Middle Eastern President's Two-Day Visit Boosts Bilateral Trade and Regional Cooperation to $10 Billion The President of a Middle Eastern country visited a South Asian nation for a two-day state visit focused on enhancing bilateral relations and increasing trade to USD 10 billion annually. The visit included high-level meetings with the host country's President, Prime Minister, and other senior officials. Discussions emphasized regional stability, economic cooperation, and expanding mutual interests. The visiting delegation included senior ministers, and the itinerary featured cultural engagements and meetings with former political leaders. The visit aimed to strengthen longstanding diplomatic ties and build on recent reciprocal visits by the host nation's Prime Minister.
Raids on Ex-Political Leader's Real Estate Firm Over Disproportionate Assets Investigation The Punjab Vigilance Bureau conducted raids on the premises of a former regional political leader and real estate businessman shortly after he joined a national political party. The searches targeted multiple locations linked to his real estate firm as part of an ongoing investigation into disproportionate assets allegedly connected to another political figure. Authorities uncovered evidence of suspicious financial transactions between the businessman's company and entities related to the accused politician. The businessman denied wrongdoing, asserting the transactions were legal and recorded in tax documents, and claimed the raids were politically motivated. Political leaders from the businessman's new party condemned the raids as acts of political vendetta by the state government, while opposition members questioned the timing and manner of his induction into the party. The investigation remains active, with seized documents and electronic evidence under review.
Punjab government reviews land pooling policy with farmer input, promises no forced land acquisition under new rules The Punjab government announced it will further consider feedback from all stakeholders, including farmers, regarding its land pooling policy aimed at planned and sustainable development. The policy, approved by the state cabinet, promises no forced acquisition of landowners' property and offers landowners specific residential and commercial plots in exchange for one acre of land. The ruling party defended the policy against opposition claims that it exploits farmers, emphasizing its farmer-friendly intent. The government reiterated its commitment to transparent urban development and assured that the policy respects landowners' rights. Additionally, the government condemned past political patronage of criminal elements and expressed dedication to promoting peace, communal harmony, and comprehensive development in the state.
Central Administrative Tribunal gets permanent complex, boosts efficiency with tech upgrades and faster case disposal The Guwahati bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), established in 1985 to provide accessible justice for government employees, has received a permanent court-cum-office complex nearly 40 years after its inception. Previously operating from rented premises, the tribunal faced backlogs and operational challenges. Recent technological advancements such as e-filing, video conferencing, and digital records have significantly improved case disposal rates, with over 2.54 lakh cases resolved in the past decade out of a total 8.88 lakh since establishment. The development reflects broader regional progress and aims to enhance the tribunal's efficiency. Authorities emphasized the need to reduce appeals to higher courts to preserve the tribunal's original purpose and called for cooperation among stakeholders to maintain its integrity.
Exhumation Finds Skeletal Remains at One Site, Ongoing Forensic Probe Under Section 173 CrPC Exhumations at multiple sites along a riverbank in Dharmasthala, linked to allegations of mass burial and related crimes, have yielded skeletal remains at only one location, with forensic analysis ongoing. No remains were found at other sites, though personal identification cards recovered were traced to individuals unrelated to the alleged crimes. Security measures remain stringent at excavation sites. The investigation is conducted by a Special Investigation Team formed by the state government following accusations of mass murder, sexual assault, and illegal burials spanning two decades. The complainant, a former sanitation worker, alleges forced involvement in burying bodies, including women and minors, some with signs of sexual violence. The SIT is also probing claims that a police officer attempted to intimidate the complainant to retract his statement. The inquiry continues under strict confidentiality, with further operations dependent on emerging evidence.
Scammers Use Fake Legal Threats to Extort Millions via Digital Arrest Frauds in 2024-25 Scammers in Shimla have been perpetrating "digital arrest" frauds, impersonating law enforcement and judicial officers to extort large sums by threatening victims with fabricated legal charges such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and rape. Between 2024 and 2025, 12 such cases were reported, resulting in losses of approximately Rs 5.91 crore, with only Rs 33 lakh recovered. The fraudsters use fake court notices, social media, and video calls with counterfeit uniforms and office backgrounds to deceive victims. Delayed reporting by victims hampers recovery efforts. Authorities have warned the public against responding to suspicious calls or transferring money under duress and advised immediate reporting to police and cybercrime helplines to prevent further victimization.
