Indian Railways News - Commentary/Human Interest

Konkan Railway is conducting a computer-based selection test for 190 vacancies (electrical and civil engineers, station masters, goods train managers, signalmen, supervisors etc.) from January 13th to 16th. Land losers (those who lost land for the railway's construction) are demanding priority in these recruitments. While 3094 out of 36700...
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land losers have received jobs since the railway's inauguration on January 26th, 1998 (foundation laid July 19th, 1990), allegations persist of preferential treatment to candidates from outside the affected region. In 2019, a selection for station masters allegedly bypassed land losers, favoring candidates from Solapur and Pune divisions; this was admitted by Venugopal Nayar, General Secretary of the Konkan Railway Employees' Union, in 2021. Further, October 2024 saw contract engineer and mechanic interviews in Belapur where land losers were allegedly overlooked in favor of candidates from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal, leading to delays in repair work due to the lack of English proficiency among some of the new recruits.

On January 12, 2025, a passenger was trapped between the platform and the Konark Express train (Bhubaneswar to Mumbai) at Amadalavalasa railway station in Srikakulam district. His foot slipped from the footboard. Railway officials responded quickly, rescued him, and provided first aid before transporting him to a hospital. He survived...
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the incident with serious injuries.

To ensure safety and convenience during the Maha Kumbh Mela (January 13th onwards) in Prayagraj, non-vegetarian food is banned on all Varanasi railway stations and trains. Varanasi Cantt station has established three help desks and will have medical teams, 108 ambulance services, and increased RPF, GRP, and CRPF presence. ...
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Fares for autos, e-rickshaws, and motorboats are fixed to prevent overcharging. Cleaning and security will be heightened from Basant Panchami to Mahashivratri around stations, ghats, and religious sites. NDRF and divers will be deployed, and signboards will be placed for guidance. The administration aims to provide a positive experience for pilgrims.

Over 2000 farmers from 30 villages in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat, held a meeting on Saturday at Vadodara Zhala village, protesting a proposed railway line between Somnath and Kodinar. The line's proposed coastal route has angered farmers who fear for their land. Protests have been ongoing since 2016, reignited...
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by recent Google Maps activity showing the planned route. The Khedut Ekta Manch, led by Sagar Rabari, plans to formally petition the Gir Somnath District Collector, SP, and the Railway Board to halt the project, citing a lack of consultation with affected farmers.