Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, along with three other Vande Bharat trains, during an online ceremony from Varanasi. The new high-speed service — the third for Kerala and the first inter-State link to Karnataka — promises to cut travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in just 8 hours and 40 minutes.
In a major passenger-friendly move, Indian Railways will soon allow travellers to reschedule the date of confirmed tickets online, starting January 2026. Passengers will no longer need to cancel or rebook — and the process will come at no extra cost.
Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman train driver, has retired after a remarkable 36-year journey with Indian Railways. A true pioneer, she broke gender barriers and inspired countless women to chase their dreams in male-dominated fields.
In a powerful gesture of national pride, Indian Railways will now name select trains in honour of martyred soldiers. This initiative transforms everyday travel into a moving tribute, ensuring the legacy of India’s heroes lives on across every corner of the country.
Indian Railways is set to bring in airport-style baggage regulations, imposing limits on the amount of luggage passengers can carry. The move aims to streamline travel and enhance passenger safety.
