment for everyone.
May 2024
- NASA has announced an exciting plan to build the first railway system on the Moon. This project, called FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track), aims to change how we move things on the Moon, making it much easier and more efficient.
- RITES Limited, the export arm of Indian Railways, has signed a contract agreement worth USD 111.26 million (approximately Rs 915 crore) to supply 200 Broad-Gauge (BG) passenger carriages to Bangladesh.
- RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mohali (Punjab)-based Quadrant Future Tek Limited. This partnership aims to explore and implement the train collision avoidance system ‘KAVACH’ in India and other countries.
KAVACH is an indigenously developed automatic train protection (ATP) system by Indian Railways. In July 2020, the Ministry of Railways adopted KAVACH as the "National ATP System."
- Eight railway stations in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, are set to be renamed. The new names for these stations are as follows:
- Kasimpur Halt to Jais City
- Jais to Guru Gorakhnath Dham
- Bani to Swami Paramhans
- Misrauli to Maa Kalika Dham
- Nihalgarh to Maharaja Bijli Pasi
- Akbarganj to Maa Ahorwa Bhawani Dham
- Warisganj to Amar Shaheed Bhale Sultan
- Fursatganj railway station to Tapeshwarnath Dham
✅Read More: List of Renamed Railway Stations in India (Latest Updates)
April 2024
- Narpat Singh was appointed as Railway Adviser at India’s High Commission in Bangladesh.
- Santosh Kumar Jha to become Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. on April 1, 2024.
- India is preparing to launch an indigenous bullet train that exceeds 250 km/h.
- BEML are & BEL are collaborating to develop the Indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS).
March 2024
Railway Projects in Madhya Pradesh
- PM Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Madhya Pradesh’ program.
- He laid the foundation stone for several railway projects worth Rs 2200 crores across Madhya Pradesh.
Railway projects include:
- Third line in Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi – Jakhlaun & Dhaura – Agasod route.
- Gauge conversion project in the New Sumaoli-Jora Alapur railway line.
- Flyover project for the Powarkheda-Jujharpur rail line.
New Railway Projects in Jharkhand
- PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of over Rs 17,600 crore railway projects as part of the overall development projects worth Rs 35,700 crores in Sindri, Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
- This encompasses the establishment of 3rd & 4th Lines connecting Sone Nagar-Andal.
- Construction of Tori-Shivpur railway lines, including the Tori-Shivpur Project.
- Introduction of the Mohanpur-Hansdiha new rail line.
- Development of the Dhanbad-Chandrapura rail line.
- Commencement of the Deoghar-Dibrugarh train service.
- Inauguration of the MEMU Train Service between Tatanagar and Badampahar (Daily).
- Introduction of a long-haul freight train from Shivpur station.
One-liner Railway Current Affairs
- Approximately 150 railway stations across India have been certified as “Eat Right Stations” as of February 2024.
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first under-river metro tunnel in Kolkata.
- He also inaugurated India’s first in-plant railway siding project of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.
- PM Modi inaugurates the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory in Latur, Maharashtra.
- PM Modi also inaugurated a wagon repair workshop at Badnera and a Vande Bharat chair car maintenance-cum-workshop depot in Pune.
- PM Modi inaugurated four rail coach restaurants located at Nashik Road, Akola, and Mumbai’s Andheri and Borivali stations.
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw of the Ministry of Railways (MoR) released a commemorative postage stamp at Karnail Singh Railway Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi, to mark the 100 years of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).
February 2024
- The inauguration of the Khatipura railway station in Jaipur was developed as a satellite station equipped with a terminal facility for originating and terminating trains.
- The initiation ceremony took place for the establishment of the maintenance facility for Vande Bharat sleeper trains at Bhagat Ki Kothi in Jodhpur.
- Lucknow will host the 67th All India Police Duty Meet 2024, which will be hosted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the doubling of the Ajmer-Chanderiya Section of Indian Railways, stretching over 178.28 km, at an estimated cost of Rs 1813.28 crore in Rajasthan.
- Sindhu Ganapathy has made history by becoming the first transgender person appointed as the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) in the Southern Railway.
- Sanjay Kumar Jain has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC).
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF) implements operations such as “Nanhe Faristey,” “Jeevan Raksha,” and initiatives like “Meri Saheli” and “Satark.”
- The foundation stone for Komuraveli Railway Station was recently laid in Siddipet district, Telangana.