Opposition Leaders Meet to Discuss Bihar Elections, Statehood, and Verify Election Commission Claims Opposition leaders from a political bloc are scheduled to meet in Delhi to discuss the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The leader of a regional party expressed confidence in the restoration of statehood to a former state and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure rights for the region. He addressed claims by a national party leader alleging electoral misconduct by the Election Commission and indicated plans to verify these assertions during the meeting. The regional party leader criticized the ruling party's development claims post-constitutional changes and highlighted economic challenges, including job losses and industrial decline. He declined to comment on allegations involving a former parliamentarian pressured to implicate the Prime Minister in a past blast case, noting ongoing difficulties. A special court recently acquitted all accused in that blast case due to insufficient evidence.
Industry Joins Government Tree Plantation Campaign to Boost Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Efforts A government-led tree plantation campaign aimed at promoting environmental awareness received significant support from the industrial sector in a Haryana district. Over 4,000 industry representatives participated in planting saplings across multiple locations, with involvement from senior government officials. The initiative emphasized the responsibility of individuals and industries to contribute to environmental sustainability by planting trees, particularly in areas facing urban and industrial pollution challenges. Industry representatives committed to increasing tree plantation efforts within their facilities and surrounding areas to support the campaign's goals.
Rs 53 Crore Allocated to Digitise 1,789 PACS for Transparency and Efficiency by 2025 The state government has allocated Rs 53 crore for the computerisation of 1,789 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), with Rs 22.18 crore already spent on 870 societies in the first phase. The second phase involves computerising 919 additional PACS. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in cooperative societies by digitising their operations and linking them to the National Cooperative Database for GIS-based monitoring. The government has also appointed 30 master trainers to strengthen audit mechanisms, targeting completion of audits by September 30, 2025. Additionally, 1,153 PACS are being developed into Common Service Centres to provide over 300 digital services to rural populations, facilitating access to government services locally. The project seeks to curb embezzlement and irregularities, improve economic governance, and build social trust in cooperative societies.
Political leader falsely claims threat from deceased minister over farm laws, sparking demands for apology and respect A political leader accused a deceased former Union minister of threatening him over opposition to certain farm laws, prompting the ruling party to demand an apology for allegedly lying. The ruling party highlighted that the former minister had passed away before the farm laws were introduced, making the threat claim factually impossible. Senior party members and the minister's family condemned the allegation as disrespectful and misleading, emphasizing the late minister's reputation for respectful political discourse. They urged the accuser to maintain dignity and refrain from politicizing the legacies of departed leaders. The ruling party also criticized the accuser for making baseless threats against constitutional institutions and questioned the timing and accuracy of the claims, insisting on adherence to factual timelines.
State Launches Six Industrial Units with Rs 2,000 Crore Investment to Boost Local Jobs and Economy The state government has initiated the establishment of six industrial units in a designated district, involving a total investment of Rs 2,000 crore. These projects include a large transformer manufacturing plant, a food processing unit, and a building materials facility, collectively expected to generate significant local employment. The government has committed to providing monthly financial incentives to industrialists employing local workers to encourage job creation and reduce workforce migration. Additionally, plans include a large-scale vegetable procurement initiative benefiting numerous families and the hosting of a state-level agriculture fair to promote agricultural and dairy development. The developments aim to enhance regional industrial growth and integrate the area into a larger metropolitan economic zone.
Senior Judge Urges Digital Tools Under Legal Aid Act to Bridge Justice Access Gaps for Vulnerable Groups A senior Supreme Court judge highlighted the potential of technology to overcome geographical and social barriers in accessing legal aid, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital solutions to bridge persistent gaps in the justice system. Despite constitutional mandates for free legal aid, many marginalized groups still face obstacles due to poverty, illiteracy, social stigma, and digital exclusion. The judge advocated for transforming traditional legal aid delivery through digital tools such as mobile applications, AI, virtual hearings, and chatbots to enhance accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations. He stressed the importance of digital literacy, data privacy, and maintaining human interaction within digital legal aid services. The judiciary and government must collaborate to integrate ongoing digital initiatives with justice reforms to realize inclusive, accessible, and secure digital justice for all citizens.
