Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Faces Security Alert Ahead of PM Modi’s Programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train today. Ahead of this landmark event, security agencies have been placed on high alert.

The Prime Minister is visiting Malda in West Bengal, where the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will take place. In the run-up to the programme, Eastern Railway has written to the state police, expressing concerns over a possible deterioration of law and order. The railway authorities have requested the deployment of additional security forces in Malda and surrounding areas.

According to railway sources, intelligence inputs suggest that anti-social elements may attempt to create disturbances during the Prime Minister’s event. There are also concerns that stone-pelting incidents could occur soon after the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train begins its journey.

Sensitive locations identified in the intelligence inputs include Malda, Jamirghata, Khaltipur, Chamagaram, Sankopara, New Farakka, Ballalpur, Dhulian, Basudevpur, and Tildanga. These areas are considered vulnerable to potential acts of vandalism or attempts to disrupt train operations while the train passes through them.

Additionally, there is a possibility of black flag demonstrations against the Prime Minister during the visit. In view of these inputs, the Railways have instructed authorities to ensure tight security arrangements at railway stations, along trackside areas, and around the programme venue to prevent any untoward incident.

Indian Railways announces fare hike effective December 26 – here’s what passengers need to know

The Railway Ministry on Sunday announced a marginal increase in passenger train fares, which will come into effect from December 26, 2025.

As per the revised structure, ordinary class passengers travelling beyond 215 km will have to pay an additional 1 paise per kilometre. For Mail and Express trains, fares for non-AC classes will increase by 2 paise per kilometre, while the same 2 paise per kilometre hike will apply to all AC classes across trains.

The Ministry has clarified that there will be no fare increase for suburban train services. Additionally, passengers travelling up to 215 km in ordinary class on non-suburban routes will continue to pay the existing fares, offering relief to short-distance travellers and daily commuters.

Railway officials stated that this fare revision is expected to generate around ₹600 crore in additional revenue for Indian Railways between December 26, 2025 and March 31, 2026. The funds are likely to be used to support operational costs, infrastructure maintenance, and passenger amenities.

The Ministry also highlighted that the previous fare hike implemented in July 2025 has already resulted in approximately ₹700 crore in revenue, indicating a steady contribution from incremental fare adjustments.

Overall, while the hike is minimal on a per-kilometre basis, long-distance and AC travellers may notice a slight increase in ticket prices, whereas daily suburban and short-route passengers remain unaffected.

From December 1, Indian Railways Updates Ticket Booking Hours – Here Are the New Guidelines

Indian Railways has updated its child ticket rules, bringing important changes for parents booking train tickets for their children. The new guidelines clearly define age categories, fare requirements, and necessary documentation, making it essential for families to understand these rules before travelling. The aim is to simplify the booking process while ensuring safety and fairness in fare collection.

Under the revised rules, children below five years can travel for free without a separate seat, but parents must carry valid age proof to avoid issues during ticket inspection. For children aged five to twelve, a child ticket is mandatory and is priced at 50% of the adult fare, and railway staff may ask for proper identification. Anyone twelve years or older will be charged full fare as an adult.

Being aware of these regulations helps families avoid penalties or booking problems and ensures a smoother, safer journey for children. The changes are designed to prevent misuse of child concessions and maintain transparency in ticketing.

While booking, parents should carefully select the correct age category and ensure they have the appropriate ID documents for children, especially those above five years. Both online platforms and ticket counters have incorporated these updates, making it easier to choose the right fare. Planning ahead will help avoid confusion and ensure adherence to the new rules.

Major Relief Ahead for Karjat–Kasara Passengers: 15-Coach Locals Likely Soon

Passengers travelling on the Karjat–Kasara route may finally get some long-awaited relief. The Central Railway has begun the expansion of 27 railway stations to enable the operation of 15-coach local trains between Karjat and Kasara. The target for completing this upgrade has been set for December 2025.

At present, 15-coach locals run only between CSMT–Dombivli and CSMT–Kalyan, while many trains still operate with just 12 coaches, leading to severe overcrowding during peak hours. With passenger numbers rising daily, pressure on the local network has increased significantly, prompting repeated demands to introduce longer 15-coach services on the Karjat–Kasara stretch.

Currently, around 22 services of 15-coach locals run between CSMT and Kalyan. However, the shorter platform lengths on the Kalyan–Kasara and Kalyan–Khopoli sections have made it impossible to extend the longer trains further.

A senior Central Railway official confirmed that work is underway at 34 stations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with 27 of them expected to be fully upgraded by the end of this year. Most of these stations lie on the Kalyan–Karjat–Khopoli and Kalyan–Kasara routes.

Once the platform extensions are completed, some of the existing 12-coach local trains will be converted to 15-coach services, followed by a phased increase in the total number of longer trains.