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indian railways

Indian Railways is a state-owned railway company, responsible for rail transport in India. It is owned and operated by the Government of India through the Ministry of Railways. It is one of the world's largest railway networks, comprising 115,000 km of track and 8,000 stations.

Indian Railways History

Railways were first introduced to India in the year 1853 from Mumbai to Thane. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit, the Indian Railways, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. Indian Railways operates both long distance and suburban rail systems on a multi-gauge network of broad, metre and narrow gauges. It also has international connectivity to Bangladesh (with Bangladesh Railway) and Pakistan (with Pakistan Railways). Indian Railways also owns locomotive and coach production facilities at several places in India.

Indian Railways Customer Care Number

The customer care number for Indian Railways is 139 for information and assistance related to railway reservations, train schedules, fare enquiries, and other services. Additionally, customers can also contact Indian Railways through the following numbers:

0755-6610661 (For Complaints and Suggestions)
0755-4090600 (For Security)
0755-3934141 (For Catering Services)
0755-6610661 (For Online Ticket Refund)

How to Check Indian Railways Train Schedule?

There are several ways to check Indian Railways train schedule:

Online: Visit Indian Railways official website, www.irctc.co.in, to check train schedules, availability, and fare information.
Mobile app: Download Indian Railways mobile app "IRCTC Connect" to check train schedules, book tickets, and check PNR status.
SMS: You can check Indian Railways train schedule by sending an SMS to 139. The format for the SMS is "TRAIN <Train Number>" and you will receive the schedule for the train in return.
Enquiry counters: Indian Railways have enquiry counters at all major railway stations where you can check train schedule and other information.
Phone call: You can check Indian railways train schedule by calling the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) at 139. The service is available in English and Hindi.

How IRCTC Bookings work?

There are several ways to book Indian Railways (IRCTC) tickets:

Online: Visit Indian Railways official website, www.irctc.co.in, to book tickets online. You will need to create an account on the website to book tickets. Once you have created an account, you can search for trains, check availability, and book tickets.
Mobile app: Can also book Indian Railways tickets through mobile app "IRCTC Connect".
Reservation counters: Indian Railways have reservation counters at all major railway stations where you can book tickets.

How to check Indian Railways PNR status?

Indian Railways PNR is a 10-digit number that is provided to you at the time of booking the ticket. This number can be found on the top-left corner of the printed ticket or on the confirmation message received by email/SMS if you booked the ticket online. There are several ways to check Indian Railways PNR status:

Go to Indian Railways official website - www.irctc.co.in to check PNR status.
Open Indian Railways mobile app "IRCTC Connect" to check PNR status.
You can check Indian Railways PNR status by sending an SMS to 139. SMS "PNR <PNR Number>" and you will receive the PNR status.
You can check Indian railways PNR status by calling customer care at 139.
Go to the Indian Railways enquiry counters at the railway stations to check PNR status.

What are India Railways Ticket Cancellation charges?

The Indian Railways ticket cancellation charges vary depending on the type of ticket, the class of travel, and the time of cancellation.

IRCTC Confirmed Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled between 48 hours and 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 25% of the fare will be charged.
If the ticket is cancelled within 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 50% of the fare will be charged.

For IRCTC RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and Waitlisted Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged.

IRCTC Tatkal Tickets

If the ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a flat cancellation fee of Rs 240 will be charged per passenger.
If the ticket is cancelled within 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, a cancellation fee of 25% of the fare will be charged.
Please note that the refund amount will be credited to the account used to make the booking after deducting the cancellation charges. Also, some service charges and GST will be applicable on top of the above-mentioned cancellation charges.

Indian Railways Recruitment

Indian Railways is the fourth-largest employer in the world, with over 1.4 million employees. Indian Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) regularly recruits for various positions such as clerks, ticket collectors, engineers, and managers. The recruitment process typically involves a written examination and an interview. Candidates can visit the official website of RRB (indianrailways.gov.in) for more information on current and upcoming recruitment opportunities. You can also follow TOI Jobs & Recruitment News to get the latest updates.

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indian railways News

Why indian railways is looking to outsource part of its maintenance operations

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 17, 2024, 12:13 (IST)

indian railways is rolling out a safety upgrade plan due to recent train accidents. The initiative involves training loco pilots with simulators and outsourcing some maintenance tasks.

Mulling merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railway: Somanna

TNN / Sep 17, 2024, 17:12 (IST)

Vinesh Phogat resigns from indian railways

PTI / Sep 06, 2024, 14:48 (IST)

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position at indian railways, citing personal reasons. She was employed as an Officer on Special Duty with Northern Railways. The resignation comes amid speculation of her joining the Congress party and possibly contesting in the Haryana assembly elections next month after meeting Rahul Gandhi.

