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Modi, Hasina to Inaugurate Railway and Power Projects

Akhaura-Agartala new railway line (5.05 km in India and 10.014 km in Bangladesh) will link Bangladesh’s railway station Akhaura through an international immigration station at Nischintapur in western Tripura…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina are likely to jointly inaugurate two railway projects and a mega power plant on November 1, officials said here on Sunday.

A government official said that Modi and Hasina is likely jointly virtually inaugurate the 1320 MW generation capacity Maitree Super Thermal Power project at Rampal in Bangladesh’s Khulna division, 15.064 km long Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (Tripura, India) rail link project, 86.87 km long Khulna-Mongla port rail line project.

Akhaura-Agartala new railway line (5.05 km in India and 10.014 km in Bangladesh) will link Bangladesh’s railway station Akhaura through an international immigration station at Nischintapur in western Tripura.

Funded by India, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is the nodal agency of the Rs 1,000 crore Agartala-Akhaura railway project, which was finalised in January 2010 when Bangladesh Prime Minister met then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during her visit to New Delhi.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project, which is a dual gauge station for both passenger and goods interchange between India and Bangladesh would enable people of the northeastern states, especially Tripura, and southern part of Assam and Mizoram, can go to Kolkata by rail saving 22 hours of travel time.

Currently, the people of the region, especially those in Tripura and its adjoining areas, go to Kolkata via Guwahati by rail, spending more than 38 hours.

The US 2 billion dollar 1320 MW generation capacity Maitree Super Thermal Power project at Rampal, with two units of 560 MW each, was constructed under the concessional financing scheme of India.

It is being built by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Private Ltd (BIFPCL) which is a 50:50 Joint Venture Company between India’s National Thermal Power Company Limited (NTPC) and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

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Are you aware of these Indian railway rules?

7 major Indian railway rules you must know.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

There’s a very important rule regarding the middle berth of an Indian Railways train. The middle berths are the ones that are positioned between the upper and lower berths and need to be folded down from the ceiling…Lothungbeni Humtsoe

The Indian Railways, which was founded 177 years ago, is considered to be one of the largest rail networks in the world. The length of rail routes across the country was last estimated to be around over 68,000 kilometers, providing passengers with convenient travel across India.

“On a daily basis, it is reported that around 23 million passengers travel by train in India, making railways a major source of commuting. However, in order to ensure smooth travel to places, it is important for passengers to know about some of the important rules set by the Indian railways,” Sripad Vaidya – Co-Founder and COO – ConfirmTkt said. Checkout Indian railway rules that have been placed to ensure the safety of the passengers and their overall convenience:

Pulling the alarm chain in a running train

If you’ve travelled on a train in India, there’s a big chance that you might have seen emergency alarm chains placed near the doors of each coach. While almost everyone may have had the urge to pull the chain at some time or the other, pulling it might get you in a lot of trouble. Indian railway rules state that the alarm chain is only required to be pulled in case of an emergency, such as a medical emergency, a threat to passenger safety, an accident, or if a child, elderly or disabled person, or companion has missed the train.

You can extend your journey while travelling

There are often times when a passenger may not get the reservation for their original destination due to the unavailability of tickets during peak seasons. However, Indian Railways have got their passengers covered with one rule. The passenger can book a ticket for a destination before the actual one if he or she gets the ticket. Then, while travelling, they can choose to go to the TTE and extend the journey by paying an extra fair. In return, the TTE can issue a ticket for the forward journey, however, it may be for a different seat.

The middle-berth rule

There’s a very important rule regarding the middle berth of an Indian Railways train. The middle berths are the ones that are positioned between the upper and lower berths and need to be folded down from the ceiling. The rule suggests that passengers cannot fold down the middle berth during the day as the lower and upper berths are used as seats. Passengers can only sleep on the middle berth from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. In case a passenger exceeds the time limit, the lower berth passenger has the right to tell you not to.

The two-stops rule in case you miss the train

Often, there may be unfortunate incidents wherein a passenger may miss boarding the train for the original boarding station. However, in order to give the passengers a fair chance, the Two-Stops rule suggests that the ticket collector cannot just transfer the seat to another passenger. At least not for another hour or until the train passes the next two stops of the overall journey.

Passengers can’t be disturbed after 10 p.m.

A train journey can be a long one and in order for it to be enjoyable and not burdensome, it is a must that passengers aren’t disturbed during the travel. In general, the passengers cannot be disturbed after 10 p.m., and this is why even the TTE needs to check the tickets before the stipulated time. Another rule is that all lights in the coach, except the night lights need to be switched off so that the passengers can rest properly. This is why even the food served on trains cannot be served after 10 p.m.

