Namo Bharat Train to Link Gaya and Ayodhya in Six Hours

21 May 2025 CW Team

Indian Railways will launch the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Gaya and Ayodhya to improve regional connectivity and reduce travel time from over nine hours to around six. Covering four hundred eight kilometres, the service aligns with the government’s goal to offer eco-friendly transport solutions.

The train is set to operate six days a week, excluding Sundays, with departures from Gaya at 05:00 hours and arrivals in Ayodhya Dham by 11:00 hours. Return trips will leave Ayodhya Dham at 17:00 hours and reach Gaya at 23:00 hours.

The route includes key stops such as Rafiganj, Sasaram, DD Upadhyaya Junction, Kashi, Varanasi Junction, Jaunpur Junction, Shahganj Junction, Akbarpur, and Goshainganj. The train will have sixteen air-conditioned coaches for passenger comfort.

Fares are expected to be unreserved and around Rs 500, making it an affordable option for tourists and commuters. Operating at up to one hundred thirty kilometres per hour, the train promotes energy efficiency and helps cut road traffic emissions.

This launch marks a step in Indian Railways’ broader push to modernise infrastructure and promote sustainable travel across the country.

Source:UrbanPost

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..