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indian Railways’ longest transportation tunnel, ‘T-50,’ on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), with a total length of 12.77 km.
- PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Sikkim’s first railway station, “Rangpo Railway Station,” located in Pakyong district.
January 2024
- The Union Cabinet has approved signing an MoU between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) initiative. This collaboration aims to support Indian Railways in achieving its Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
- A significant milestone was achieved in the Bengaluru Sub-Urban Railway Project, where a 31-meter-long, single-span U-girder was successfully cast for the first time in India.
- Indian Railways announced the electrification of 6,577 kilometres of the route in the calendar year 2023, showcasing substantial progress in its efforts to modernize and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Dun & Bradstreet, in collaboration with Jupiter Wagons Limited, introduced the Indian Railway Freight Activity (IRFA) Index, providing insights into the freight activities of Indian Railways.
- Ms. Aruna Nayar, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) Officer of the 1987 Batch and Level-16 impanelled IRMS officer, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Railway Board.
Indian Railway Current Affairs January to December 2023
December 2023
- The Ministry of Railways has instructed the National Academy of Indian Railways to transfer all its assets to Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, located in Vadodara.
- The first dedicated fast railway trial track in India is under construction in the Didwana district of Rajasthan.
- Four railway heritage stations – Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avatihalli, and Nandi Halt – have been chosen for restoration, and they are situated in Karnataka.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station, and the redevelopment was carried out by RITES Limited.
- The recently launched category of superfast passenger trains flagged off by PM Narendra Modi from Ayodhya Dham Railway Station is named Amrit Bharat Express.
November 2023
- Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi and PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina co-inaugurated the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link. Its total length is 12.24 Km.
- Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh also inaugurated the Khulna – Mongla Port Rail Line.
- Recently, India and Bhutan have agreed on the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu.
- Santosh Kumar Jha will be the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.
- Rangiya and Mariani Railway Stations in Assam have been awarded the ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by FSSAI.
- The first rail restaurant in Gujarat “Trackside Tadka” has been inaugurated in Rajkot.
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has launched the “Momentum 2.0” app, India’s first virtual shopping app for the metro.
- Bengaluru will get India’s largest circular railway network with a total length of 287 Km.
- Vijayawada Railway Station under the South Central Railway zone has received the platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
- PM Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Gujarat’s inaugural heritage train connecting Ekta Nagar with Ahmedabad.
- Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the ‘Gyanodaya Express – College on Wheels’ train from Reasi district.
October 2023
Recently, The Indian Railways has signed a supply contract with Kinet Railway Solutions for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains.
Indonesia is set to launch Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, a multibillion-dollar project backed by China.
Recently, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has joined forces with Zomato to enhance the dining experience of railway passengers by offering a wider array of food options through IRCTC’s E-Catering segment.
Recently, Sanjay Kumar Jain has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Tamil Nadu is close to completing its first artificial intelligence (AI)-based early warning system designed to protect wild elephants from train collisions.
September 2023
Primatologists Urge Rerouting of Railway Track in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- Primatologists have called for rerouting a 1.65-km railway track that bisects the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, India.
- The track poses a threat to the endangered gibbon population and disrupts their movement within the sanctuary.
- Experts suggest realigning the track outside the sanctuary to minimize ecological impact.
Maharashtra Government Approves ‘Digha Gaon’ Name for New Railway Station
- The Maharashtra government has approved the name ‘Digha Gaon Railway Station’ for the newly constructed station on the trans-harbor line in Mumbai.
- The station is located in the Digha area of Navi Mumbai and is expected to cater to a large commuter population.
- The name reflects the local identity and heritage of the area.
Central Government Approves 30 Railway Projects Worth ₹83,000 Crore for Telangana
- The Central Government has approved 30 railway projects worth over ₹83,000 crore for the state of Telangana, India.
- The projects aim to enhance rail connectivity, improve infrastructure, and boost economic development in the state.
- The move is expected to create employment opportunities and enhance transportation facilities for Telangana’s residents.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station Earns ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with Platinum Rating
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh, India, has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with the highest Platinum rating.
- The station is recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives, including solar power generation, water conservation measures, and waste management practices.
- The certification highlights the station’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
Udhampur Railway Station Renamed ‘Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station’
- Northern Railway has renamed Udhampur Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir, India, to ‘Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station’.
