Latest news with #Vande
Mint
6 days ago
- Mint
Insect found in 'daal' served on Vande Bharat Express; passenger expresses frustration, railways respond
A passenger traveling on the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express on July 22 raised serious concerns about onboard catering after spotting a black insect in the 'daal' served during the journey. Sharing a photo on X, the user revealed the contaminated food item was provided in an aluminium container, igniting widespread backlash over hygiene and food safety standards on one of Indian Railways' most premium services. The post, which has since gone viral, stated: "Insect found in food during journey in Vande Bharat train dated 22 July 2025: Train no 22440 c3 53 seat No." Following the outrage, Indian Railways' official grievance handle, RailwaySeva, responded with an apology and urged the passenger to file a formal complaint. "We regret the inconvenience! Please share the details, PNR and mobile no. You may also raise your concern directly on for speedy redressal," their reply read. The incident has reignited public criticism of catering standards on Vande Bharat Express, with many social media users demanding tighter scrutiny of food suppliers, mandatory hygiene inspections, and improved staff training to uphold safety norms. This isn't the first time food safety has come under scrutiny on the Vande Bharat. In a similar episode last year, another traveler reported finding insects in their sambhar, drawing sharp reactions online. Repeated complaints of this nature have cast a shadow on the train's reputation, which has been promoted as a symbol of modern, high-speed rail travel in India.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bengal to hand over 40-acre Uttarpara plot to Titagarh rail
Kolkata: A Bengal cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday, decided to hand over a 40-acre plot of contiguous land at Kotrung and Bhadrakali in Hooghly's Uttarpara to Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL). TRSL would use the land to enhance its production capacity and for testing of Metro and Vande Bharat coaches. The plot is part of the land of Hind Motors, which Bengal had acquired, and would now be given on a 99-year lease to TRSL. Banerjee had announced in 2023 that the unused land of Hind Motors would be reclaimed for industry as the erstwhile carmaker was not doing any activity there. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The land parcel, located adjoining the existing 34-acre manufacturing unit of TRSL, would be strategically important for the Bengal-based rolling stock manufacturer. An official said it would help TRSL establish infrastructure for extra production and set up dedicated areas for testing and commissioning of new coaches and trains. It would also help in ensuring safety validation, including dynamic and running tests of all trains before delivery, the official added. Prithish Chowdhary, deputy MD of TRSL, said with this land parcel, their total area would be 74 acres. "We are working on fresh investment plans for testing track and other facilities here," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo TRSL, in collaboration with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, had unveiled the production line for Vande Bharat sleeper trains at its manufacturing facility in Uttarpara earlier this year. The production line was set up after TRSL bagged a contract from Indian Railways to manufacture 80 such train sets under a consortium. With production now underway at the Uttarpara plant, the prototype Vande sleeper trains are expected to roll out in 2026. The plant has an annual capacity of manufacturing 300 coaches, which is being scaled up to 850 to meet the increasing demand. "The total value of the project stands at around Rs 24,000 crore, including long-term maintenance of 35 years. The sleeper variant of Vande Bharat will be India's first long-distance, semi high-speed train offering fully indigenous design, superior passenger comfort and cutting-edge safety features," TRSL vice-chairman and MD Umesh Chowdhury had said earlier.
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MLA Powar threatens hunger strike
Nirmal: Mudhole MLA war Ramarao Patel criticised both the previous and current governments for neglecting the development of Basara temple. He demanded the immediate release of Rs 42 crore in funds and declared that there would be no rest until the temple reconstruction begins. Speaking at the Tahsildar's office on Saturday during the distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques to 36 beneficiaries, he warned that if reconstruction doesn't begin, he would go on a hunger strike during the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals. He reminded that the Godavari Pushkaralu will be held in June 2027, drawing millions of devotees, and urged the government to take proactive steps. He emphasized that the Rs 42 crore previously allocated must be re-sanctioned immediately. He blamed past rulers for Basara's underdevelopment, contrasting it with the 50 crore temple construction completed in Adelli. On the agriculture front, he highlighted that repairs to motors and canals under the Basara Lift Irrigation scheme have enabled irrigation for 1,600 acres. He announced that Rs 1.12 crore would soon be sanctioned for further irrigation works, with tenders to be floated shortly. He also mentioned multiple meetings with Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar on this matter. Regarding healthcare, he disclosed plans to construct a 30-bed hospital at the temple site with Rs 4 crore. He also noted that the Basara Railway Station has been modernised with Central government funds and that the double railway line will be completed by next year. A proposal has been submitted to the central government to extend the Vande Mataram Express to Basara. He assured that a Kendriya Vidyalaya (Central School) will be launched next year. With the upcoming completion of a 100-room guesthouse in Basara, Ministers Konda Surekha and Jupalli Krishna Rao will be invited to discuss various temple related issues.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
