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India Gazette
13-07-2025
- India Gazette
Railways to install CCTV cameras in coaches to enhance passenger safety
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Based on the positive outcome of experimental installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches, Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches, according to a press release from the Ministry of Railways on Sunday. 'This move will significantly improve passenger safety. Miscreants and organised gangs take advantage of gullible passengers. With cameras, such incidents will significantly reduce. To preserve privacy of passengers, CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement area near the doors.' Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of CCTV Cameras' installation in locomotives and coaches, with the meeting which was held on Saturday being attended by the senior officials of the Railway Board. The railway officials informed that successful trials have been done in the loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway. The Union Minister gave the go ahead to install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locos. Each railway coach will be covered with 4 dome type CCTV cameras - 2 in each entrance way and each locomotive will have 6 CCTV cameras. This will include 1 camera each at the front, rear and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a loco will be fitted with 1 dome CCTV camera and 2 desk mounted microphones. The officials shared that the CCTV cameras will have the latest specifications and will be STQC certified. The Union Minister for Railways emphasised on deploying the best-in-class equipment. He urged the railway officials to ensure that high quality footage should be available even for trains running at 100 kmph plus speeds and also under low lighting conditions. The Union Minister for Railways encouraged the officials to explore the use of AI on the data captured by CCTV cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, the statement read. The move of fitting cameras in the common movement areas of coaches aims to improve safety and security of passengers. While preserving privacy, these cameras will help in identifying miscreants. (ANI)
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Time of India
Railways to install CCTV cameras in coaches to enhance passenger safety
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Based on the positive outcome of experimental installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches, Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches, according to a press release from the Ministry of Railways on Sunday."This move will significantly improve passenger safety. Miscreants and organised gangs take advantage of gullible passengers. With cameras, such incidents will significantly reduce. To preserve privacy of passengers, CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement area near the doors."Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of CCTV Cameras' installation in locomotives and coaches, with the meeting which was held on Saturday being attended by the senior officials of the Railway railway officials informed that successful trials have been done in the loco engines and coaches of the Northern Railway. The Union Minister gave the go ahead to install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 railway coach will be covered with 4 dome type CCTV cameras - 2 in each entrance way and each locomotive will have 6 CCTV cameras. This will include 1 camera each at the front, rear and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a loco will be fitted with 1 dome CCTV camera and 2 desk mounted officials shared that the CCTV cameras will have the latest specifications and will be STQC certified. The Union Minister for Railways emphasised on deploying the best-in-class urged the railway officials to ensure that high quality footage should be available even for trains running at 100 kmph plus speeds and also under low lighting Union Minister for Railways encouraged the officials to explore the use of AI on the data captured by CCTV cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI mission, the statement move of fitting cameras in the common movement areas of coaches aims to improve safety and security of passengers. While preserving privacy, these cameras will help in identifying miscreants.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Indian Express
Indian Railways adds new long-distance trains to strengthen connectivity in Punjab's Ferozepur
The Indian Railways has launched several new train services in Punjab's Ferozepur to enhance the region's rail network, and address long-standing demands for improved connectivity to key religious and commercial destinations. These new train services, starting in June, are expected to benefit thousands of passengers each month, providing smoother, direct access to key cities without the need for lengthy road journeys or multiple train transfers. The Firozpur Railway Division, which manages operations in this border region, plays a pivotal role in strengthening rail connectivity across Punjab and its neighbouring states. The division, which is under Northern Railway, handles both passenger and freight services, supporting trade, tourism, and regional development. Here is a list of new trains: Firozpur Cantt–Hazur Sahib Nanded Weekly Express The first significant addition is the Firozpur Cantt-Hazur Sahib Nanded Weekly Express, which commenced operations on June 13. This train covers a distance of approximately 2,000 km, connecting Punjab directly with Hazur Sahib Nanded, one of the five Takhts in Sikhism, in Maharashtra. Running once a week, the train departs Firozpur every Friday afternoon and reaches Nanded after nearly 38 hours of travel, offering AC and sleeper coaches to facilitate long-distance pilgrims and other travellers from the region. Earlier, passengers had to board trains via Ludhiana or Amritsar to reach this destination. Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu was to formally flag off this train on June 13 in a special organised function, but it was cancelled after the Ahmedabad plane crash incident. Hence, an ardas was performed at the railway station to formally flag off the train. Firozpur Cantt-Haridwar Weekly Express Another much-awaited link is the Firozpur Cantt–Haridwar Weekly Express, which began service on June 18. This train now provides direct connectivity from Firozpur to the holy city of Haridwar, a popular destination for devotees from Punjab. The train departs every Wednesday night and reaches Haridwar the following morning, offering a convenient overnight journey option for pilgrims and tourists alike. Earlier, passengers had to rely on trains running via Ludhiana, Amritsar, or other cities. Firozpur-Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) From June 30 onwards, two daily trains have resumed service between Firozpur Cantonment and Mohali. One runs in the morning and another in the evening. 'This train was stopped in April 2020 during Covid, and afterwards it was never restarted. Now, we continuously took up the matter with the Union Government and got rail connectivity improved for Firozpur by starting many trains,' said Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, BJP national executive committee member and former Guru-Harsahai MLA. Meanwhile, the Sutlej Express, operating under train numbers 14630/14629, has resumed service from Firozpur Cantt to Mohali. This daily express departs from Firozpur at 5:30 pm, reaching Chandigarh at approximately 10:40 pm, covering a distance of 236 km in around 5 hours. The Chandigarh–Firozpur Cantt Express, identified by train numbers 14614 and 14613, also resumed service from June 30. Covering the same 236 km route, the journey from Firozpur to Mohali takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, and around 5 hours on the return journey. It departs Firozpur at 5 am daily. Like the Sutlej Express, it utilises general unreserved ICF coaches and operates daily, offering regular and economical connectivity for commuters and travellers. 'Now, there is a demand to add two AC coaches and one chair car to these trains,' said Heera Sodhi, a former State information commissioner and a Firozpur-based BJP leader. Intercity Superfast Express Additionally, the popular Intercity Superfast Express, which earlier operated between Moga and Delhi, will now be extended to start from Firozpur, running twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. 'A decision about this train has been made, but the Railways are yet to start it from Firozpur. We are hopeful that this train will start within a few days,' said Heera Sodhi.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Bittu blames Mann govt over NOC delay
A day after AAP's Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura staged a protest over the delay in constructing a road overbridge (ROB) between Doraha and Sahnewal, the issue has taken a political turn with Union minister of state for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu accusing the Punjab government of misleading the public and stalling the project for 'political reasons.' Ravneet Singh Bittu (HT File) While Giaspura claimed that the Punjab government had issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Railways in November last year, Bittu countered that the NOC was conditional and had been rejected by the Railways as it did not meet required parameters. 'Despite multiple letters written to the chief minister on May 2, May 21, and June 2 requesting a fresh and compliant NOC, no response has been received,' said Bittu. Bittu also produced official correspondence to support his claim, including a recent letter from the executive engineer, PWD Rupnagar, stating that the Punjab government had conditionally signed the general arrangement drawing (GAD) and imposed a condition that Railways must obtain a further NOC before starting execution. 'This is not just a technical issue, it reflects a lack of will,' said Bittu. 'The state government has not cleared the road for a project that directly impacts thousands of commuters.' Bittu alleged that AAP leaders were misrepresenting facts to score political points. 