Short-distance train services to be expanded with 100 EMUs, announces Ashwini Vaishnaw for convenient travel.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Lays Out Rail Overhaul Plans in Haryana
In a bold move to revamp India's rail infrastructure, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a series of transformative initiatives during a recent event at the Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar, Haryana.
While inaugurating India's largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal, the minister announced the introduction of 100 mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, each featuring 16 or 20 coaches. These EMUs, scheduled for production at a new factory in Kazipet, aim to revolutionize short-distance commutes. Although a precise timeline hasn't been specified, the minister hinted at these trains being part of a long-term strategy to enhance passenger services.
To go a step further, Vaishnaw announced the addition of 50 NaMo Bharat AC passenger trains, following a favorable response from passengers. Previously, two trains were successfully deployed between Ahmedabad-Bhuj and Patna-Jaynagar. With a total of 150 new passenger trains in the pipeline, Indian Railways is taking strides to enhance passenger rail services.
In tandem with these initiatives, the minister outlined the development of Amrit Bharat Stations. So far, 1300 stations have been approved, with 103 already completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bikaner. The minister mentioned that 100 more Amrit Stations are slated to be completed by December 2025, with an additional 500 stations expected to be finished by 2026.
During his address, Vaishnaw touched upon the issue of bots being used to block "Tatkal" tickets, India's government-run quota for last-minute railway reservations. From July 1st, only those passengers who have completed their Know Your Customer (KYC) process will be eligible for "Tatkal" bookings, while at the booking window, identity verification will be mandatory. Moreover, the minister highlighted an improvement implemented in the Bikaner division of showing the reservation chart 24 hours in advance, instead of the previous 4-hour window, receiving positive feedback from passengers.
These announcements suggest that Indian Railways is committed to advancing its services for both passengers and freight, with a comprehensive modernization strategy underway. 📈🚂💼
[1] Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Introduction of 100 New EMUs: NDTV[2] Railways to Show Reservation Charts 24 Hours Earlier, Amends Tatkal Ticket Policy: Financial Express[3] Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Declares 50 New Bharat Trains for Railways: The Indian Express[4] Indian Railways to Introduce 50 More Bharat Trains: The Times of India[5] Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces 100 New EMUs, 50 More Bharat Trains, and Development of Amrit Stations: Business Standard
- Financial news outlets, such as The Indian Express, The Times of India, and Business Standard, have reported on Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's announcement of the introduction of 100 new Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and 50 more NaMo Bharat AC passenger trains, aimed at revolutionizing rail services in India.
- As part of the industry news, NDTV covered the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's unveiling of plans to enhance transportation in India, including the development of Amrit Bharat Stations, with a goal of completing 100 more Amrit Stations by December 2025.
