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News18
3 hours ago
- News18
New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit
Last Updated: New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The New Delhi–Katra Vande Bharat Express is a part of India's ambitious plan to modernise its railway network with faster, more efficient, and comfortable trains. The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a fully indigenously built semi-high-speed train developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, under the Make in India initiative. The New Delhi-Katra trains connect capital city New Delhi with Katra, the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The trains travel a distance of approximately 661 kilometers and offer a journey time of around eight hours, providing a faster and more comfortable option for the millions of pilgrims and tourists who visit the holy shrine each year. Here's a lowdown on all aspects of the two trains: Are There Two Vande Bharat Express Trains On The Same Route? Yes, two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains run between New Delhi and Katra. On October 3, 2019, the first set of trains with the number 22439/22440 was launched, while the second pair with the numbers 22477/22478 started on May 29, 2023. What Are The Cities Connected & The Frequency Of Trains? The cities connected by the services are New Delhi, Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, and Katra. Both pairs of trains run on all days except Wednesday. What Are The Schedules & Train Timings? 22439 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train 22440 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train 22477 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train 22478 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train What Are The Fares? 22439 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train 22440 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train 22477 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express Train 22478 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express Train What Are The Facilities Available? • The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with two types of coaches: AC Chair Car coaches and AC Executive Chair Car coaches. • On Board Catering/E-Catering are available on the trains. • There are large windows in all coaches along with entertainment facilities such as On-board WiFi, Infotainment System, Reading Light, Electric Outlets, Bottle Holder, Seat Pockets, and Tray Table. top videos View all • There are airline style, rotatable seats apart from overhead racks. • Other facilities include KAVACH, Additional Parking Brakes and Traction Motor System, Smoke Alarms, CCTV Cameras, Bio-Vacuum Toilets, Sensor-based Water Taps, Roller Blinds, Automatic Doors, and Odour Control System. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ambala kathua Katra Ludhiana pathankot udhampur vande bharat view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 16:17 IST News india New Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat: The Train For Your Next Vaishno Devi Visit | Complete Guide Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: India's quest for the first hydrogen-powered train — A must-know for the UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC Current Affairs Knowledge Nugget for today on India's quest for its first hydrogen-powered train. Indian Railways successfully tested the first hydrogen-powered coach or driving power car earlier this week at its Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This marks a key milestone in the national transporter's quest to build India's first hydrogen-powered train, something only a few railways in the world have tried, with a bulk of the projects still in the trial phase. In this context, let's know about this project and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. 1. The ICF project is significant for the Railways as it is one of the key players in India's mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. An increased use of hydrogen, which is a cleaner fuel, will further reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 2. Indian Railways' Northern Railway zone has undertaken this project which began in 2020-21. The project has two major components. First, the conversion of two conventional 1600 HorsePower (HP) diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered traction system, and second, setting up a hydrogen storage and fuelling facility at Jind in Haryana. 3. The total cost of the project is approximately Rs. 136 crore. The primary design, validation, and testing is being undertaken by Indian Railways' Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). 4. It has been planned to operate the hydrogen train between Jind and Sonepat stations of Northern Railway in Haryana, two round-trips of 356 km. The hydrogen storage and fueling facility at Jind will have a storage capacity of 3,000 kg of Hydrogen. 5. Notably, hydrogen fuel technology is still an emerging field in Railways. There are many challenges and safety concerns, too, as hydrogen is a highly flammable gas. As the project involves the retro-fitment of two diesel-powered cars into Hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, each power car will carry 220 kg of hydrogen, stored in specially designed cylinders at 350 bar pressure. The mounting structure of hydrogen cylinders and fuel cells is critical and for that, multiple rounds of testing are on. 6. Hydrogen is the lightest element. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and highly flammable. Due to its typical characteristics, safety remains a point of caution while dealing with hydrogen. 7. The hydrogen train will include safety features such as pressure relief valves, leak detection, flame detection sensors, temperature detection systems, and scientifically designed ventilation. 8. An independent third-party safety auditor – 'Technischer Überwachungsverein Süd' (TUV-SUD) of Germany has been roped in for ensuring the safety standards. The engineering design and conversion work is being undertaken at ICF, Chennai by Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives. 1. Hydrogen, the most common element in nature, exists only in combination with other elements, and has to be extracted from naturally occurring compounds like water (which is a combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). It is a clean molecule, but the process of extracting it is energy intensive. 2. While hydrogen's potential as a clean fuel source has a history of nearly 150 years, it was only after the oil price shocks of the 1970s that the possibility of hydrogen replacing fossil fuels came to be considered seriously. 