News Analysis India

Tag: Railway Board

  • Indian Railways extends Covid SOPs for six more months; fine for not wearing masks Rs 500

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Railways will keep imposing fines of up to Rs 500 on those found without face masks on its premises, the Railway Board said on Thursday, extending the practice which began in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

    According to an order issued by the board, the penalty was supposed to be in place till September but has now been extended for another six months.

    Through an order issued on April 17, the Railway Board had informed the zones to ensure that everybody wore face masks or face covers on railway premises, including trains.

    ​ALSO READ | Over 93.94 crore Covid vaccine doses sent to states, UTs so far: Government

    It had asked the zones to impose fines up to Rs 500 under the Indian Railways (Penalties for Activities Affecting Cleanliness at Railway Premises) Rules, 2012 on those found without such masks.

    The penalty shall be imposed by authorised railway officials, it had said in the order.

    “Now, the matter has been reviewed and it has now been decided that the validity of the said instruction is further extended by six (6) months i.e. up to 16.04.2022 or till further instructions issued in this regard,” the Railway Board’s order issued on Thursday said.

  • Railway board will increase fares from 6 January, trains will start operating on these routes

    The Railways has started the exercise to operate trains on the long and closed local routes of Corona crisis. At the moment only some trains are being tried. According to information received from Raipur Railway Board, the Railway Board has decided to increase the fare of special and local trains. If passengers travel in these trains, then they will have to spend more money than before. Not only here, only passengers with reservation will be able to travel on this train. Reservations can now be made online.

    Railways is also trying to operate local trains for Raipur and Durg cities. Apart from this, Railways have started operating new trains for Jammu and Kashmir and Udhampur. That is, now you do not have to bother to go on this route. The passengers of Patna, Raipur, Durg, Varanasi, Ajmer and New Delhi will get the most benefit from operating this train.

    During the Corona period, trains were completely closed for the entire country for about 6 months. After this, special trains started operating on a limited route under unlock. Now preparations are being made to operate trains on other necessary routes.

  • Bengal government letter to railway board, metro and local train can be started

    Kolkata. The West Bengal government has written to the Railway Board saying that metro and local train services can be started in a limited manner by following the protocols related to health safety in the state . The government has asked the board to arrange all the necessary equipment for smooth operation of services.
    State Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Railway Board saying, “It is to bring to your notice that the State Government is of the view that the metro and local in Bengal, following the rules of social distance and health cleanliness protocol Train services can be started in a limited way.

    The letter sent to the board on Friday said that the state government should be consulted regarding the modalities and equipment required to ensure smooth operation before resuming services.

    Significantly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that her government made up its mind to allow one-fourth of suburban train services and metro rail services to operate with adequate safety protocols, including following the social distance rule from September

  • Chairman, Railway Board conducts review meeting with Central Railway and Western Railway

    Chairman Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani held a review meeting regarding all the ongoing and future projects with General Manager, Central Railway, Shri D.K. Sharma and General Manager, Western Railway, Shri A.K. Gupta, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai today.  Shri Ashwani Lohani also held discussions with Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) regarding capacity enhancement works under Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), particularly Diva-Thane and Kurla-Parel 5th and 6th lines.  On this occasion, Principal Heads of Departments of Central, Western Railways and MRVC were present. Presentation was given on various developmental works by Divisional Railway Managers Mumbai, Mumbai Central and also Director MRVC. Shri Ashwani Lohani also addressed Press and Media at the Heritage Hall before inspecting the station.

    Shri Ashwani Lohani first inaugurated the Self Ticketing Zone at the Suburban booking concourse (Star Chamber) where one can buy tickets through CoTVM, ATVM and QR code. Besides, Shri Lohani interacted with the UTS App booth staff popularising the app amongst the commuters. Mobile charging station was also inaugurated at CSMT main line concourse.  The mobile charging station supports 12 direct charging and 8 USB charging points. Such stations will be provided at CSMT (total 7 stations), Dadar -4 and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus -5 soon.

    Shri Ashwani Lohani also inaugurated the child helpline 1098 day and night helpdesk at CSMT where destitute and run away kids are after identification sent to their homes back or to the shelter homes as the case may be.  Such helpdesks are available at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Kalyan. Shri Lohani also met Ms. Rekha Mishra, who has rescued and united hundreds of destitute and runaway kids.  Shri Lohani also met outstanding sports persons of Central Railway and appreciated their contribution to the Nation.

    General Manager, Central Railway, Shri D.K. Sharma then gave a presentation on the Self Propelled Inspection Car (SPIC) which has been converted from Diesel Power Car. Shri Lohani also inspected the 250th periodical overhauled (POH) Siemens EMU train.  This POH is done by Matunga Workshop by replacing all conventional lights with LED, Screen Printing of instructions, Aluminium chequered plate on doorways, Polyurethane (PU) painting and intensive cleaning of the rake.  Shri Lohani also inspected the passenger facilitation centre, signage board (you are here map) at CSMT.  The facilitation centre is equipped with all basic amenities such as wheel chair, stretcher, battery operated cars, etc.

    During the meeting with branch managers of Mumbai Division, Chairman enquired from officers whether they regularly meet their staff or not.  Shri Lohani reiterated the need to look after the well-being and welfare of the staff.  Shri Lohani also enquired about the result of decentralisation of many powers.  The feedback of staff was very encouraging.  There has been remarkable momentum in execution of works due to decentralisation of powers.  Shri Lohani also encouraged officers to come up with innovative ideas without any hesitation and fear for the betterment of the organisation.