After alleged harassment by a manager at New Delhi’s Khanjawala Cluster Bus Depot, a 27-year-old bus conductor allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming train at the Ghewra railway crossing, the police said on Friday.

The body of Haridarshan, a resident of Nihal Vihar, was found lying on the tracks on Thursday with severe head injuries, they said.

In a suicide note, the deceased alleged that the manager of the depot had harassed him on many occasions and therefore, he was taking the extreme step.

The post-mortem was conducted on Friday at the Sabzi Mandi mortuary and the relatives will give a detailed complaint on Saturday after the cremation process, the police said.

According to Haridarshan’s family, he had joined the department three years ago and the manager was allegedly forcing him to achieve unrealistic targets, the police said.

They also claimed that the manager had threatened to sack Haridarshan if he failed to meet the targets, they added.

A train-checking party of the Guwahati GRPS recovered three gold pieces shaped like wheels of a trolley bag, weighing around 1,200 grams on at the city’s railway station on Thursday morning, railway police said.

A trolley bag was also found lying unclaimed at platform number one of the Guwahati Railway Station.

The items were handed over to the Customs Department.

Last week, police had seized $540,000 from two passengers at the station.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’s initial public offering (Rail Vikas Nigam IPO) began today and will last up to April 3. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the wholly owned government company is a ‘Miniratna’ (Category – I) company incorporated by the ministry of Railways in 2003 as a project executing agency working for and on behalf of Ministry of Railways. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited was incorporated with the objective to undertake rail project development, mobilisation of financial resources and implementation of rail projects pertaining to strengthening of golden quadrilateral and port connectivity and raising of extra- budgetary resources for project execution, HDFC Securities said in an IPO note.

The object of the initial public offering (Rail Vikas Nigam IPO) is to carry out disinvestment of 12.12 per cent equity stake of government of India. A total of 25.34 crore equity shares of face value of Rs. 10 are being offered in the Rail Vikas Nigam IPO in a price band of Rs. 17-19 aggregating to the issue size of Rs. 430.87 crore – Rs. 481.57 crore.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’s total order book which includes laying new railway lines, doubling of tracks, gauge conversion, railway electrification, metropolitan transport projects, building workshops and bridge construction works as of December 31, 2018 stood at Rs. 77,504.28 crore.

RVNL works on a turnkey basis and undertake the full cycle of project development from conceptualization to commissioning and its major client is the Indian Railways. The other clients of the company include various central and state government ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings, HDFC Securities said.

Individuals interested in subscribing to the issue can do it by bidding in lot size of 780 equity shares per lot and in multiples thereof. A discount of Rs. 0.50 per share is being offered to RVNL’s employees and retail customers, HDFC Securities note said.

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’s Financial Performance

In the first half of financial year 2018-19 Rail Vikas Nigam Limited reported net profit of Rs.253.62 crore on revenue from operations of Rs. 3,622.88 crore. In the full financial year 2017-18 it had reported net profit of Rs. 569.92 crore on revenue of Rs. 7,597.36 crore.

Key Concerns For Rail Vikas Nigam Limited

Upon the completion of this offer, the government of India will hold approximately 87.84 per cent of RVNL’s post-offer paid up equity share capital. Consequently, the President of India, acting through the ministry of Railways will continue to control it and will have the power to elect and remove directors and determine the outcome of most proposals for corporate action requiring approval of its Board or shareholders, such as proposed five-year plans, revenue budgets, capital expenditure, dividend policy, transactions with other government of India controlled companies.

Under the Companies Act, this will continue to be a public sector undertaking which is owned and controlled by the President of India. This may affect the decision making process in certain business and strategic decisions taken by the company going forward, HDFC Securities noted.

Raising another concern about RVNL, HDFC Securities said that, “RVNL has unsecured loans that may be recalled by the lenders at any time.”

RVNL has availed an unsecured loan from Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) which may be recalled by them at any time. While for payment of interest and principal on the borrowing from IRFC, ministry of Railways would make available to the Company the required funds, the debt servicing will only pass through RVNL books. In the event that any lender does not provide further funding to it, the Company would need to find alternative sources of financing, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, HDFC Securities note added.

Should You Invest In Rail Vikas Nigam IPO?

Canara Bank Securities in a note to its clients recommends subscribing to the stock in the Rail Vikas Nigam IPO. As of March 31, 2018, the company had an EPS of Rs. 2.73 and NAV of Rs. 18.83.

“The company would trade at 6.96 times price to earnings ratio and 1.01 times its price to book value for FY18 earnings. We believe that the stock is fairly priced. One may subscribe to the IPO for long term gains,” Canara Bank Securities said in a note.

“However, there is uncertainty with regard to change in the government policy to reconsider the practice of giving railway projects/works on nomination basis to RVNL or to give projects/works to CPSUs through limited competitive tenders. The outcome may have bearing on size of the future order flow and margins. Nevertheless, RVNL commands better bidding prospects due to the proven past record,” the IPO note added.