Indian Railways.

Fixed price of packaged food items sold in train

In case you travel in buses or airplanes, you must have noticed that the prices of products are often much more than their actual MRPS. Well, not in trains under Indian Railways. The governing body has fixed rules regarding the pricing of packaged food items such as snacks, meals, and beverages on trains. This is to ensure that the passengers are not overcharged and that the products meet certain quality standards. In case a vendor is found to do such unethical practices, he can be reported after which he may be charged a heft penalty or may see his license getting canceled.

Avoid making loud sounds on the train

The Indian railways have put up serious guidelines for passengers who are looking to travel in trains and the prohibition of loud sounds on a train is one. In order to avoid disturbing passengers, all travellers are expected to keep a check on noise levels. If you are watching a video or listening or music on your phone or any other device, it is advised that you keep the volume low or use a pair of headphones or earphones. It is also advised to keep your voice down on a phone call so as not to disturb other passengers who are either resting or sleeping. The rule was placed when the Indian railways received multiple complaints against people who created a nuisance for other passengers. On-board Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE), catering staff, and other railway personnel are usually tasked to guide people in following the rules.

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Economy India News

Capital outlay for railways pegged at Rs 2.40 lakh cr, highest ever

Anu Menon.

The government will also launch a sub-scheme of the existing PM Matsya scheme to improve value chain efficiencies, she said…reports Asian Lite News

The government proposed a capital outlay of about Rs 2.40 lakh crore for railways, said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday while presenting the Union Budget 2023-24 in Lok Sabha.

This budgeted outlay for the railways, Sitharaman told Parliament, is the highest ever and nine times of what it was in 2013. Overall, the government proposed to increase capital expenditure outlay by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore in 2023-24, which would be 3.3 per cent of the GDP, said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

“(This overall outlay) would be 3.3 per cent of GDP, almost three times the outlay made in 2019-20. With the substantial increase, it is central to government’s efforts to enhance growth potential and job creation, the crowd in private investments and provides a cushion against global headwinds,” Sitharaman said in her Budget speech.

Further, the government proposes to increase the agricultural credit target to Rs 20 lakh crore with a focus on animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, Sitharaman told Parliament. The agriculture sector of the country has been growing at an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent in the last six years.

The government will also launch a sub-scheme of the existing PM Matsya scheme to improve value chain efficiencies, she said.

Sitharaman started her Budget speech at 11 am, the last full Budget of the Modi government in its second term. Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 is also presented in paperless form.

This year’s Budget holds much significance as the country is scheduled to have the next Lok Sabha election in April-May 2024.

As per established tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with ministers of state Pankaj Chaudhary and Bhagwat Karad and Finance Secretary T V Somanathan called on President Droupadi Murmu.

This is the fifth budget presentation by Sitharaman.

The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President’s address, subsequently tabling the Economic Survey for 2022-23. The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year (2023-24) commenced on October 10.

The Economic Survey, tabled in the Parliament on Tuesday, noted India’s GDP is expected to grow in the range of 6 to 6.8 per cent in the coming financial year 2023-24. This is in comparison to the estimated 7 per cent this fiscal and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22. (ANI)

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India News

Wi-Fi available at all 15 railway stations in Valley

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said that Wi-Fi plays a significant role in connecting the people, and is bridging the digital divide between rural and urban India at a rapid pace…reports Asian Lite News.

All 15 Kashmir Valley Railway Stations, including Srinagar, have now got integrated with 6021 Station Wi-Fi Network of Indian Railways, the Ministry of Railways informed on Sunday.

Public Wi-Fi, provided under the brand name of RailWire, is available at 15 stations (Baramula, Hamre, Pattan, Mazhom, Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Avantipura, Panzgam, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Sadura, Qazigund, Banihal) of UT of Kashmir which are spread out in four District HQs – Srinagar, Budgaon, Banihal and Qazigund.

Wi-fi was already available at 15 stations in the Union Territory of Jammu -Kathua, Budhi, Chhan Arorian, Hira Nagar, Ghagwal, Samba, Vijaypur, Bari Brahman, Jammu Tawi, Bajalta, Sangar, Manwal, Ram Nagar, read the release by the Ministry of Railways.

RailTel was entrusted by the Ministry of Railways to provide public Wi-Fi at all the Railway stations. The vision was to convert the Railway platform into a platform for digital inclusion. Today, the Wi-Fi Network is spread over 6000+ Railway stations across the country and this is one of the largest integrated wi-fi network in the world.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said that Wi-Fi plays a significant role in connecting the people, and is bridging the digital divide between rural and urban India at a rapid pace.

