Indian Railways launches Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims

 

Indian Railways has launched the Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims to visit Shirdi, Tirupati, Jagannath Puri, Gangasagar, Baidyanath Dham and Jyotirlingams among others. 

• The tourist train comprises 10 coaches and bookings are being done by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
•  The service offers budget-friendly package for pilgrims.
•  The package includes train journey, road transportation, accommodation, sightseeing at tourist locations and onboard and off-board meals.

Union Railway Ministry to set up Rs 1 lakh crore Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh

The Union Railway Ministry has decided to create a 1 lakh crore rupees safety fund named Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh to strengthen safety measures on the rail network to prevent accidents

• It was announced by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate on Demands for Grants for Railways for 2016-17.
• In this regard Union Railway Ministry has forwarded a proposal to the Union Finance Ministry for approval.

Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh :

• The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh will be a non-lapsable fund which will be utilised for safety measures.
• The fund will help Indian Railways to accomplish its zero-accident mission by strengthening the safety measures on the rail network in a comprehensive way.

Missed call service launched for local train updates

COMMUTERS of Western Railway’s suburban train network can now check the status of local trains by giving a missed call. In an initiative to communicate the scheduled arrival time of trains to passengers, the Western Railway (WR) has tied up with a private firm.

• The commuter would need to dial toll free no. 1800 212 4502 and the call will get disconnected automatically after two rings subsequent to which an SMS will be sent informing the running status of suburban trains.
• Information on running of services shall be communicated to the firm by the Railways in a stipulated scheduled time, which in turn will be conveyed to passengers.
• Commuters can also register themselves with http://www.mobitip.info for daily updates at scheduled times. 
• Users of any smartphone can avail of this service with no need of any internet connection.What makes the commuters happier is the service is free of cost.