At the higher end of the price band of Rs. 19, the issue is priced at price to earnings of 7 times (post dilution) on FY18 and 7.8 times on H1FY19 (annualized) basis, which we believe is reasonable as compared to closely listed peer IRCON International that trades at price to earnings of 9.1 times on FY18 basis. As of 31 Dec’18, Centrum Wealth Research said in a note.

Given the government’s focus on rail infrastructure spends (Metro, Port-Rail Connectivity, electrification etc), healthy order book, asset light model and reasonable valuation, we suggest that investors can subscribe to the issue from a long term perspective, Centrum added in the note.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get over 300 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while the Congress will be restricted to 60.

Speaking at an interaction session with FICCI Ladies Organisation in Hyderabad, Mr Goyal asserted that the BJP would win the upcoming elections with a clear majority.

Mr Goyal alleged that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is plunging into politics just 60 days before the Lok Sabha elections with a sole aim to “bail out her failed elder brother” Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

“Nation needs more serious politicians than the fly-by-night ones,” he added.

Mr Goyal also claimed that a Ram Temple will be built at Ayodhya and accused Congress leader Kapil Sibal of creating hurdles to ensure that the Supreme Court doesn’t deliver its judgment soon in the matter.

Speaking about the Indian economy, Mr Goyal said, “We are strong on every parameter. From the most fragile economy status in 2014, we are the fastest growing economy today.”

He also referred to journalists as ‘Chowkidars’ of the government.

Indian Railway has released an important update about RRB Group D recruitment which was announced last year. RRB Group D result for Computer-based test has already been announced and now RRBs will begin the fee refund process. RRBs would refund examination fee to the candidates who had attended CBT for RRB Group D postsadvertised in 2018. RRB Group D exam was conducted from September 2018 to December 2018.

Though candidates had provided bank details at the time of RRB Group D application, it has come to the notice of the boards that the refund was not successful/could not be initiated for many candidates due to following reason(s):

a) Incorrect bank details furnished by candidates such as incorrect account number, incorrect IFSC code of the bank branch, filling up of customer ID in place of account number etc.

b) Same account number furnished for large number of candidates.

c) Account number not provided by the candidates.

RRBs will provide such candidates another opportunity to correct their bank account details.

“Accordingly an Update Bank Account Link will be provided on the official websites of RRBs which will be live from 22/03/2019 to 28/03/2019. SMS and email will also be sent to these candidates on 22/03/2019 to correct/provide their correct Bank Account Details.”

The link to correct bank details will be activated on RRB official website on March 22, 2019. Candidates should make sure that they submit correct Bank Account Number and IFSC Code because modification in the bank details will not be possible after submission.

RRB Group D 2019: RRB Group D 2019/ RRC Group D 2019 application began on March 12, 2019. There are more than 1,00,000 group D vacancies. Indian Railway had released the detailed advertisement for RRC Group D recruitment on March 11, 2019 and has now made some amendments in the same. The changes have been made to registration process details and selection process details.

RRB Group D 2019: Registration Process Made Easy

 

Candidates who were earlier facing problem in registering for the RRB Group D 2019 recruitment can find relief with the amendment. In one of the steps for registration, candidates have to provide their registration number for SSLC/Matric/ITI/NAC qualification. However, the registration number may not be provided on the certificate for some candidates. Such candidates can provide their roll number instead while registration for the RRB Group D 2019 recruitment.

The amendment says,

“NOTE :- 1. During process of Online registration of application, candidates may enter Roll Number in place of Registration Number, if it is not available in their SSLC/Matric certificate/mark sheet. Similarly, candidates with ITI/NAC qualification alone may enter Roll Number in place of Registration Number, if it is not available in their ITI/NAC certificate/mark sheet.

2. Candidates must bring the same certificate during Document Verification whose Registration Number or Roll Number has been filled up while making Online registration and application.”

RRC Group D 2019 Recruitment: Who Qualifies For EWS Category Reservation

RRB Group D 2019 Selection Process: Change In PET Pattern

 

Indian Railway has also made changes to the RRB Group D /RRC Level 1 selection process. In the detailed advertisement released earlier, it is said that candidates who qualify in the RRB Group D Computer Based Test (CBT), will have to appear for Physical Efficiency Test (PET). As per the RRB Group D PET requirements, candidate should be able to lift and carry weight for a specified distance, and be able to run for a specified distance within a given time (weight and distance are different for male and female candidates).

After the amendment, now candidates will be tested for their ability to lift and carry weight for a specified distance in a specified time and they will be allowed in the running test only if they qualify in the ‘lift and carry’ round. Between the two rounds, they will be given some recovery time gap.

The amendment notice says,

“The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) consists of two stages. To ensure uniformity, candidates will be tested for Carrying of Weight to specified distance in specified time first and if successful in this test, for the Running Test after a recovery gap. Failing in the first Test, i.e. Weight carrying will mean elimination at that stage itself. The Weight carrying test will involve lifting a sand bag (without any handle) from a bench/platform at around waist height and carrying it in whichever manner candidate wants to carry above the ground till the destination point without dropping the sandbag on ground.”

All other aspects of the RRB Group D 2019 detailed advertisement remain same.

