Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Wagon Production Hits Record 41,929 Units in FY 2024-25, Marking a 11% YoY Growth and a Threefold Surge Over 2004-14 Average

Total wagon production in the last three years reaches 1,02,369 units, boosting Railways’ freight capacity

Freight bottlenecks to reduce significantly, enhancing coal, cement, and steel transport efficiency

Increased rail freight capacity to cut fuel consumption, lower emissions, and curb logistics costs

Aligned with India’s economic vision, bolstering industrial growth and trade competitiveness

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:18PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone in wagon production, reaching an all-time high of 41,929 wagons in FY 2024-25, surpassing the 37,650 wagons produced in FY 2023-24. This marks a remarkable leap from the annual average of 13,262 wagons produced between 2004-2014, showcasing a significant boost in manufacturing capacity and efficiency.

This growth is expected to reduce freight bottlenecks and enhance Rail cargo movement. The numbers suggest a significant increase in the annual wagon production, highlighting the government’s vision of not only increasing domestic manufacturing but also improving its freight movement that will enhance convenience and also provide a major boost to the Indian economy, empowering India towards its goal of becoming an economic prowess.

Period	Production
2004-2014 (Average)	13,262
2014-2024 (Average)	15,875
2022-2023	22,790
2023-2024	37,650
2024-2025	41,929
Total production in last three years	1,02,369

Economic Boost

This surge in wagon production is expected to have a profound economic and environmental impact. With more wagons available, transport bottlenecks will be significantly reduced, ensuring faster cargo movement and improved efficiency for industries reliant on bulk transportation, such as coal, cement and steel. By reducing dependence on road freight, this shift will also lower fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainability goals. Additionally, the improved efficiency in freight movement will help curb transportation costs, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers by mitigating inflationary pressures.

Strengthening India’s Industrial Sector

As Indian Railways continues to expand its freight capacity, it is playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s industrial infrastructure and economic resilience. This growth aligns with India’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and trade competitiveness, reinforcing the country’s path toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.

****

Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2118737) Visitor Counter : 19

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:16PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, Prime Minister highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.

Prime Minister urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability. Bilateral mechanism could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties.

Prime Minister underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them.

Prime Minister congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership. The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework.

Prime Minister expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118736) Visitor Counter : 55

Source: Government of India

Cabinet approves four multitracking projects across Indian Railways

To enhance line capacity, Indian Railways plans to undertake four multitracking projects aimed to ensure seamless and faster transportation of both passengers and goods; These initiatives will improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient rail operations

The projects aim to enhance logistical efficiency by increasing the line capacity along the key routes for coal, iron ore, and other minerals; These improvements will streamline the supply chains, thereby contributing to accelerated economic growth

The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs.18,658 crore and will be completed upto 2030-31

The projects will also generate direct employment for about 379 lakh human-days during construction

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved Four projects of Ministry of Railways with total cost of Rs. 18,658 crore (approx.). The Four projects covering 15 Districts in 3 States i.e., Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 1247 Kms.

These projects include:

1. Sambalpur – Jarapda 3rd and 4th Line                             
2. Jharsuguda – Sason 3rd and 4th Line                      
3. Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa 5th and 6th Line     
4. Gondia – Balharshah doubling    

The enhanced line capacity will improve mobility, providing enhanced efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals 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 the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’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.

With these projects 19 New Stations will be constructed, enhancing connectivity to Two Aspirational Districts (Gadchiroli and Rajnandgaon). Multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approx. 3350 villages and about 47.25 lakh population.

Kharsia – Naya Raipur – Parmalkasa will provide direct connectivity to new areas such as Baloda Bazar, this will create possibilities for setting up of new industrial units including cement plants in the region.

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as agriculture products, fertilizer, coal, iron ore, steel, cement, limestone etc. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 88.77 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, reduce oil import (95 Crore Litres) and lower CO₂ emissions (477 Crore Kg) which is equivalent to plantation of 19 Crore trees.

***

MJPS/SKS

(Release ID: 2118723) Visitor Counter : 145

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 11:01AM by PIB Delhi

NITI Aayog convened a National Workshop on ‘Mainstreaming Climate Adaptation into Local Development Planning,’ bringing together policymakers, climate experts, civil society organizations, and development practitioners to explore effective strategies for integrating climate resilience into Panchayat Development Plans.

The workshop emphasized the need for equipping Gram Panchayats with tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively address climate challenges. It was emphasised that climate adaptation must be woven into all aspects of sectoral planning at the Panchayat level, rather than being treated as a standalone effort. It was underscored that climate modelling must be coupled with community-level knowledge to develop locally relevant adaptation strategies.

A major focus was on institutionalizing climate resilience within Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and embedding climate-responsive planning into local development frameworks. Discussions highlighted the growing frequency of extreme weather events and their impacts on rural livelihoods, agriculture, and water security, reinforcing the need for disaggregated Gram Panchayat-level data for precise planning and informed decision-making.

The workshop emphasized the need to encourage Panchayats to integrate climate-smart approaches into their development planning by strengthening their capacity. Various tools and frameworks were presented to build Panchayat capacity for long-term adaptive planning. Participants called for leveraging existing schemes and programmes to enhance climate resilience at the grassroots level.

