Indian Railways Reduces Advance Booking Period

Indian Railways will reduce the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This change aims to make tickets more accessible to genuine travelers by addressing the high cancellation rates—21% of bookings made between 61 to 120 days were canceled, and 5% of passengers did not cancel or travel.

The shorter ARP will help Indian Railways better plan special trains during peak seasons. Certain trains like the Taj Express and Gomti Express will maintain their current booking windows, and the 365-day ARP for foreign tourists will stay the same. Existing bookings made before October 31, 2024, will remain valid.

Indian Railways encourages passengers to plan their trips within the new 60-day period to ensure a smoother booking experience and reduce the chances of ticket hoarding.

Read the press release here
https://shorturl.at/Y4w2w

Which train has the highest priority?

Indian Railways has a defined order of priority for trains, and trains with lower priority have to give way, or wait for higher priority trains. Previously, Rajdhani had the highest priority. But now it has moved to second place. Here is the current priority list:

1. Vande Bharat
2. Rajdhani
3. Tejas
4. Duronto
5. Shatabdi
6. Gatiman
7. Garib Rath
8. Jan Shatabdi
10. Superfast Mail / Express
11. Mail/Express

So now you know.. Vande Bharat is the current top priority train :)

The 'One India - One Ticket' campaign

The 'One India - One Ticket' campaign The 'One India - One Ticket' program has been launched by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) with the goal of improving travel convenience for Main Line Railway and Metro passengers in Delhi NCR. Through the IRCTC website and mobile app, travelers can now book Delhi Metro QR Code-based tickets in accordance with Indian Railways' Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Travel planning can be made with ease and flexibility since tickets are available for booking up to 120 days in advance and have a four-day validity period.

Key features of the new system include:
Advanced booking:
Metro tickets can now be reserved up to 120 days in advance, aligning with Indian Railways' advance reservation period.

Extended validity:
DMRC tickets will be valid for four days, offering flexibility to travellers.

Seamless integration:
Railway passengers can book Delhi Metro tickets alongside their train tickets, either at the source or destination station within the Delhi/NCR region.

Flexible cancellations:
The system allows for easy cancellations, enhancing user convenience.

Once the DMRC ticket is purchased by the railway passenger, one DMRC QR code per passenger will be printed/available in the electronic reservation slip of IRCTC.

FSSAI Certified Eat Right Stations

The Food Safety And Standards Authority of India has released a list of Eat Right Stations. The "Eat Right Station" certification process involves rigorous audits of food vendors, training of food handlers, adherence to strict hygiene and sanitation protocols and efforts to raise awareness among individuals to make informed food choices. Stations that meet these stringent criteria are awarded the "Eat Right Station" certification. This will help passengers to decide which station is safe to have food from.

Click here to view and search the list

http://bit.ly/3KUyHEl

Kavach Anti-Train Collision System: Successful 160 kmph Trial and Future Implementation in Indian Railways

In a recent trial on the Palwal-Mathura section, the indigenous Kavach anti-train collision system, developed by RDSO, demonstrated promising results. Installed on a WAP-5 semi-high-speed engine, the system autonomously applied brakes when the driver didn't respond to a red signal, halting the train 30 meters before the signal. The successful trial aims to enhance operational safety, and the Indian Railways plans to implement the Kavach system network-wide, focusing on WAP-5 locomotives capable of 160 kmph speeds.

The Agra Division has already established a Kavach network on an 80-km stretch between Mathura and Palwal. The Delhi-Agra stretch is currently the only part of the rail network allowing speeds up to 160 kmph. The Kavach system is operational in three sections covering a 1,465-km route and in 139 locomotives in South Central Railway, contributing to safety and efficiency, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Station with maximum platforms

Howrah Junction, located in Kolkata, holds the distinction of being the railway station with the most platforms in India. With a staggering 23 platforms, it serves as a crucial transportation hub and accommodates over a million passengers daily. Established in 1854, the station stands not just as a nexus of Indian railways but also as a testament to India's rich railway history. Its splendid surroundings, including the iconic Howrah Bridge and the serene Hooghly River, add a unique charm to every journey commencing or ending at this station.