Political Leader's Threat Allegation Against Deceased Politician Denied Over Timeline Dispute A political leader accused a deceased senior politician of threatening him to not oppose certain agricultural legislation, allegations which were strongly denied by a state chief minister and the ruling party. The chief minister condemned the accusations as baseless and disrespectful to the legacy of the late politician, emphasizing the impropriety of using deceased leaders' names for political attacks. The ruling party further challenged the timeline of events, noting that the legislation in question was enacted after the death of the accused politician, thereby disputing the credibility of the threat claim. The dispute highlights tensions over the political narrative surrounding the now-repealed farm laws and the use of historical figures in current political discourse.
Country Hits Record 18,900 Organ Transplants in 2024, Boosts Donation Awareness and Support Programs A country achieved a record number of over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, marking a significant increase from fewer than 5,000 in 2013 and ranking third globally behind two other nations. Despite this progress, a substantial gap remains between the demand for organ transplants and the availability of donors, largely due to lack of awareness and misconceptions. The government has implemented measures to encourage organ donation, including an online pledge system and financial support programs for transplant patients under national health schemes. Efforts also focus on promoting preventive health measures and lifestyle changes to reduce organ failure. Authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness, timely family consent, and robust support systems to address the ongoing shortage of organ donors.
Delhi Government Reforms Licensing Under New Unified Application and Third-Party Certification Rules The Delhi government is undertaking reforms to simplify the licensing process and integrate data across departments to enhance ease of doing business. The initiative addresses issues like fragmented databases, multiple licensing authorities, and complex fee structures that cause applicant harassment and revenue loss. Proposed measures include empaneling third-party auditors for fire clearances, creating a unified application form for No Objection Certificates, extending third-party certification for building approvals, and linking databases of various agencies. The government is also considering adopting a self-certification model for small industries and aligning municipal zones with revenue districts for better coordination. These reforms aim to create a transparent, accountable, and business-friendly environment to attract investment and improve governance in the national capital.
Government urges full use of inland fisheries with better registration and modern support to boost fish production The central government urged a state and other inland water-rich states to fully utilize their inland fisheries potential to boost fish production, highlighting a 103 percent growth in the sector over the past decade. Despite the state's significant contribution to fish production, only a small fraction of fishermen are officially registered, limiting sector benefits. The government emphasized the need for improved registration processes, technical infrastructure, and processing facilities, offering support for modernization and private sector involvement. Recommendations included developing village ponds through cooperatives or community groups and diversifying fish species reared. The central government expressed readiness to assist state efforts to enhance fisheries, aiming to stimulate both state and national economic growth.
Company MD arrested under PMLA for fake bank guarantee racket worth over Rs 68 crore involving forged documents and fake billing A company based in Odisha and its managing director were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for allegedly operating a fake bank guarantee racket involving multiple business groups. The company is accused of issuing counterfeit bank guarantees, including one worth over Rs 68 crore submitted to a government entity on behalf of a major corporate group subsidiary. Investigations revealed the use of forged communications impersonating a leading bank, multiple undisclosed bank accounts with suspicious transactions, and fake billing practices. Searches at company premises found no genuine records, and the registered office was a residential property linked to a relative. The company reportedly used encrypted messaging apps to conceal communications. The corporate group involved has filed a criminal complaint and disclosed the matter to regulatory authorities, asserting it was a victim of fraud. The probe continues into related suspicious financial activities.
Passenger Banned from Flights for Assaulting Fellow Traveler Under Airline Safety Rules An airline imposed a flying ban on a passenger who assaulted a fellow traveler during a domestic flight. After landing, the individual was handed over to airport security and officially declared unruly. The airline reported the incident to relevant authorities and suspended the passenger from all its flights in accordance with regulatory provisions. The duration of the ban was not specified. The assault was captured on video, showing the passenger slapping another who subsequently experienced distress and was moved away. Cabin crew and other passengers intervened verbally during the incident.