'The MLA is citing a letter from November 2024 as proof, ignoring the series of communications and meetings that followed, including one held in Chandigarh in January to resolve the NOC dispute,' he said. Originally, the project was to be constructed by Punjab's Public Works Department (PWD) through a private contractor. However, the state terminated that contract in August 2021, leading the Railways to take over the project. The dispute arose over conditions in the November 2024 NOC — notably the clause making Railways liable for an arbitration case pending between the state government and the original contractor. Giaspura, during his protest on Sunday, had accused the Union Minister of neglecting infrastructure development in his home district, Ludhiana. He also claimed that Bittu was playing politics by highlighting similar ROB issues in CM Bhagwant Mann's Dhuri constituency, while failing to act locally. In response, Bittu denied the allegations and said, 'This is a classic case of misinformation. The state government continues to delay the project despite knowing its importance. If they are serious, they must issue an unconditional, clear NOC.' The exchange highlights the growing tension between the AAP-led state government and the Centre over infrastructure projects in Punjab. As public pressure mounts, both sides now face questions over whether the political deadlock will give way to actual progress on the ground. Minister blames Bittu for delay in Dhuri overbridge project Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab PWD minister Harbhajan Singh ETO accused Ravneet Singh Bittu of misleading the public regarding the delay in building the Dhuri railway overbridge. The minister said the state government is fully funding the ₹ 54.46 crore project and has already released the money. He shared official documents in Chandigarh to prove that the state government approved the project on October 24, 2024. He pointed out that ever since Mann became CM in 2022, he had promised to construct the overbridge, and the government has been working towards fulfilling that promise. ETO also mentioned that ₹ 1.32 crore has been paid to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and ₹ 1.42 crore to the forest department for utility and land-related work. The minister said that despite all this, the project cannot start because the Railway department has not issued a NOC, even though the central government is not providing any funds for the project. ETO also criticised Bittu for not raising this issue back in June 2021 when traffic at the railway crossing was already 1.75 lakh vehicles daily and Congress was in power. 'Now Bittu is spreading lies to cover up his own failures,' ETO claimed. He challenged Bittu to get the NOC from the Railways. 'If Bittu really cares about the people of Punjab, he should ensure the Railways gives the approval. As soon as the NOC comes, we will start work within three days,' he said. 'The only thing delaying the Dhuri overbridge is the Railways' approval, not lack of money or intent from the Punjab government,' he added.
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
October 2025: New deadline for Chandigarh Railway Station revamp
After missing two previous deadlines, the redevelopment of Chandigarh railway station is now slated for completion by October 2025. The revised timeline was discussed during a review meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. The upgraded Chandigarh railway station is designed to cater to a projected daily footfall of over 1 lakh passengers by 2061. (HT Photo) In the meeting, minister Bittu instructed officials to speed up the pending work and minimise the inconvenience caused to the public during rush hours. Around 81% of the redevelopment work is complete, and the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) aims to finish the ₹ 462 crore project by October 2025. The redevelopment work, which began in January 2023, missed its first completion deadline in May 2024 and another in May 2025. No clear reason has been provided by the RLDA for the continued delays. Due to the ongoing project, passengers have been facing many problems, including the lack of escalators, lifts, and ramps, as well as having to walk on uneven surfaces and walk an extra 100 metres because of pick-and-drop charges. During rush hours in the afternoon, a chaotic traffic situation is seen at the station, which has a daily footfall of over 37,000 passengers. The redevelopment project of Chandigarh railway station is being executed by the RLDA under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model. The project aims to transform the station into a modern, world-class multimodal transit hub serving the Chandigarh Tricity region. The total development area of the station is 1,92,248 sq metre, with a built-up area of 27,383 sq metre. Expanded parking, lifts, escalators and much more There will be new G+3 station buildings on both Chandigarh and Panchkula sides, each covering an area of 8,367 sq metre, aimed at improving accessibility and passenger movement. A covered concourse of 72m wide and 80m long will connect the station buildings and provide weather-protected transit across platforms. Another two 12m wide foot over bridges will also be constructed for inter-platform movement. The parking will be expanded on both sides with an area of 24,515 sq metre with integrated traffic flow designs for both city sides. The station will have 30 lifts and 10 escalators for barrier-free movement. Enhanced waiting areas i.e. 1,180 sq metre concourse with 1,050 seats, food courts, retail spaces, retiring rooms, co-working spaces, paid lounges and other commuter-focused amenities. There will be a 4,000+ sq metre of commercial area, including kiosks, food outlets, and shopping spaces. The upgraded Chandigarh railway station is designed to cater to a projected daily footfall of over 1 lakh passengers by 2061. Among the key attendees included Manoj Garg (vice chairman, RLDA), Sanjeev Garg (principal executive director, Gati Shakti/Railway Board), Dhananjaya Singh (executive director, MoSR), Sanjay Srivastava (chief project director, Northern Railway), Tarun Kumar Goyal (member, planning, RLDA), Balbir Singh (chief project manager, RLDA Chandigarh), and MS Negi (director, Railway Board), among others.
