Tag: IndianRailways

Travel

“Please Travel in It Only If You Have Learned Your Toilet Manners”: Anand Rupanagudi on Vande Bharat Sleeper Launch

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The Vande Bharat Sleeper, India’s latest high-speed train designed for overnight journeys, is all set for its much-anticipated rollout. Ahead of the launch, Chief Project Manager Anand Rupanagudi made a candid and humorous remark emphasizing passenger hygiene.

“Please travel in it only if you have learned your toilet manners,” said Rupanagudi, drawing attention to the importance of keeping the train’s facilities clean and well-maintained.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed to combine comfort, speed, and convenience for long-distance travelers. With modern amenities including sleeper berths, improved restroom facilities, and enhanced safety features, the train promises a new era of overnight rail travel in India.

Project managers and engineers have spent months ensuring that all facilities meet international standards, from cleanliness to passenger comfort. Rupanagudi’s comments highlight the practical challenges of maintaining hygiene on long-haul services, while reminding travelers of their role in preserving the premium experience.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to operate on key overnight routes, providing faster travel times and a comfortable journey for passengers, while India continues to expand its modern rail infrastructure under the National Rail Plan.

Travel

First-Ever FCI Foodgrain Freight Train Reaches Anantnag, Boosting Kashmir Rail Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

In a major milestone for rail-based logistics in the Kashmir Valley, the first-ever foodgrain freight train of the Food Corporation of India reached the Anantnag Goods Terminal on December 21, 2025, formally integrating the region with India’s national freight rail network.

The freight rake, carrying approximately 1,384 tonnes of foodgrains loaded in wagons, was dispatched from Ajitwal Railway Station and successfully arrived at Anantnag. This marks the first instance of bulk foodgrain transportation by rail directly to South Kashmir, opening a new chapter in the region’s supply chain infrastructure.

The development is expected to ensure an uninterrupted and efficient supply of foodgrains across the Valley, particularly benefiting remote and far-flung areas. Rail-based transportation will enhance reliability in buffer stock movement while significantly reducing transportation costs, making the system faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable.

Beyond food security, the initiative is set to boost local markets, strengthen the regional agricultural economy, and create new opportunities in logistics and allied sectors. The commissioning of the Anantnag Goods Terminal has paved the way for expanded freight operations, enabling the movement of essential commodities and other goods in the future.

This landmark achievement represents a crucial step towards modernising freight infrastructure, improving food security, and reinforcing the Kashmir Valley’s connectivity with the rest of the country through efficient and sustainable rail transport.

Human Interest

RailNeer Price Reduced to ₹14/Litre as New GST Rules Come into Effect

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Travelers across India received a small but welcome relief today as the Indian Railways announced that RailNeer packaged drinking water bottles will now cost ₹14 per litre instead of ₹15 at all railway stations. The reduction comes into force with the implementation of new GST rules, effective from today, which have revised tax slabs for a range of essential and consumer products.


RailNeer, a trusted packaged water brand sold at railway stations, is a daily necessity for millions of passengers. The ₹1 price cut may seem small, but given the sheer volume of sales and affordability concerns, this move is being welcomed by travelers across the country.


The revised GST framework is not just impacting RailNeer but also several other product categories. The government’s aim is to rationalize prices, improve tax compliance, and make essential commodities more affordable for the common man.


The new RailNeer price is applicable at all railway stations across India starting today. Authorities have confirmed that vendors at stations have been directed to update their pricing immediately to reflect the change.


Experts say such small reductions create a significant positive perception among passengers, especially those who rely heavily on affordable essentials while traveling. It also reflects the government’s focus on consumer-friendly pricing in line with larger economic reforms.


With the new GST rules in place, passengers will notice changes not only in RailNeer but also in several day-to-day products. For Indian Railways, this is another step in ensuring passenger comfort, affordability, and transparency.

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IRCTC Launches Ashta Jyotirlinga Tour on Bharat Gaurav Train Departing from Margao August 5

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Margao | July 2025 – In a special offering for devotees and travel enthusiasts this Shravan season, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched an all-inclusive Ashta Jyotirlinga pilgrimage tour aboard the Bharat Gaurav tourist train, departing from Margao, Goa on August 5, 2025.

This unique pilgrimage experience is designed to take travellers on a spiritual journey to eight of the most sacred Jyotirlinga shrines spread across India. The tour, which is open to individuals, families, and groups, is especially curated for the holy Shravan month, a time revered for spiritual observance and temple visits.

Tour Highlights

  • Departure Date: August 5, 2025
  • Starting Station: Margao, Goa
  • Price: Starting from ₹23,880 per person
  • Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
  • Inclusions:
    • Train travel aboard Bharat Gaurav
    • AC/non-AC hotel accommodation
    • All vegetarian meals
    • Sightseeing with guides
    • Travel insurance
    • Transfers and local travel

Destinations Covered

The Ashta Jyotirlinga tour includes visits to:

  1. Somnath (Gujarat)
  2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)
  3. Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
  4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
  5. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
  6. Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
  7. Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra)
  8. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

These eight temples represent divine manifestations of Lord Shiva and are significant pilgrimage sites in the Shaivite tradition.

Bharat Gaurav Train Experience

The specially designed Bharat Gaurav train features:

  • Sleeper and AC coaches
  • Infotainment systems
  • Cultural-themed interiors
  • CCTV surveillance
  • Pantry cars providing wholesome vegetarian meals
  • Capacity to accommodate 600–700 passengers

Bookings and Accessibility

IRCTC has ensured a seamless, secure, and devotional travel experience. With all logistics handled – including local transport and hotel bookings – devotees can fully immerse themselves in the spiritual experience without worrying about planning.

For bookings and detailed itinerary, interested travellers can visit www.irctctourism.com or contact the IRCTC Goa office.

This initiative is expected to draw pilgrims from across Goa and neighbouring states, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on this sacred trail with unmatched convenience.