Governor urges real estate developers to invest in tier II and III cities for balanced growth and sustainability The governor of an eastern Indian state urged real estate developers to invest in tier II and III cities to promote balanced urbanization and sustainable development. Emphasizing ethical business practices and customer-centric approaches, the governor highlighted the region's growth potential through smart cities and industrial corridors. At a major real estate association meeting held after nine years in the state, leaders discussed investment opportunities and the sector's role in the economy, noting its significant GDP contribution and employment generation. The association president projected the sector to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030, driven by regulatory reforms. Local officials emphasized strategic initiatives positioning the region as a key real estate hub in eastern India.
India pushes 'Swadeshi' movement amid US 25% tariffs and trade tensions, prioritizing national economic interests India is advancing toward becoming the world's third-largest economy amid global economic instability. In response to the United States imposing a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports and threatening penalties over India's purchases from Russia, Indian leadership emphasized prioritizing national economic interests and promoting indigenous goods under the 'Swadeshi' movement. The government urged political parties, traders, and consumers to support locally made products to strengthen the economy. The US tariffs followed stalled bilateral trade negotiations, with India resisting concessions on agricultural and dairy products. Indian officials affirmed commitment to protecting national interests and assessing the impact of the US measures. The situation reflects ongoing trade tensions between the two countries, with India maintaining a firm stance on its economic policies despite external pressures.
Highlights of Railway Budget 2016-17 in Questions and Answers Format (Q & A Format)
March 3, 2016
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For the Convenience, the Highlights of Railway Budget, 2016-17 have been complied in questions and answers format which is given below : -
Rail Budget 2016-17
Q.What is the theme of this Budget?
To Reorganise, Restructure and Rejuvenate Indian Railways.
A new approach, a new way of working - “चलो, मिलकर कुछ नया करें”.
Objectives:
Ø to improve customer service,
Ø regain the lost modal share, and
Ø to introduce a new way of working by relooking the processes and structures.
3 pillars of the strategy :
Ø Nav Arjan or New revenues (focus on new sources of revenue),
Ø Nav Manak or New norms (optimising outgo on each activity), and
Ø Nav Sanrachna or New Structures (revisiting all processes, rules, and structures).
Q Is this budget reform oriented?
Yes, the Budget 2016-17 focusses on consolidation of the vision set out in the Budget 2015-16.
Draft Bill on regulator to be finalized
Restructuring Railway Board on business lines
Forming cross-sectoral directorates
Setting up Railway Planning and Investment Organisation
Setting up a holding company for Railway PSUs
Creating a separate organization Special Railway Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement (SRESTHA) for R&D
Creating an organization Special Unit for Transportation Research and Analytics (SUTRA) for data analytics
Setting up duly empowered missions to take forward 7 activities with time bound targets – missions are for switching over to 25 tonne axle load, increasing speeds, accounting reforms, commissioning 100 sidings/PFTs in 2016-17, preparing a blueprint of utilizing the network once DFC is commissioned, zero accident for safety and for procurement and consumption efficiency.
Q How is capacity augmentation planned?
Plan Budget is pegged at ₹ 1.21 lakh crore, 21% higher than the expected Plan expenditure in 2015-16.
2015-16 will surpass target of commissioning 2,500 km Broad Gauge lines.
2016-17 commissioning of 2,800 kms of Broad Gauge track.
90 new projects involving a total investment of ₹ 1,26,172 crore covering about 8,432 kms covering new line, doubling, gauge conversion and Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP) included in the Budget.
In 2016-17, Broad Gauge lines at the rate of over 7 km per day against an average of about 4.3 Km per day in the last 6 years.
This pace will increase to about 13 kms per day in 2017-18 and 19 kms per day in 2018-19
Railway Electrification - 1,600 kms to be commissioned in 2015-16; in 2016-17 propose to electrify 2,000 kms.
High speed passenger corridor from Ahmedabad to Mumbai; SPV to be registered; will bring in modern technology for the country.
