Correct Answer :   European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed to providing a ?2,800 crore loan to support the development of Bengaluru's suburban railway.

The announcement was made by EIB Vice President Nicola Beer and Karnataka Rail Director Awadhesh Maheta at the Urban Mobility India conference in Gandhinagar.

The loan will be disbursed over five years, contributing to India's urban mobility and workforce inclusivity goals.

Notably, India is the largest EIB transport financing recipient outside Europe, reflecting the country's focus on upgrading its transportation infrastructure.

This investment aims to enhance Bengaluru's connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable urban growth.

Correct Answer :   8 districts

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved Two Railway projects of Ministry of Railways with total estimated cost of Rs.6,798 crore (approx.).

Two approved projects are :

(a) doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms

(b) construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms to be completed in 5years.


The projects will generate direct employment for about 106 lakh human-days.

The doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga & Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section will strengthen the connectivity to Nepal, North-east India and Border areas and facilitating movement of passenger trains along with goods train resulting in the socio-economic growth of the region.

The new rail line project Errupalem-Amaravati-Namburu traverses through NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana.

The Two projects covering 8 Districts in 3 States i.e., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 313 Kms.

New Line project will provide connectivity to approx. 168 villages and about 12 Lakh population with 9 new stations. Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to Two Aspirational Districts (Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur) serving approx. 388 villages and about 9 lakh population.

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 31 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum). The Railways being environment friendly and energy efficient mode of transportation, will help both in achieving climate goals and minimizing logistics cost of the country, lower CO2 emissions (168 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 7 Crore trees.

The new line proposal will provide direct connectivity to “Amaravati” the proposed Capital of Andhra Pradesh and improve mobility for industries and the population, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. The multi-tracking proposal will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.

The projects are in line with Prime Minister’s Vision of a New India which will make people of the region “Atmanirbhar” by way of comprehensive development in the area which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are result of PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity which have been possible through integrated planning and will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Eastern Railways

Eastern Railways is expanding the One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative, allowing local artisans to set up stalls at Howrah and other stations to sell their handmade products.

This move aims to support West Bengal's artisans and entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform to market and sell their creations.

Artisans can register for a 15-day or 30-day period, with the fee covering registration costs plus free electricity for a specific number of units, facilitating their business operations at the station.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote local crafts and support local businesses.

Correct Answer :   Aizawl

Aizawl in Mizoram will be the fourth capital city of the North-East region to come under railway connectivity by July next year (2025).

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is laying a new broad gauge (BG) track up to Sairang near Aizawl.

Guwahati (adjacent to the capital Dispur), Agartala, the capital of Tripura and Naharlagun (adjacent to the capital city Itanagar) in Arunachal Pradesh are already connected by the railway network.

Correct Answer :   Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh's rail network spans an impressive 9,077.45 kilometers and stands out as the state with the most extensive rail network.

Indian Railways is celebrated as the lifeline of the nation, playing a pivotal role in the country’s transportation and economic development. Millions of passengers travel thousands of kilometers daily, showcasing the vast expanse and importance of the railway network in India.

An Overview of Indian Railways :

Indian Railways is the fourth largest rail network globally, employing over 1.3 million people. Every day, more than 25 million passengers travel on over 13,000 trains, passing through more than 7,000 stations and covering over 68,000 kilometers. These staggering numbers highlight the critical role Indian Railways plays in connecting the nation and driving economic growth.

Which Indian State has the Largest Rail Network?

Among the numerous states in India, Uttar Pradesh stands out as the state with the most extensive rail network. This northern state is a significant hub in the Indian Railways system, boasting the largest rail network in the country.

Rail Network in Uttar Pradesh :

Uttar Pradesh’s rail network spans an impressive 9,077.45 kilometers, reaching all four directions of the state. This extensive network ensures that every district in Uttar Pradesh is connected by rail, facilitating easy travel and transportation for its residents. The high population density of the state further accentuates the importance of this rail network, as it supports the travel needs of the largest population in India.