Grand Central Terminal, New York, US with a staggering 44 platforms has the maximum platforms in the world.

Tips for Train Travel During Festivals in India

Festivals in India are synonymous with vibrant colors, delectable food, and a surge in travel as people journey to meet loved ones or celebrate at iconic locations. The Indian Railways, often described as the country's lifeline, witnesses a substantial increase in passengers during these festive periods. While the anticipation of the celebration is exciting, the accompanying rush can be overwhelming, especially for those traveling by train. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey.

Booking tickets well in advance is a must, given the high demand. Most train reservations in India open 120 days before the travel date - make use of this to avoid last-minute hassles. Also, remember to choose your seats wisely; lower berths are generally more comfortable, especially for long journeys. Indian Railways provides facilities like mobile charging points and bedding on long-distance trains, but carrying your own power bank and a light blanket might prove handy. Lastly, keep an eye on your luggage and avoid leaving it unattended. Enjoy the journey, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Oldest Railway Station in India

Royapuram is the oldest surviving railway station in India. Opened in 1856, this Chennai landmark still stands proud, symbolizing an era when railways began transforming the face of Indian transportation.

Royapuram's charming colonial architecture takes you back in time, reminding us of the days when steam locomotives ruled the tracks. Despite urbanization and modernization sweeping across Chennai, Royapuram Railway Station remains a cherished historical gem, a testament to India's impressive railway legacy.

Book Early for Diwali!

Bookings for Diwali have officially begun! To ensure a seamless travel experience during the celebrations, we've opened reservations 120 days in advance. This year Diwali falls on November 12th, 2023, and we're here to make your journey to visit loved ones, vacation spots, or new destinations as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Make the most of your preferred travel dates and train choices by booking early through our user-friendly railway app. Our dedicated team is committed to offering top-notch service and our customer support is available 24/7 for any assistance. With high demand for Diwali travel dates, don't delay. Secure your seats, make your travel plans now, and look forward to a delightful journey. Wishing you a prosperous and joyous Diwali in advance!

First Ever Indian-made Hydrogen Train Coming Soon!

Our honorable Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced something spectacular - India's first hydrogen-powered train! And the cherry on top? It's going to be designed and manufactured right here in our homeland!

Say hello to the future, meet the 'Vande Metro'! Scheduled to hit the tracks by December 2023, it's set to revolutionize our journey experiences, taking eco-friendly travel to new heights.

What's more, it's going to roll out on our most beloved, historic, narrow-gauge routes. From the ethereal landscapes of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, to the scenic vistas of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, to the captivating Kalka Shimla Railway and beyond!

Wonder what these marvels might look like? Well, we've tapped into the power of AI to bring you a sneak peek into this exciting future!

New Rule: No travel with RAC in Garib Rath trains

Passengers will no longer get RAC seats in Garib Rath trains. The Railway Board has taken this major decision after continuous complaints from passengers traveling with RAC tickets in Garib Rath train. Now only confirmed seats will be given in the Garib Rath Express train.

There are a total of 9 seats in a compartment of Garib Rath Express train, while there are only 8 seats in a compartment of other trains. The bogies of this train have 3 seats on the side, while the rest of the trains have only two seats on the side. In such a situation, 3 passengers traveling with RAC ticket were allotted only one seat on the side. Due to which the passengers were forced to travel at night with their heads bowed, due to which they had to face many physical problems like neck pain, back pain.

According to the information given by the Railway Board, instructions have been issued to all the concerned departments to abolish the provision of RAC in Garib Rath Express train.

Happy Diwali

In anything we do, any endeavour, it's a great success because of you. Thanks a lot for your loyalty and support. Wishing you a happy Diwali. Have a wonderful year ahead.

Indian Railways to provide bedrolls in AC 3 tier economy coach from this week

In a move that will benefit the passengers travelling in the economy class of the third AC economy class coaches, Indian Railways has decided to provide bedrolls to the passengers from this week according to various reports. At present Indian Railways provides bed rolls free of cost only in AC First Class, AC 2-tier sleeper and AC 3-tier sleeper - comprising of one blanket, one pillow, 2 bed sheets and one face towel.