- The renaming honors Captain Tushar Mahajan, an Indian Army officer who was martyred in an encounter with terrorists in 2009.
- The move pays tribute to Captain Mahajan’s bravery and sacrifice for the nation.
Indian Railways Revises Ex-Gratia Payments for Train Accident Victims
- Indian Railways has significantly increased ex-gratia payments for passengers affected by train accidents.
- The ex-gratia for death due to a train accident has been raised to ₹5 lakh, while for grievous injuries, it is now ₹2.5 lakh.
- The revision aims to provide better financial support to victims and their families in the aftermath of train accidents.
DMRC Partners with BEL to Develop Indigenous Communication-Based Train Control System
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to develop an indigenous communication-based train control (i-CBTC) system.
- The i-CBTC system will enhance signaling and train control capabilities for metro operations.
- The collaboration aims to promote self-reliance in railway technology and reduce dependence on foreign systems.
Kerala Receives India’s First Orange Vande Bharat Express Train
- Kerala has become the first state in India to receive the new Orange Vande Bharat Express train.
- The train, with its distinct orange livery, will operate between Thiruvananthapuram and New Delhi.
- The introduction of the Orange Vande Bharat Express signifies the modernization of India’s railway network and enhances connectivity between Kerala and the national capital.
🚨 PM Modi to launch a record nine new Vande Bharat express trains in a single day on 24th, Sep.
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) September 20, 2023
The first orange coloured VB express to run on Kasaragod – Trivandrum route. pic.twitter.com/51fcXuYE0F
August 2023
▪ IRISET (Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications) and IIT Madras signed an MoU to establish India’s first 5G testbed for the railways. The testbed will be located at IRISET in Secunderabad and will be used to test and develop 5G-enabled applications for the railways.
▪ PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations as part of the Amrit Bharat Rail Station Scheme. The scheme aims to redevelop a total of 1309 railway stations across India.
▪ New Amravati station in Maharashtra has become the first pink station in Central Railways. The station has been renovated to make it more women-friendly.
There are currently 3 pink railway stations in India, all of which are located in the state of Maharashtra. They are: Matunga Railway Station in Mumbai Ajni Railway Station in Nagpur New Amravati Railway Station in Amravati New Amravati Railway Station (Amaravati, Maharashtra) became the 3rd station within Central Railway(CR) and the 1st station in the Bhusaval Division of CR to be designated as a Pink Station, fully managed by women staff.
▪ Shyam Sunder Gupta has taken over as the new Principal Chief Operations Manager of Central Railway. He is a retired Indian Railways officer with over 40 years of experience.
▪ Jaya Verma Sinha has become the first woman CEO and chairperson of the Railway Board. She is a retired Indian Railways officer with over 30 years of experience.
▪ Indian Railways is introducing a new type of train called the push-pull train to enhance the travel experience of its passengers. It will have a specially designed locomotive built by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) that will be connected to the train at each end.
▪ India is set to launch its first domestically produced hydrogen-powered train in 2023. The train, named Vande Metro, will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. This makes it a zero-emissions vehicle, unlike traditional diesel trains.
July 2023
▪ Recently, it has been announced that the name of Itwari Railway station has been changed to ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari’ station. It is located in Maharashtra.
▪ Recently, IIT, Kharagpur has partnered with Indian Railways to develop tamper-proof
signaling system based on blockchain technology.
▪ Recently, Manoj Yadav has been appointed as the new Director General of the Railway Protection Force.
▪ India and Bangladesh signed a contract for the installation of computer-based interlocking
signaling system for the Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line at Rail Bhaban, Dhaka.
▪ Recently, it was informed that the commercial production of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will begin at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited Uttarpara plant. It is in West Bengal.
▪ India’s oldest railway station (169 years old) Byculla railway station in central Mumbai, Maharashtra received the 2022 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Award of Merit).
June 2023
▪ French company Alstom has been selected as the lowest bidder for the manufacture and maintenance of 100 aluminum Vande Bharat trainsets, worth Rs 30,000 crore.
▪ The Northern Railway zone of the Indian Railways has named its diesel locomotives after the martyrs as a tribute to their indomitable spirit and valor.
▪ India has officially handed over the cross-border rail link connecting Jaynagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal to the Nepal government. The Jaynagar-Kurtha section forms a crucial part of the 68.7km Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardidas rail link, which was constructed with grant assistance of NPR 8.77 billion from the Government of India.