“Indian Railways, in association with its RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, is playing a key role in bringing high-speed Wi-Fi to every corner of the country. Today, on World Wi-Fi Day, I am delighted to announce that Srinagar and 14 stations of the Kashmir Valley have become a part of one the largest integrated public Wi-Fi network in the world connecting 6000+ stations across the country.”

“With this, all the stations of Valley now have public Wi-Fi. It is a crucial step for Digital India mission and will go a long way in connecting the unconnected. I convey my appreciation to the team Indian Railways and RailTel, which has worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable feat.”

Commending Indian Railways for achieving this commendable feat, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today Wi-Fi is playing an important role in connecting communities and spurring innovative solutions to help bridge the digital divide.

Union Minister of Railways and Commerce, Piyush Goyal (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

“Owing to the pandemic, the need to be virtually connected is higher than ever. Indian Railways is playing a significant role in bridging the rural divide through the station Wi-Fi network created by its CPSU RailTel. I am very happy to note that 15 stations in the Kashmir Valley in Jammu & Kashmir are now live with RailWire Wi-Fi. This will be an added amenity for the people of the region and the country. I wish everyone a very Happy World Wi-Fi day,” he said.

RailWire Wi-Fi at stations is helping to connect the unconnected as more than 5,000 stations of this public Wi-Fi network are located in rural India with poor connectivity, read the release.

Indian Railways is working towards transforming railway stations into a digital hub by providing public Wi-Fi at railway stations across the country and 6021 stations are live with RailTel’s RailWire Wi-Fi, informed the Railways ministry. (ANI)

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India News Travel

India’s oldest train Punjab Mail turns 110

She steamed out of Bombay’s Ballard Pier Mole station — which was the hub of the erstwhile Great Indian Peninsular Railways (GIPR), that later became the CR…reports Asian Lite News.

The oldest running long-distance train of the Indian Railways, Punjab Mail, connecting Mumbai-Firozpur — originally linking Bombay with Peshawar (now in Pakistan) — turned 110 on Tuesday, Central Railway officials said.

The Punjab Limited as she was called then, is a little over 16 years older than its more glamorous counterpart Frontier Mail, though its origins are rather vague.

She steamed out of Bombay’s Ballard Pier Mole station — which was the hub of the erstwhile Great Indian Peninsular Railways (GIPR), that later became the CR.

Based on a Cost Estimate paper of 1911 and a complaint by an irate passenger in Oct. 2012 about “the later arrival of the train by a few minutes at Delhi” station, the CR concluded that the Punjab Mail made her maiden run on June 1, 1912.

To begin with, there were the P&O steamers bringing in the mail, and excited officers of the British Raj along with their spouses, coming to their first postings in colonial India after a 13-day long sea voyage from Southampton to Mumbai Port.

Since the British officials held a combined ticket both for the sea voyage to Bombay and then onward inland journey by train to their place of postings, after disembarking they would simply board one of the trains from here bound for Delhi, Calcutta or Madras.

The Punjab Limited used to run on fixed mail days from Bombay to Peshawar covering 2,496 kms in around 47 hours along the Great Indian Peninsular route, via Itarsi, Agra, Delhi and Lahore.

At that time, it had only 3 passenger cars with a total capacity of 96 travellers, three for postal goods and mail, and was the fastest running train in the British India.

The passenger coaches were all corridor cars in first class, dual berth compartments, and well-appointed with lavatories, bathrooms, a restaurant car, a compartment for the luggage and servants of the British officers.

Later, from 1914, the Punjab Limited started originating and terminating at the Bombay VT Station, now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today, the journey time of Punjab Mail, hauled by electric engines, has come down significantly, covering the 1,930 kms between Mumbai CSMT-Firozpur Cantt in 34 hrs 15 mins.

12138 Punjab Mail (Wikipedia)

Compared to the original 6 cars of the Punjab Limited, Punjab Mail now has 9 air-conditioned coaches, 6 sleeper coaches, 5 general second class coaches, a pantry and a generator van.

By mid-1930s, it also started catering to the Indians on the move in Third class cars, it got the first air-conditioned coach in 1945 , from May 1976, it was hauled by diesel engines, and by 1980s with electric engines as a large part of the trunk routes on the IR network got electrified.

From December 2020, the Punjab Mail started its journey with the German-designed Alstom LHB GmbH’s Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches which give more safety and a pleasant travel experience to the passengers.

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