From dumping ground to depot: Mumbai's first Vande Bharat rail depot to come up near Ram Mandir station
MUMBAI: A neglected patch of railway land strewn with debris between Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir stations is set for a major upgrade. Western Railway (WR) has identified this site—currently a dumping ground for muck, abandoned coaches, and rail material—as the location for Mumbai's first dedicated depot for the new-generation Vande Bharat and Vande Sleeper trains. Mumbai, India - June 28, 2025: An exclusive maintenance depot for Vande Bharat trains will be set up between Ram Mandir and Jogeshwari stations on the east Mumbai, India, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Senior WR officials confirmed that preliminary work on the project will begin shortly. Once operational, the depot will initially cater to 5–10 trains and eventually expand to service and stable up to 50 high-speed trains. These Vande series trains, designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kmph, are part of Indian Railways' push to modernise and reduce travel times on key intercity routes. 'We have identified a six acre land parcel between Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir stations. This will be a dedicated facility for the Vande series. Our infrastructure is nearly ready for 160 kmph operations, and the Jogeshwari Terminus project is progressing well too,' said Ashok Kumar Misra, General Manager, WR. The Indian Railways has asked both Western and Central Railway to identify locations exclusively for Vande Bharat depots. While Central Railway has shortlisted Wadi Bunder near CSMT, WR has chosen the stretch adjoining the Western Express Highway for ease of connectivity and expansion. Currently, the site bears signs of neglect, with rundown coaches, overgrown vegetation, and construction debris. However, once cleared, the area has the potential to be developed into a full-fledged stabling and maintenance depot. WR has already earmarked land in Sabarmati and Indore for similar depots. The depot's proximity to the upcoming Jogeshwari Terminus is strategic. Scheduled to open later this year, this will be Mumbai's first greenfield rail terminus in over three decades—after the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). Built at a cost of ₹ 77 crore, the terminus will feature three platforms (one island and one home platform), each 600 metres long and capable of handling 24-coach trains. Equipped with parking zones for autos and cabs, it is expected to decongest overloaded terminals like Dadar, Bandra, and Mumbai Central. At least 24 long-distance trains to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi are expected to be operated from this station daily. Sources said the depot's development will increase the likelihood of Vande Bharat trains originating from Jogeshwari, especially as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor prepares for 160 kmph operations by August. While the Vande Bharat and Sleeper variants are approved for these speeds, older premium trains like the Rajdhani and Shatabdi will need special permissions to run faster. 'The larger vision is to shift passengers from short-haul flights by offering overnight rail journeys—like Mumbai to Delhi or Indore in just 10–12 hours. Once more Vande trains are introduced, this will become a reality,' Misra added. He also said work on the sixth line between Kandivali and Borivali is likely to finish by December. Though the sixth line from Bandra Terminus to Kandivali exists, delays in shifting utilities and clearing encroachments pushed the deadline. The railway is also planning a major expansion on the Virar-Dahanu stretch, with Palghar being developed into a hub and rail connectivity extended to the upcoming Vadhavan Port.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Safety scare: Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru halts due to ‘hot axle'. What is it and how it happens
In a safety scare, a Vande Bharat Express traveling from Dharwad to Bengaluru was brought to a halt at Davangere on Friday afternoon after an overheated axle was identified in coach C4, according to South Western Railway (SWR), news agency PTI reported. A Vande Bharat train (HT File Photo) The issue came to light at approximately 3:30 pm, when a level crossing gatekeeper near Amaravati Colony spotted signs of a 'hot axle'. ALSO READ | Aboard flagship Vande Bharat: Leaking coach roof soaks passengers; video sparks outrage What is a 'hot axle' and how it happens 'Hot axle' is a condition where abnormal friction within the axle can produce intense heat, smoke, or even fire. A foreign object lodged near the axle likely caused the friction, a railway official told PTI. Such situations, if not addressed immediately, can pose serious safety risks, he said. ALSO READ | Vande Bharat passenger thrashed for refusing seat to BJP MLA, video goes viral As a precaution, the train was stopped and carefully inspected at Davangere. In order to reduce disruption for passengers, alternative travel options were quickly arranged. SWR said that travellers were transferred to Jan Shatabdi Express and Jodhpur Express to continue their journey to Bengaluru. Refreshments were distributed at Arsikere station, and help desks were set up at both KSR Bengaluru (SBC) and Yesvantpur (YPR) stations to provide further assistance. Passengers who were moved to other trains will also receive a fare adjustment refund upon arrival in Bengaluru, officials said. ALSO READ | 'Best gift for our son': Varanasi couple celebrates kid's birthday aboard Kashmir's first Vande Bharat train A total of 502 passengers were on board at the time of the incident. All were safely accommodated and supported by railway personnel throughout the process. South Western Railway issued an apology for the disruption and expressed gratitude to passengers for their understanding and cooperation during the unexpected delay. (With inputs from PTI)