DFC – three new freight corridors: North-South connecting Delhi to Chennai, East-West connecting Kharagpur to Mumbai & East Coast connecting Kharagpur to Vijayawada through innovative financing mechanisms including PPP
Port connectivity: Tuna Port commissioned in 2015-16 and rail connectivity projects to ports of Jaigarh, Dighi, Rewas and Paradip under implementation. For 2016-17, to take up connectivity for the ports of Nargol and Hazira under PPP.
Q What is there for the Common Man?
Introduction of Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service, to be operated on dense routes
Addition of two to four Deen Dayalu coaches in some long distance trains for unreserved travel with facility for potable drinking water and a higher number of mobile charging points
Sale of tickets through hand held terminals
Sale of platform tickets through ticket vending machines both cash and card compatible
E-ticketing facility to foreign debit/credit cards for foreign tourists and NRIs
Facility of cancellation through the 139 helpline using ‘One Time Password’
Bar coded tickets, scanners and access control on a pilot basis
Progressive CCTV coverage at tatkaal counters
‘Vikalp’ (Alternative Train Accommodation System) scheme to be expanded to provide choice of accommodation in specific trains to wait-listed passengers.
IRCTC to manage catering services in a phased manner.
Extending e-catering services from 45 stations to all 408 ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ class stations.
Explore making mandatory catering services optional in trains.
Introducing a new policy where each stall at station can provide multiple products including milk products and OTC medicines
Option to our customers for drinking tea in kulhad
To convert all operational halts into commercial halts.
Information boards in trains to list on-board services and also GPS based digital displays inside coaches to provide information regarding halts.
A1 class stations to be manned with duly empowered Station Directors supported by cross functional teams.
Passenger amenities and beautification on stations at pilgrimage centres including Ajmer, Amritsar, Bihar Sharif, Chengannur, Dwarka, Gaya, Haridwar, Mathura, Nagapattinam, Nanded, Nasik, Pali, Parasnath, Puri, Tirupati, Vailankanni, Varanasi and Vasco.
Aastha circuit trains to connect important pilgrim centres.
Porters to have new uniforms and train them in soft skills, to be henceforth called sahayak.
Q What is there for Cleanliness?
‘Clean my Coach’ service through SMS.
Ranking of A1 and A stations based on periodic third party audit and passenger feedback.
Waste segregation and recycling centres.
‘Awareness campaigns’ for cleanliness.
Additional 30,000 bio-toilets.
Providing portable structures with bio-toilets at all platforms of select stations for senior citizens, Divyang and women travellers.
Q What is there for farmers?
Encouraging development of cold storage facilities on vacant land near freight terminals. Local farmers and fishermen would be given preferential usage of the facility. A policy in this regard would be issued in the next 3 months.
Allowing floriculture/horticulture along tracks.
Q What is there for Industry?
Expanding the freight basket by looking beyond core commodities
Starting a time-tabled freight container, parcel and special commodity trains on a pilot basis
Container sector to be opened to all traffic barring coal and specified mineral ores and part-loads during the non-peak season.
Existing terminals/sheds to grant access to container traffic, where feasible
Review of tariff policy to evolve a competitive rate structure vis a vis other modes, permit multi-point loading/unloading and apply differentiated tariffs to increase utilization of alternate routes
Signing long term tariff contracts with key freight customers using pre-determined price escalation principles
To develop Rail side logistic parks and warehousing in PPP mode
10 goods sheds to be developed by Transport Logistics Company of India (TRANSLOC) in 2016-17.
Inaugurating soon India’s first rail auto hub in Chennai to capture automobile traffic.
Exploring feasibility of opening up leasing of general purpose wagons.
Appointing Key Customer Managers to liaison with our major freight stakeholders.
Q. What are the measures for environment and energy conservation?
To reduce energy consumption in non-traction area by 10% to 15%; all new light provisions will be LED luminaire only
More than 2,000 locations provided with Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) facility; RWH systems will be provided in a phased manner in all establishments having rooftop areas of more than 200 square metres
Environmentally friendly composite sleepers made up of recycled plastic waste will be used over all girder bridges
Tender documents for 50 MW solar plants at rooftop issued and facility for another 100 MW being set up
To commission 132.5 MW of windmill power plants in 2016-17
Automatic coach washing plants to be commissioned in major coaching depots with a holding of more than 500 coaches
To convert all production units as well as at least one workshop in each Zonal Railway as green industrial unit
Q. Are there any measures in the budget for Staff Welfare?
To tie up with the Ministry of Health for ensuring an exchange between Railways hospitals and Government hospitals.