Showcasing best practices from different states and Panchayats, the discussions highlighted the value of peer learning and knowledge-sharing in scaling up climate action. The shift from climate adaptation to proactive local climate action was a key takeaway, emphasizing the role of Panchayats in climate risk-informed development and disaster preparedness.

The workshop concluded with a call for multi-stakeholder collaboration, to foster climate-resilient rural livelihoods. Strengthening institutional capacity and encouraging innovation in Panchayat-led climate action were identified as key enablers. Integrating climate adaptation into local governance can help India foster a more sustainable and resilient rural development model.

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118624) Visitor Counter : 27

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 9:43AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok today. Expressing condolences over devastation in recent earthquake, Shri Modi reassured India’s assistance to sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more.

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage of property in the wake of the recent earthquake. India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time. 

We also discussed bilateral relations between India and Myanmar, particularly in sectors like connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development and more.”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118597) Visitor Counter : 101

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Tokhan Sahu, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, inaugurated the newly constructed Service cum Facilitation Centre and the renovated Administrative Block. He also launched the new e-Gazette 2.0 portal and the revamped websites of Department of Publication, Directorate of Printing and Government of India Stationery Office, marking a significant step towards Digital India Vision of Govt. of India.

In his address, the Minister congratulated the Department of Publication for its commendable citizen-centric initiatives. He emphasized that government services can reach their true potential only when they prioritize the needs and convenience of the citizens. He further highlighted that this approach will propel government services, ensuring broader accessibility, efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

The facilities unveiled during the event are designed to enhance the functionality, comfort, and accessibility for both visitors and employees, thereby supporting the Department’s mission to deliver quality services while maintaining a conducive and efficient working environment.

The launch of the e-Gazette 2.0 portal and the new websites are in alignment with the government’s Digital India vision. These initiatives ensure that government services are more accessible, transparent, and citizen-centric, facilitating ease of doing business for the public.

The Department of Publication remains steadfast in its commitment to dissemination of information through Government Publication and meet the needs of the public, government agencies, and various stakeholders.

****

SK

(Release ID: 2118596) Visitor Counter : 33

Source:

17th February, 2025 @ 9:30AM – Sheraton Hotel, Apia.

Rev Maauga Motu,

Members of the Diplomatic Corp,

Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations,

Representatives of Organizations of persons with disabilities from the Polynesian Sub Region,

President of the Nuanua o le Alofa,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava,

I am honored to deliver the Keynote Address as Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, to officially open the Peer and Collective Learning (PCL) -Talanoa (Forum) for Polynesian Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) 2025.

The Government of Samoa is committed to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. We are intentional to uphold the SDG mantra of ‘Leave No One Behind’ in our national development actions, our sectoral policies, programs and practices. Since ratification in 2016, we have taken concrete steps to implement the UNCRPD through our development efforts. The National Development Plan of Samoa demonstrates commitment to safeguard persons with disabilities across its priority areas. The National Disability Policy has translated the CRPD into national action to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are realised through services and access to opportunities for persons with disabilities and their families.

Some specific areas of progress are; disability disaggregated data with the Washington Group short set of questions in our 2016 and one of the first three countries in the Pacific to produce its disability monograph out of the census. Recently, in 2021, through the partnership with UN agencies and the strong leadership of Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) we have implemented the cash transfer program to persons with disabilities. We acknowledge the commitment and leadership from Nuanua O Le Alofa in its advocacy in supporting and working alongside Government to make a difference to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. Like many other countries in our Pacific, ensuring that persons with disabilities are part of National Development Plans is another top priority to Samoa.

I am told that this week you have your ‘peer and collective learning exchange program’, a platform established by the Disability Rights Fund to support your learning and cross learning amongst organisations of persons with disabilities in the Polynesia subregion. The dialogue this week or Talanoa as the Samoan say, is constructive dialogue to enable your learning, support your growth, enable your development is also key to our indigenous way of learning. I am sure you are here to share your experiences, knowledge and discuss solutions that you can take back home, solutions to remove barriers, influence systems and processes and ensure that we as Government are inclusive of persons with disabilities and to understand your diverse needs, ensuring that NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND in our communities.

From a Government’s perspective, this is also an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the diverse initiatives that Governments within our sub region have to protect, promote and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. To engage in constructive dialogue and to contribute to national developments and nation building as key partners and beneficiaries of these developments, whether its accessing health services, employment opportunities or any other mainstream services. I am aware that the Government must ensure that specific services such as sign language, peer support, carers or personal assistances are keys to your inclusion and participation.

I wish you well in your deliberations and learning this week. I now declare your meeting officially open.

Soifua.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:34AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar. He hailed the actor as an icon of Indian cinema, particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal  reflected in his films.

He wrote in a post on X:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118579) Visitor Counter : 127

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, today visited Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, popularly known as Wat Pho.

Prime Minister paid homage to the Reclining Buddha and offered ‘Sanghadana’ to senior Buddhists monks. Prime Minister also presented a replica of Ashokan Lion Capitol to the shrine of Reclining Buddha. On the occasion, he recalled the strong and vibrant civilizational ties that exist between the two countries.

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118743) Visitor Counter : 70

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in an accident in Nanded, Maharashtra

PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in an accident in Nanded, Maharashtra. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

The Prime Minister’s Office handle in post on X said:

“Saddened by the loss of lives in an accident in Nanded, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118739) Visitor Counter : 84