▪ In a collaborative effort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal jointly inaugurated the commencement of a freight train service. The service will operate from Bathnaha in India to Biratnagar in the Morang district of Nepal.
▪ Recently, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted the operation “Amanat”, for the retrieval of lost or left-behind luggage and valuable articles.
▪ Recently, Guwahati Railway Station became the first Railway Station under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to get the “Eat Right Station” certificate from FSSAI.
▪ India’s largest rail private coach factory has been inaugurated in Telangana.
▪ The Railway Ministry has recently approved a budget allocation of Rs 153.84 crores for the Agartala-Akhaura railway project. Spanning over a distance of 15 km, this railway link will connect Agartala in India to Akhaura in Bangladesh.
▪ Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from Rani Kamlapati railway station, Madhya Pradesh.
May 2023
▪ Chennai Metro Rail Limited has won the silver award in the carbon reduction category of the Green World Awards 2023.
▪ Recently, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Railways have signed a joint MoU with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for “Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail” (Project-SMART).
▪ According to recent information, the “One Station One Product” (OSOP) scheme of Indian Railways has covered 728 railway stations.
▪ Recently, REMC Ltd has set up the National Energy Management Centre (NEMC) for Indian Railways in New Delhi.
▪ Recently, Russia-Iran signed an agreement to build the Rasht-Astara railway line as part of an International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
▪ Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi virtually flagged off Uttarakhand’s first semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express train. It will connect Dehradun and New Delhi.
▪ Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi flagged off North East’s first Vande Bharat Express train from Guwahati.
April 2023
▪ At the Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express, which will run between Bhopal’s Rani Kamlapati Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station. This new addition to the Vande Bharat train fleet will be the 11th of its kind in the country.
▪ Japan has given its approval for Official Development Assistance (ODA) worth Rs. 5,509 crores for the construction of the Patna Metro Rail Project.
▪ Recently, Haryana became the first state in India to have a 100% electrified railway network.
▪ Recently, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has named its first semi-high-speed regional rail services as RAPIDX.
▪ In collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has launched the Singara Chennai Card (National Common Mobility Card) in recent development.
▪ Recently, Indian Railways has completed 170 years of its operation.
▪ The entire broad-gauge network of Uttarakhand has been 100% electrified by the Indian Railways, as recently announced.
▪ India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad bridge, has been completed in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, according to recent reports.
▪ Recently, the Bharat Gaurav Tourist train on Ambedkar Circuit was flagged off from New Delhi.
▪ According to recent reports, the first Vande Bharat Express train in Kerala, running between Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
March 2023
▪ The Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS) project has enabled Indian Railways to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for live tracking of trains.
▪ The world’s longest railway platform, stretching 1.5 kilometers, was recently inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Sri Siddhaarooda railway station in Karnataka.
▪ India has signed an agreement worth approximately Rs 3,000 crores with Japan for the construction of the Bandra Kurla Mumbai High-Speed Rail Station, which will be underground.
▪ The world’s highest railway bridge, located over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, will soon be operationalized. Its construction is currently underway.
▪ The government has identified 1275 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for the development of railway stations in India. The objective of the scheme is to prepare a master plan for railway stations and implement the master plan in a phased manner to enhance facilities.
▪ According to Railways and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the first bullet train in India will begin service in August 2026
▪ PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 13.7km Whitefield-KR Pura Metro Line in Bengaluru. This is the 2nd largest Metro network in India after Delhi Metro and Whitefield is the first tech corridor connected by Metro in Bengaluru.
February 2023
Indian Railway Current Affairs One Liners
▪ The Indian Railways has launched the Zoop food delivery facility on WhatsApp, enabling passengers to order meals on board trains.
▪ Recently, the South-Central Railway has completed the Vikarabad-Parli Vaijnath electrification project.
▪ The Ministry of Railways has given in-principle approval for the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project, which will run through three districts in Maharashtra.
▪ The Indian Railways has announced a special tour named “Garvi Gujarat” through its Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, which will depart from Delhi.
▪ India’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre will be built in Delhi.
▪ The International Union of Railways and Railway Protection Force (RPF) has organized the 18th World Security Congress 2023 in Jaipur. The theme of the World Security Congress 2023 is Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future
▪ BEML Limited signed an MoU with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) led SPV, for the construction of the Bahrain Metro Rail Project Phase-1.