Correct Answer :   Gorakhpur Railway Station

Gorakhpur Railway Station takes the crown as Uttar Pradesh's largest railway station, primarily because of its expansive platforms spanning a total length of 1300 meters.

ttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is also the state with the highest number of districts. Known for its diverse culture and unique traditions, Uttar Pradesh attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists every year. The majority of the Indian Railways network also passes through this state, further highlighting its importance.

Total Railway Stations in India :

To begin with, let’s understand the magnitude of the railway infrastructure in India. The country boasts more than 7,000 railway stations, facilitating the operation of over 22,000 trains daily, including over 13,000 passenger trains, catering to a daily ridership of more than two crore passengers.

Railway Stations in Uttar Pradesh :

Uttar Pradesh hosts around 550 railway stations, with over 230 managed by the North Central Railway zone and more than 170 by the North Eastern Railway zone. These stations form a crucial part of the state’s transportation network, facilitating travel and connectivity within Uttar Pradesh and to neighboring regions.

Which is the Largest Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh?

Gorakhpur Railway Station takes the crown as Uttar Pradesh’s largest railway hub, primarily because of its expansive platforms spanning a total length of 1300 meters. This significant infrastructure places Gorakhpur at the forefront of the state’s railway network, serving as a pivotal junction for numerous train routes and passengers.

Historical Significance of Biggest Railway Station of Uttar Pradesh :

Gorakhpur Railway Station, once the world’s largest by platform area, holds historical significance. Although surpassed by Hubli in Karnataka, its legacy remains. Functioning as a vital junction, it links Eastern Uttar Pradesh with Bihar and extends connectivity from northern to eastern India, playing a pivotal role in regional transportation networks.

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (26th Feb 2024) laid the foundation stone for Sikkim's first railway station at Rangpo.

It was among the over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects worth about ? 41,000 crore unveiled by the prime minister.

The design of the Rangpo railway station will draw inspiration from the rich culture, heritage and architecture of Sikkim, the prime minister said in his address via video conference.

Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was present at Khanikola in Rangpo where a function was held.

"The foundation stone laying for the Rangpo railway station is a historic and proud moment for Sikkim, underscoring its significance in the context of 'Viksit Bharat@2047' and its potential to enhance the tourism sector by offering expedited and convenient travel options," Acharya said.

He also noted the advantages of the railways during the monsoon, when the NH-10 encounters disruptions.

The railways will be a blessing during such times, enhancing connectivity and reliability, he added.

The station will be a part of the under-construction 45-km rail line from Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim. It will have 14 tunnels and 22 bridges.

The track on the Sevoke-Rangpo section of the Northeast Frontier Railway will have the capacity to handle 25 ton and trains can run at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.

There will be three stations between Sevoke and Rangpo -- Riyang, Teesta and Melli, all in West Bengal.

The project was awarded to IRCON International in May 2010 at a cost of ? 4,084.69 crore and the original deadline was May 2015. The revised date is now December 2024 with a revised cost of ? 12,474.07 crore, according to officials..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Telangana

Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have laid the foundation stone for Komuravelli Railway Station in Siddipet District in Telangana state last evening. Komuravelli village is home to the famous Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. Every year about 25 lakh people from four different states visit the temple town to have darshan of the presiding deity.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Kishan Reddy said considering the importance of the temple town and to improve the transport facilities for the huge population to the town, the Railway Ministry has sanctioned the halting station to Komuravelli which falls on the Manoharabad-Kothapalli railway line under the South-Central Railway.