3. The sources and processes by which hydrogen is derived are categorised by colour tabs. Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels is called grey hydrogen, which constitutes the bulk of the hydrogen generated today. 4. Hydrogen generated from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage options is called blue hydrogen, while hydrogen generated using electrolysers powered by renewable power sources is called green hydrogen. 5. There are particular benefits to green hydrogen: (i) It is a clean burning molecule that can be used to decarbonize a variety of industries, such as transportation, chemicals, and iron and steel. (ii) Hydrogen can be produced by channelling renewable energy that the grid is unable to store or use. 1. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023, recognising the role of Green Hydrogen in India's ambitions of energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070. 2. Supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NGHM views Green Hydrogen as a sunrise sector for India. It has the objective of making India a global hub for the production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. 3. To achieve these objectives the mission aims to build capacity to produce at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum from 2030. With reference to the green hydrogen, consider the following statements: 1. Hydrogen generated using electrolysers powered by renewable power sources is called green hydrogen. 2. Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million tonnes of the fuel annually from 2050. 3. Green hydrogen can decarbonise iron and steel sector. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Sources: Indian Railways tests first hydrogen-powered coach: What does the project entail?, Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for greener tomorrow, Union Cabinet approves Green Hydrogen Mission: A look at India's push for the fuel) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Wake Up Talks Coaching Launches Strategic Coaching Pathway to Help Introverted Midlife Women Reclaim Clarity and Confidence
The 12-week Authentic Self-Empowerment Framework offers a proven, structured method for introverted professional women to overcome internal stress, rediscover their purpose NEW YORK, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wake Up Talks Coaching, founded by accredited coach and former business strategist Simona Zajc, has officially launched the Authentic Self-Empowerment Pathway, a private, 12-week coaching experience specifically designed to support introverted professional women in midlife navigating emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, and transitions in identity or purpose. Simona, an ICF and EMCC certified coach, developed Strategic Mind Method to meet a widespread yet often unspoken need: the internal struggle many midlife women face as they quietly juggle professional responsibilities, family dynamics, and their own unmet aspirations. Unlike generalized life coaching, this program provides a structured, step-by-step process that supports personal clarity, calm, and actionable change from the inside out adhering to firm coaching standards. "As a former strategist turned coach, I've seen how many women silently struggle, questioning their direction while maintaining an outward calm," says Zajc. "This program meets them where they are—with tools that help shift the pressure and unlock clear, confident action." The need for such targeted coaching is backed by research: 47% of midlife women identify as introverts, making them more prone to internalized stress. Studies by Phoenix Insights and Ipsos, published in Actuarial Post, reveal that over 50% of women aged 45–55 feel "stuck" or unsure about how to move forward in life or career. Past clients of the program report a 50% increase in mental clarity, a 33% rise in calm, and significantly improved decision-making confidence. Each week of the program builds on the last, using private coaching, deep listening, and introspective exercises to guide participants toward self-awareness, values-based decision-making, and sustainable personal growth. By the end of 12 weeks, clients are equipped not only with insight but with actionable strategies to navigate their next chapter with renewed confidence. Enrollment is now open, with only five client spots available per month to ensure personalized support. Visit to learn more. Founded by Simona Zajc—ICF/EMCC-certified coach, former business strategist, and award-winning author— Wake Up Talks Coaching specializes in helping introverted midlife women overcome overwhelm and rediscover their authentic path. Through her signature Authentic Self-Empowerment Pathway, Simona offers structured, high-touch coaching for lasting clarity, calm, and confidence.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Coaching's Rising Popularity Highlights The Need For Standards
Nathalie Blais, Founder and CEO of Coach Academy, Canada Coach Academy and USA Coach Academy. MA in Psychology. The field of coaching has grown rapidly in recent years, now representing an estimated $4.6 billion global industry. This surge in popularity reflects a growing demand for support during personal and professional transitions. However, as coaching becomes more mainstream, concerns have emerged around its lack of formal regulation, the varying quality of practitioner training and public confusion about how coaching differs from related services such as therapy, consulting and mentoring. While several professional bodies—including the International Coaching Federation (ICF), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and International Association of Coaching (IAC)—have established competency frameworks and ethical standards, adherence to these guidelines remains voluntary. This means that anyone can use the title "coach," regardless of their training, ethical grounding or professional experience. This regulatory gap has contributed to confusion and, in some cases, consumer harm. A June 2024 article in the New York Times titled "They Spent Their Life's Savings on Life Coaching" illustrates the real-world risks: Individuals seeking support may unknowingly engage with practitioners who are unqualified or operating outside their scope, particularly during emotionally vulnerable times. What Is Coaching? A Clarification Of Scope Professional coaching is a thought-provoking and creative process that empowers clients to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is non-directive by nature—unlike therapy, which often involves treatment of past trauma, or consulting, which