▪ Recently, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced to launch of India’s first virtual shopping app for the metro “Momentum 2.0”.
▪ Recently, the Indian Railways and India Post have launched a joint parcel service –“Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service”.
▪ The Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone by completing the 100% electrification of its entire broad-gauge network in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
▪ The Indian Railways will launch the Guru Kripa Yatra from Lucknow under the Bharat Gaurav Trains.
▪ Recently, it was informed that the Churchgate railway station in Mumbai will be renamed after Sir CD Deshmukh.
▪ India’s first-ever Indigenous Automatic Train Supervision System (i-ATS) jointly developed by Delhi Metro (DMRC) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Two new Vande Bharat Express
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Mumbai.
▪ The Vande Bharat Express 2.0 trains will run between Mumbai and Solapur, and Mumbai and Sainagar Shirdi.
▪ The new trains are an upgraded version of the previous Vande Bharat Express.
▪ They are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, infotainment systems, and GPS-based passenger information systems.
▪ The trains also have improved safety features such as fire-retardant materials and emergency braking systems.
Vande Bharat Express coaches Manufacturing
▪ Coaches for semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express to be manufactured in Rae Bareli, Maharashtra’s Latur, and Haryana’s Sonipat.
▪ This move is part of the government’s Make in India initiative.
▪ Vande Bharat Express coaches will be fully indigenous and built using Indian technology.
Indi’s Hydrogen-Powered Train
▪ The first hydrogen train in India will be manufactured domestically and run on heritage circuits.
▪ The hydrogen train is expected to be operational by December 2023.
▪ The Kalka-Shimla route is likely to be the initial circuit for the hydrogen train.
Target Year
▪ Indian Railways aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2024.
Railway Operations
▪ The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently conducted a month-long nationwide Pan India Drive to crack down on the smuggling of narcotic products and human trafficking through the railway network. The operation was named “Narcos” for the drive against the smuggling of narcotic products and “AAHT” for the drive against human trafficking.
January 2023
▪ Recently, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Joka-Taratala stretch of the Joka-Esplanade Metro project in Kolkata, West Bengal.
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi also flagged off the eastern region’s first Vande Bharat Express in Bengal, connecting Howrah to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), virtually.
List of All Vande Bharat Express, Currently Operational ▪ 1 - New Delhi - Varanasi Vande Bharat Express ▪ 2 - New Delhi - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express ▪ 3 - Mumbai Central - Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express ▪ 4 - New Delhi - Amb Andaura Vande Bharat Express ▪ 5- MGR Chennai Central - Mysuru Vande Bharat Express ▪ 6- Bilaspur - Nagpur Vande Bharat Express ▪ 7- Howrah - New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express ▪ 8- Visakhapatnam - Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express ▪ 9- Mumbai CSMT- Solapur Vande Bharat Express ▪ 10- Mumbai CSMT - Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express
▪ The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the New Jalpaiguri Railway
Station to be developed at the cost of more than Rs 335 crore.
▪ Four New Railway Projects announced by PM Modi.
- The Boinchi-Shaktigarh third line
- The Dankuni-Chandanpur fourth line
- The Nimtita-New Farakka double line
- The Ambari Falakata-New Maynaguri-Gumanihat Doubling Project
▪ Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Ahmedabad -Delhi Gujarat Sampark
Kranti Express train has been renamed as Akshardham Express.
▪ Recently, the railway’s ministry has unveiled its five-pronged energy efficiency plan to become
carbon-neutral by 2030.
▪ Varanasi Cantt Railway Station from Uttar Pradesh has been awarded a five-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the FSSAI.
The other railway stations with ‘Eat Right Station’ certification include: ▪ Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station (Delhi) ▪ Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai) ▪ Mumbai Central Railway Station, (Mumbai) ▪ Vadodara Railway Station ▪ Chandigarh Railway Station ▪ Bhopal Railway Station.
▪ The Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay railway section in India, spanning 762 km, has achieved the distinction of being the lengthiest fully automatic block signaling section.
▪ Indian Railways has announced to launch of its Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train on the route connecting
Ayodhya in India and Janakpur in Nepal.
▪ Visakhapatnam Railway Station has received the “Green Railway Station Certification” with the highest Platinum rating.
▪ Naresh Lalwani has been appointed as the new General Manager of the Central Railways.