Introduce ‘AYUSH’ systems in 5 Railway hospitals.
All gang men to be provided devices called ‘Rakshak’ which will intimate them about approaching trains.
To reduce weight of the tools carried by gangmen while patrolling
Provide toilets and air-conditioning in cabs for loco pilots.
One C T Venugopal chair on Strategic Finance, research and policy development
One Kalpana Chawla chair on geo-spatial technology for IR.
Rail University at Vadodara
Skill development on IR premises with Ministry of Skill Development
Railway Workshops and Production Units to develop ‘Centres of Excellence for Skill Development’, focussing on one/two specialized activities for the general public
Join hands with prominent NGOs to provide skilling to people in remote areas including wards of Railways employees.
Q. Are there any passenger friendly initiatives to cater to special needs, including Senior Citizens, Divyang (differently-abled) etc?
Expansion of Sarathi Seva to help old and disabled passengers requiring assistance at stations.
Strengthen existing services for enabling passengers to book battery operated cars, porter services, pick up and drop, and wheel chair services – Rail Mitra Sewa.
Ensuring all stations under redevelopment are accessible by Divyang
At least one Divyang friendly toilet at each platform in A1 class stations in 2016-17.
Q Are there any measures for the business traveller?
For passengers transiting railway network for freshening up before moving on with their business for the day, hourly booking of retiring rooms to be allowed instead of the existing minimum of 12 hours.
Retiring rooms to be handed over to IRCTC for management.
Q What is there for Suburban systems?
Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) III to be taken forward.
Financial closure and an early award of tenders for two elevated suburban corridors between Churchgate-Virar and CSTM-Panvel
Raise all low level platforms in Mumbai suburban stations in 2016-17
Issues related to East West Corridor of Kolkata Metro resolved and Phase I will be completed by June 2018; working on the possibility of extending the East West Corridor by 5 km.
Reviving the Ring Railway system in Delhi in partnership with the State Government.
Major programme to build an integrated suburban ecosystem of IR by launching a new investment framework with sharing of equity contribution with the State Governments and ensuring cost neutrality on operations; detailed policy in 4 months.
Partnership with State Governments of Gujarat, Telengana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu for developing suburban sections in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai, respectively by deploying innovative financing mechanisms.
Q Are there any measures for Women?
To make available of children’s menu items on trains.
Baby foods, hot milk and hot water to be made available on stations
Changing boards for babies would be provided in train toilets.
CCTV cameras would continue to be installed in coaches
Sub-quota in allotment of stalls
Encouragement to self-help groups to supply food on trains
Q. Are there any measures for youth?
Open up IR to 100 students across Engineering and MBA schools for 2-6 months’ internships each year.
Wi-Fi at 400 stations in next two years
₹ 50 crore earmarked for Innovation Fund for encouraging innovations and start-ups.
Q. Are there any measures for journalists?
E-booking of tickets on the concessional passes available to them
Q What is there for the North East & J&K?
States of Mizoram and Manipur will come on the Broad Gauge map of the country with commissioning of the Kathakal-Bhairabi and Arunachal-Jiribam Gauge Conversion projects.
Decongestion work on the Jalandhar- Jammu line, an important link to the valley, is going on in full swing. Doubling of two bridges will be commissioned by March 2016, while the other two bridges will be completed by 2016-17.
Q What are the provisions for Technology?
Integrating various facilities into two mobile apps - one dealing with all ticketing issues and the other for receipt and redressal of complaints and suggestions.
Physical progress on DFC to be monitored in 2016-17 using latest drone and Geo Spatial based satellite technology
Initiated system wide integration of IT programs/systems, both horizontal and vertical, akin to an ERP through innovative partnership models.
Process leading to award of tenders electronically to be rolled out on a Pan-India basis in 2016-17.
Q Is there anything related to innovation and startups?