The report also mentioned that berth no 81,82 and 83 will be used for keeping linens as there is no provision for keeping bedrolls in AC 3 tier economy coach and the passengers who have booked their seats in those three berths will be shifted to an appropriate coach under the emergency quota.

First private train flagged off from Coimbatore

India's first private train, under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme, started its maiden service from Coimbatore North Station of Tamil Nadu to Sainagar Shirdi of Maharashtra, on Tuesday, June 14, at 6 pm.

This private train is being operated by a firm named South Star Rail.

This train will stop at Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam and Wadi. Onwards to Shirdi, train will stop at Mantralayam for five hours long, to facilitate the darshan of the famous temple in the town.

The rates are on par with regular train ticket rates charged by Indian Railways and provide exclusive VIP Darshan at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Tourists can opt for either train ticket fare or package. Ticket charges for the sleeper, third class AC, second class AC, and first class AC are Rs 2500, Rs 5000, Rs 7000, and Rs 10,000 respectively. The package fare is about Rs 4,999, Rs 7,999, Rs 9,999 and Rs 12,999 respectively.

There will be a Train Captain, a doctor, private security personnel, along with the Railway Police Force on board. Electricians, AC mechanics and fire and safety officers are also deployed onboard.

The smoke-free coaches have high bass speakers and a Radio Jockey on board to play devotional songs, spiritual stories, and live interviews.

Railways increases online ticket booking limit

From now on, railway passengers can book more tickets! In a bid to facilitate passengers, Indian Railways has decided to increase the limit of ticket bookings.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Railways, the national transporter has increased the limit of ticket booking of maximum six tickets in a month to 12 tickets by a user ID which is not Aadhaar linked and has also increased the limit of ticket booking of maximum 12 tickets in a month to 24 tickets by a user ID which is linked to Aadhaar and that one of the rail passengers in the ticket to be booked is verifiable through Aadhaar.

Get the mask on, or get fined

Central Railways has intensified the drive against persons not wearing face masks in trains and platforms in accordance with Government guidelines. On December 26, 190 persons were apprehended for not wearing masks at Central Railway stations and fines worth INR 35,150 were realised from them.

In December 2021 (up to December 26), an aggregate of 1,710 persons have been found not wearing masks and INR.2.6 lakh fine was realised.

During the period April 17 to November 30, special teams of ticket checking personnel detected and penalized a total of 26,725 cases of passengers not wearing masks/face covers as per COVID-19 guidelines. These were detected and an amount of INR 43.97 lakhs was realized as a fine. The breakup of fines realised can be understood as below:

• Mumbai Division - 2,628 cases and INR 5.13 lakh fine realised
• Bhusaval Division - 12,808 cases and INR 15.02 lakh fine realised
• Nagpur Division - 6,591 cases and IN R13.18 lakh fine realised
• Solapur Division - 2,118 cases and INR 4.56 lakh fine realised
• Pune Division - 2,580 cases and INR 6.09 lakh fine realised

Ticket Booking : Now available

Now featuring fast & easy ticket booking, with zero-fee cancellation option.

Tap on 'Book Train Tickets' in home screen to start.

75 Vande Bharat trains to connect every corner of India in 75 weeks

While addressing the nation on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that during the75 weeks of Amrit Mahotsav of the nation's Independence, as many as 75 Vande Bharat Express trains will connect every corner of the country.

Manufactured under the Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative, Vande Bharat Express is India's first semi high speed train, that boasts several world class passenger amenities. The state-of-the-art Vande Bharat train set has various ultra modern features and facilities such as quick acceleration, automatic sliding doors, on board infotainment, passenger information system based on Global Positioning System (GPS), vacuum bio toilets with zero discharge, retractable footsteps, etc. The Vande Bharat train can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph. The coaches of this semi high speed train set have a regenerative braking system, which can save electrical energy of up to 30 per cent.

South India's first train with Vistadome coach fully booked

Vistadome coaches for the first time in SWR are introduced on the picturesque Yesvantpur - Mangaluru Jn route! Take a look at the exciting features of the coach:

Meet the new railway minister