Railways to upgrade 1,275 stations

02 Jun 2023 CW Team

According to an official statement, the members were informed that approximately 1.8 crore passengers travel on Indian Railways daily. The statement emphasized that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the provision and availability of adequate catering facilities for these passengers, both on trains and at stations.

The statement highlighted the extensive efforts made by the Railways in recent years, including in-depth analyses and structural reforms, to bring about a significant transformation in the catering business. It explained that catering services are currently provided to passengers through either static or mobile units. There are 473 pairs of trains with pantry cars/mini pantries and 706 pairs of trains with train-side vending facilities. Additionally, Indian Railways operates 9,342 minor and 582 major static units, which include outlets like Jan Aahaars, Food Plazas, and Refreshment Rooms.

The statement mentioned that Indian Railways has implemented a catering policy with the primary objective of providing quality food to rail passengers. This policy involves unbundling catering services and establishing a clear distinction between food preparation and food distribution. Furthermore, the ministry has granted the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) the flexibility to customize and decide the menu of catering services in trains. This allows for the inclusion of regional cuisine, seasonal delicacies, and food items based on the preferences of different groups of passengers. The introduction of the e-catering scheme on Indian railways has further enhanced the options available to passengers.

The statement also emphasized the availability of cashless transaction facilities on both mobile and static catering units. To ensure quality and service standards, third-party audits of catering services are conducted regularly.

Overall, the decision to upgrade 1,275 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station initiative reflects the Railway Ministry's commitment to improving the travel experience for passengers. By focusing on catering services, the ministry aims to provide quality food options, increase customization, and ensure convenient and efficient transactions.

The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for the Railway Ministry made a significant decision during their meeting in New Delhi. They resolved to upgrade a total of 1,275 railway stations as part of the Amrit Bharat Station initiative, which aims to enhance station development on the Indian Railways network. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw chaired the meeting, as reported by ANI.According to an official statement, the members were informed that approximately 1.8 crore passengers travel on Indian Railways daily. The statement emphasized that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the provision and availability of adequate catering facilities for these passengers, both on trains and at stations.The statement highlighted the extensive efforts made by the Railways in recent years, including in-depth analyses and structural reforms, to bring about a significant transformation in the catering business. It explained that catering services are currently provided to passengers through either static or mobile units. There are 473 pairs of trains with pantry cars/mini pantries and 706 pairs of trains with train-side vending facilities. Additionally, Indian Railways operates 9,342 minor and 582 major static units, which include outlets like Jan Aahaars, Food Plazas, and Refreshment Rooms.The statement mentioned that Indian Railways has implemented a catering policy with the primary objective of providing quality food to rail passengers. This policy involves unbundling catering services and establishing a clear distinction between food preparation and food distribution. Furthermore, the ministry has granted the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) the flexibility to customize and decide the menu of catering services in trains. This allows for the inclusion of regional cuisine, seasonal delicacies, and food items based on the preferences of different groups of passengers. The introduction of the e-catering scheme on Indian railways has further enhanced the options available to passengers.The statement also emphasized the availability of cashless transaction facilities on both mobile and static catering units. To ensure quality and service standards, third-party audits of catering services are conducted regularly.Overall, the decision to upgrade 1,275 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station initiative reflects the Railway Ministry's commitment to improving the travel experience for passengers. By focusing on catering services, the ministry aims to provide quality food options, increase customization, and ensure convenient and efficient transactions.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..