focuses on advice and solutions. A skilled coach facilitates awareness and insight by listening actively, reflecting patterns and inviting clients to explore new perspectives. This approach is grounded in theories that include self-determination, cognitive bias and adult learning, suggesting that personal agency and reflective awareness are key drivers of sustainable change. As Atul Gawande noted in his TED Talk on performance improvement, coaches act as "external eyes and ears, providing a more accurate picture of ... reality" for individuals seeking improvement; in other words, coaches offer feedback that helps individuals see their blind spots and refine their behavior. Neuroscience supports this model: Increased metacognition—thinking about one's thinking—has been linked to greater decision-making capacity. The Importance Of Standards And Accountability The current self-regulated state of coaching makes it difficult for consumers to distinguish between credentialed professionals and those operating without evidence-based training or ethical oversight. This lack of clarity not only undermines public trust but also increases the risk of boundary violations, false expectations and ineffective support. To advance the field responsibly, I believe the profession must call for: • Clear distinctions between coaching, therapy, consulting and mentoring; • Greater public education about what qualified coaching entails; • Wider adoption of professional certification and accreditation; • And eventually, the possibility of independent oversight or regulation to protect consumers and raise standards of practice. Looking Ahead: Safeguarding The Integrity Of The Profession Coaching, when practiced ethically and competently, has been shown to increase goal attainment, self-efficacy and well-being. But for it to fulfill its potential as a respected helping profession, greater transparency and accountability are essential. By promoting clearer definitions, aligned ethical standards and a shared commitment to integrity, the coaching profession can better serve the individuals who seek its support, not just as a growing market, but as a vital contributor to human flourishing. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Indian Railways tests first hydrogen-powered coach: What does the project entail?
Indian Railways successfully tested the first hydrogen-powered coach or driving power car earlier this week at its Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This marks a key milestone in the national transporter's quest to build India's first hydrogen-powered train, something only a few railways in the world have tried, with a bulk of the projects still in the trial phase. The ICF project is significant for the Railways as it is one of the key players in India's mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. An increased use of hydrogen, which is a cleaner fuel, will further reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Officials said that the project has reached the final stage, wherein testing of various equipment is being done before hydrogen-powered trains are pressed into commercial service. Indian Railways' Northern Railway zone has undertaken this project which began in 2020-21. The project has two major components. First, the conversion of two conventional 1600 HorsePower (HP) diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered traction system, and second, setting up a hydrogen storage and fuelling facility at Jind in Haryana. The total cost of the project is approximately Rs. 136 crore. The primary design, validation, and testing is being undertaken by Indian Railways' Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO). A senior official of the Ministry of Railways said that the hydrogen train project was conceptualised for conversion of a 10-coach diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) into a hydrogen-powered multiple unit, with two 1600 HP Power cars. With a train length of 10 coaches, it will have a capacity to carry more than 2,600 passengers. It has been planned to operate the hydrogen train between Jind and Sonepat stations of Northern Railway in Haryana, two round-trips of 356 km. The hydrogen storage and fueling facility at Jind will have a storage capacity of 3,000 kg of Hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel technology is still an emerging field in Railways. There are many challenges and safety concerns, too, as hydrogen is a highly flammable gas. As the project involves the retro-fitment of two diesel-powered cars into Hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, each power car will carry 220 kg of hydrogen, stored in specially designed cylinders at 350 bar pressure. The mounting structure of hydrogen cylinders and fuel cells is critical and for that, multiple rounds of testing are on. Hydrogen is the lightest element. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and highly flammable. Due to its typical characteristics, safety remains a point of caution while dealing with hydrogen. Officials said that to minimise the risk, Railways have done computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies, wherein the worst cases of hydrogen leak and other failure modes are considered with continuous monitoring. The official further said that an extensive testing of all in-house equipment like vehicle control system, boost converter, traction converter, auxiliary converter, and traction motor have been successfully completed. The hydrogen train will include safety features such as pressure relief valves, leak detection, flame detection sensors, temperature detection systems, and scientifically designed ventilation. An independent third-party safety auditor – 'Technischer Überwachungsverein Süd' (TUV-SUD) of Germany has been roped in for ensuring the safety standards. The engineering design and conversion work is being undertaken at ICF, Chennai by Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives. The 3,000-kg hydrogen fuelling facility at Jind will provide the required hydrogen for the operation of the hydrogen-powered train. The storage capacity has been divided into two separate storage spaces — 2320 kg at low pressure and 680 kg at high pressure. The facility will be operated and maintained in accordance with the standards and specification of Petroleum Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), a nodal agency under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Officials said that Northern Railway is undertaking the associated infrastructure works such as power supply, road construction, firefighting tank, etc, to make the facility operational. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