He said the new station will provide first-time train connectivity fulfilling the aspirations of the people.  Mr Reddy further said the propose Regional Ring Road to Hyderabad city at a cost of 26 thousand crore rupees will be completed soon if the new Congress Government extends cooperation to the centre. The Minister further said a proposal is also under active consideration to lay a Ring Railway Line linking 8-9 districts in the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said passenger utility has increased after the introduction of Metro and Vande Bharat trains besides other special trains. He also said improving railway facilities will lead to benefits in the field of business and employment. Rajya Sabha Member Dr K Lakshman also present on the occasion..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Gajraj Suraksha

Gajraj uses an AI-based algorithm, and a network of sensitive optical fibre cables to detect elephants getting close to railway tracks. It warns nearby station masters when it detects an elephant getting within 200 metres of the track, who then warns locomotive pilots in the area.

Over the past decade, about 200 elephants lost their lives due to collisions with trains, posing a significant threat to both wildlife and railway operations.

In a bid to address the rising concern of elephant deaths in train collisions, Indian Railways has rolled out a groundbreaking, indigenously developed new technology called "Gajraj Suraksha", that is aimed at preventing such tragic incidents.

Gajraj Suraksha, which is a kind of Intrusion Detection System or IDS, is based on an AI algorithm and claims to detect 99.5 per cent of potential collisions, providing a much-needed solution to this longstanding issue. What makes this system unique is that it primarily relies on OFCs or Optical Fibre cables for quick transmission of signals.

Union Minister of Railways, "Ashwini Vaishnaw" announced (30th Nov 2023) plans to install these AI-powered systems in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, certain parts of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.

How does the Gajraj Suraksha Intrusion Detection System work?

* Gajraj Suraksha senses pressure waves generated by the movement of elephants along the tracks. While explaining how exactly the mechanism works, officials revealed that as elephants move, the optical fibres detect vibrations caused by their footsteps.

* These vibrations trigger signals within the optical fibre network, enabling the system to identify the presence of elephants up to 200 meters ahead of their arrival on the track.

* The OFC-based Intrusion Detection System works by sending alarms to station masters whenever movement is detected along the tracks.

* The network is designed in such a way that it can track the movement of the elephant with great accuracy and report it to nearby station masters. This allows them to promptly inform locomotive drivers in the affected areas.

* This quick communication ensures that trains can be slowed down or stopped, preventing potential collisions with elephants..

Source : First Post

Correct Answer :   Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, DMRC has started selling of  ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ from its selected Metro stations through dedicated counters from 4th September 2023.

These Smart Cards which will be sold till 13th of this month, has been launched to facilitate the G20 delegates and international visitors who might be interested in exploring the prominent tourist places of the capital city as they arrive in Delhi.

 The 36 stations where these cards will be sold through dedicated counters include  Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazar, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Lok Kalyan Marg, ITO and Supreme Court metro stations.

The ‘Tourist Smart Cards’ will be available in two categories of One-Day Validity and Three-Day Validity cards, offering unlimited rides in the Metro network. The One-day validity Tourist Smart Card will be available for 200 rupees. The three-day validity card will be available for 500 rupees. Our correspondent reports that this amount also includes a refundable security deposit of 50 rupees.

Besides unlimited rides, these Tourist Smart Cards are of great benefit to tourists as they can seamlessly travel in the entire network from the first train to the last train service available for the day. There are no penalties or surcharges levied on Tourist Smart Cards on account of instances like Entry or exit mismatch, overstay in the system, and overstepping.

Delhi Metro, which is ranked among one of the largest Metro systems in the world is well connected to almost all the prominent tourist destinations in the city like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, and Kalkaji Temple, to name a few. Tourists can seamlessly reach these tourist places by travelling on various corridors of the Delhi Metro by using these cards. Tourists can also download the ‘Delhi Metro Rail’ app for more details on the network to plan their journeys.

The App also includes a dedicated section on the home page by the name of ‘Tour Guide’ where they can find the list of all stations and tourist places nearby. Tourist Smart Cards are also available at all Metro stations Except Airport Express Line across the network. Anyone who wants to explore the city can avail these cards from the stations any time during the day...

Source : AIR