'10,000 trains will be covered by Kavach 4.0 in 5-6 years': Union railway minister Vaishnaw

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 24, 2024, 21:24 (IST)

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed a trial for Kavach 4.0 between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh stations. The indigenous Automatic Train Protection system will be installed nationwide within five to six years, covering 10,000 locomotives and ensuring safer train operations under various geographical conditions.

Punjab: Nine iron rods recovered from Bathinda-Delhi railway track, tragedy averted

ANI / Sep 23, 2024, 15:52 (IST)

Nine iron rods were recovered on the Bathinda-Delhi railway track, Government Railway Police (GRP) officials said on Monday.

Silver train replica for Joe, Pashmina for Jill

TNN / Sep 23, 2024, 05:37 (IST)

2 addicts dump stolen telecom pole on railway track, arrested

TNN / Sep 22, 2024, 22:15 (IST)

Two men were apprehended for placing a stolen telecom pole on railway tracks near Bilaspur Road in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, posing a threat to an approaching train. They confessed to stealing the pole to support their drug habit. The loco pilot of train number 12091 stopped and cleared the track, ensuring safe travel.

Railway commandant inspects site of ‘attempted train derailment’ near Rudrapur station

TNN / Sep 22, 2024, 16:33 (IST)

Railway commandant inspects site of ‘attempted train derailment’ near Rudrapur station

TNN / Sep 22, 2024, 12:19 (IST)

A 20-foot iron pole was placed on tracks near Rudrapur City railway station, almost causing an accident for the Naini Doon Jan Shatabdi Express. Railway officials inspected the site and increased surveillance. The investigation is ongoing with suspects being questioned by Rampur police and Railway Protection Force to determine if it was intentional.

Additional rake to improve running status of Azad Hind Express

Sep 20, 2024, 23:54 (IST)

Another train sabotage? Iron pole placed across railway track in Uttarakhand

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 19, 2024, 17:50 (IST)

indian railways averted a major accident when the loco pilot of Gujarat Mail found an iron pole on the track between Bilaspur Road and Rudrapur City in Uttarakhand. The driver stopped, cleared the obstruction, and resumed safely. This follows multiple similar incidents across India, prompting investigations by railway authorities.

Focus on safety, convenience of passengers, FM directs railways

TNN / Sep 18, 2024, 02:01 (IST)

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has instructed railways to speed up converting 40,000 normal rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards for better passenger safety and comfort. She also emphasized phased implementation of the Kavach system and timely completion of capital expenditure targets, while railway officials updated her on ongoing projects.

Dharam Veer Meena takes over as general manager, Central Railway from today

TNN / Sep 01, 2024, 20:25 (IST)

Dharam Veer Meena has been appointed as the General Manager of Central Railway, following the retirement of Ram Karan Yadav. Meena, from the 1988 IRSSE batch, has held significant roles, including Principal Chief Signal & Telecommunication Engineer. His achievements include the timely completion of various signalling projects and advancing the Vigilance System Software.

Attempt to derail Delhi bound Swatantrata Senani Express, engine goes defunct after hitting wooden log kept on track

TNN / Sep 17, 2024, 00:51 (IST)

The Delhi-bound Swatantrata Senani Express encountered engine failure after hitting a wooden log on the tracks near Ghazipur, resulting in a two-and-a-half-hour delay. Authorities suspect sabotage and have lodged an FIR. This incident is part of a series of recent attempts to derail trains using logs, gravel, and gas cylinders.

PM flags off Kolhapur-Pune Vande Bharat Express

TNN / Sep 16, 2024, 22:57 (IST)

Madurai railway division sets new record in freight speed

Sep 16, 2024, 22:00 (IST)

Madurai Railway Division sets record in freight operations

TNN / Sep 16, 2024, 21:17 (IST)

Vande Metro flagged off: PM Modi launches first indian railways Namo Bharat Rapid Rail train; check route, fare, schedule, stoppages & top features

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 16, 2024, 11:56 (IST)

Vande Metro or Namo Bharat Rapid Rail flag off: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Metro train or the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail train service today, running between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in Gujarat. Designed for short-distance travel, this air-conditioned train offers an affordable premium experience with modern amenities and safety features. We take a look at Vande Metro's route, fare, schedule and stoppages:

PM Modi flags off seven Vande Bharat trains from Jharkhand, boosting connectivity and economic growth

TNN / Sep 15, 2024, 21:45 (IST)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off seven new Vande Bharat Express trains from Jharkhand, marking a significant step in modernizing indian railways. These trains will enhance connectivity across key regions, supporting economic growth and religious tourism. The event also featured cultural activities and the distribution of housing sanction letters under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin scheme.

Bihar gets four more Vande Bharat trains

PTI / Sep 15, 2024, 16:24 (IST)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains for Bihar on Sunday. These trains will operate on the Tatanagar-Patna, Bhagalpur-Howrah, Gaya-Howrah routes, and Deoghar-Varanasi route passing through Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the event virtually along with other officials. This marks a significant improvement in modern rail travel for the state.