Setting aside a sum of ₹ 50 crore for innovation grants to employees, startups and growth oriented small businesses
Innovation labs to be set up in workshops and production units to support creative innovation by locals and staff.
Annual innovation challenge
To develop a Test Track for testing prototypes.
Q What is there for State Governments?
Creation of Joint Ventures with State Governments for undertaking rail based projects. Received in principle approval from 17 states, out of which 6 MOUs have already been signed.
44 new line, gauge conversion and doubling projects proposed in partnership mode
Q How are resources proposed to be mobilized?
LIC has agreed to invest ₹ 1.5 lakh crore over five years on extremely favourable terms.
Looking forward to setting up a Fund with multilateral assistance for financing railway projects.
Non fare revenues
Station redevelopment will help monetize land and buildings through commercial exploitation of vacant land and space rights over station buildings.
Monetizing land along tracks
Monetizing soft assets such as data, software and some of the free services such as PNR enquiry, e-commerce activities on IRCTC website.
Target to increase the advertising revenues by more than 4 times the current revenues.
To liberalize the current parcel policies including opening the sector to container train operators
Expanding our service offerings specially to growing sectors such as e-commerce.
Pilot project for online booking of parcels.
Revenues from manufacturing activity of production units and workshops for domestic and international market; revenue targeted at ₹ 4,000 crore by 2020.
Q Make in India
After agreement for setting up two loco factories in India with an order book of about ₹ 40,000 crore, a similar bid process started for train sets for Rajdhani and Shatabdi services; current procurement to be increased by 30%.
Production units and workshops to aim at generating annualised revenues of about ₹ 4,000 crore by 2020 through manufacturing products for domestic and international markets.
Q Is there anything special for the passenger services?
For the unreserved passenger
Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service, to be operated on dense routes.
Addition of two to four Deen Dayalu coaches in some long distance trains with facility for potable drinking water and a higher number of mobile charging points.
For the reserved passenger
Humsafar would be fully air-conditioned third AC service with an optional service for meals.
Tejas will showcase the future of train travel in India. Operating at speeds of 130 kmph and above, it will offer onboard entertainment, local cuisine, Wi-Fi, etc.
Overnight double-decker, Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri (UDAY) Express on the busiest routes.
Modern coaches
Designing coaches to ensure higher carrying capacity and automatic doors, bar-code readers, bio-vacuum toilets, water-level indicators, accessible dustbins, ergonomic seating, improved aesthetics, vending machines, entertainment screens, LED lit boards for advertising, PA system.
Q Have any social initiatives been announced?
IRCTC has begun the process of empanelling Self-help groups for providing catering/cooking services.
Partnering with NABARD to provide support and access to our IRCTC website to ensure extensive e- marketing for products produced by the Self-help groups.
Partnered with Khadi and Village Industries Commission to support creation of employment and self-reliance in rural India resulting in the generation of 17 lakh man days; will continue to partner with them
Will encourage sourcing of products from SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Q Are there any measures related to tourism?
Partner with the State Governments for operating tourist circuit trains and explore the possibility of a revenue sharing model.
Recently upgraded our National Rail Museum; promotion of tourism through Railway museums and UNESCO world heritage Railways
To spread awareness about our National Animal, the Tiger, we will offer complete packages including train journey, safaris and accommodation to cover the wildlife circuit comprising Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh.
Railway Budget 2016-17: Focus on Customer Service, New Revenue, Infrastructure, and Passenger Amenities for Indian Railways.
The Railway Budget 2016-17 focuses on reorganizing, restructuring, and rejuvenating Indian Railways with the objectives of enhancing customer service and regaining modal share. Key strategies include new revenue sources, optimizing expenses, and revisiting processes. The budget outlines capacity augmentation plans with a 21% increase in expenditure, new projects, and electrification goals. Initiatives for the common man include new train services, improved ticketing, and enhanced passenger amenities. Cleanliness, energy conservation, and staff welfare are prioritized. The budget also emphasizes infrastructure development, innovation, and partnerships with state governments and industries, alongside measures for farmers, women, youth, and tourism.
Note: It is a system-generated summary and is for quick
reference only.