 

Indian Railways offer concessions on ticket prices to different categories, the quantum of which ranges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent. The reductions in fares are available for senior citizens, disabled passengers, students, war widows, patients, among others. IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), the online ticketing platform of Indian Railways, offers concession on senior citizen tickets only. Other concession tickets can be availed at the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at any railway reservation office, according to Indian Railways’ website- indianrail.gov.in.

Here are 10 things to know about Indian Railways’ ticket concessions:

1. All concessional fares are calculated on the basis of fares for mail/express trains irrespective of the type of train, i.e. mail or express or passenger, by which the passenger travels, according to Indian Railways.

2. Only one type of concession is admissible at a time at the choice of passenger and no person is allowed two or more concessions simultaneously.

3. All types of concessions can be availed only when tickets are purchased across the counter at stations and reservation/ booking offices etc. No one is granted concession on the train.

4. The holder of a concession ticket is not permitted to change the ticket to a higher class even by paying the difference of actual fares.

5.  However, the categories of people eligible for concession in first class (and not in AC 2-tier) can purchase tickets for AC 2-tier sleeper also on payment of the first class concessional fare plus difference of actual fares of AC 2-tier sleeper & first class, noted Indian Railways.

6. Except senior citizens, concessions on Indian Railways tickets are admissible only on production of the requisite certificate from the concerned person/organization. The documents issued by persons/organizations in other countries are not considered valid for the purpose of concession in India, according to railway’s website.

7. In the case of senior citizens, no proof of age is required at the time of purchasing tickets.

8. Break of journey en-route is not allowed on a concession ticket for a journey for a specific purpose. It is allowed only where a break of journey is a natural event.

9. Concession is not admissible for a journey where the cost of travel is borne by central/state governments/ local bodies/ corporations or government undertakings, universities, etc.

10. In case where concessional single/return journey tickets or season tickets or circular journey tickets are to be issued for two or more persons, the concessional fare is calculated separately for each person.

 

As part of weekly maintenance of rail tracks, the Central Railway will conduct a Mumbai mega block tomorrow causing disruptions on the city’s local trains – the Central and Harbour lines. “These maintenance mega blocks are essential for infrastructure upkeep and safety. Passengers are requested to bear with the Railway Administration for the inconvenience caused,” the Central Railways said.

Here’s The List of Local Trains That Will Be Affected Due To Mumbai Mega Block:

Trains that will be diverted:

The slow line services leaving Matunga from 11:25 AM to 3:21 PM will be diverted on fast line between Matunga and Mulund stations stopping at Sion, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup and Mulund stations and then re-diverted to slow line at Mulund station.

Trains that will be delayed:

Down slow line services will not be available at Vidyavihar, Kanjur Marg and Nahur stations on Sunday. The passengers can, however, travel via Ghatkopar, Bhandup and Mulund stations.

Up fast/semi-fast services leaving Kalyan from 10:54 AM to 3:06 PM will arrive at their destination 15 minute behind schedule. It will stop at Diva, Mulund, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar and Kurla stations in addition to their respective scheduled stoppages.

Down fast/semi-fast services leaving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus from 10:48 AM to 3.40 PM will arrive at their destinations 20 minutes behind schedule. It will stop at Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, Mulund and Diva stations in addition to their respective scheduled halts.

All Down and Up slow services leaving/arriving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus between 11 AM and 5 PM will arrive at their destination 10 minutes behind schedule.

Trains that will be cancelled:

All Down Harbour line services leaving from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai to Vashi/Belapur/Panvel from 10:34 AM to 3:08 PM and all Up harbour line services leaving from Panvel/Belapur/Vashi towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus from 10:21 AM to 3 PM will remain cancelled.

Special train services:

Special services will be available during the block period on Panvel-Vashi and Kurla-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus sections.

Harbour line passengers are permitted to travel via mainline and Transharbour line from 10 AM to 4.30 PM.

Indian Railway has begun the application processes for the recruitment announced for 2019. In February, the transport giant had released indicative advertisement for 4 recruitment processes and has begun the application process for all 4 since then. The first recruitment to kick start 2019 was recruitment for vacancies available in Non Technical Popular Categories (NTPC). The online application for RRB NTPC 2019 began on February 28, 2019.

The recruitment process for NTPC vacancies is being conducted by RRBs. RRBs recently released a corrigendum regarding the RRB NTPC recruitment and have made some changes to the official advertisement/notification released for the RRB NTPC recruitment.

Some of the important changes that have been made to the RRB NTPC 2019 notification are given below:

1. When a candidate is qualified 1st stage CBT and short listed for subsequent stages as OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD, he/she will continue to be considered as OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD respectively in all the subsequent stages.

2. Candidates who are applying for EWS reservation will have to produce Income and Asset Certificate issued by competent authority on the date of document verification. The certificate should be for the financial year 2017-18 as the last date of registration of applications is 31.03.2019.

3. The list of competent authorities that can issue Income and Asset Certificate for EWS category reservation is given in the Annexure III of the RRB NTPC advertisement pdf.

4. If a candidates fails to comply with the requirements of EWS category reservation, their claim for reserved status under EWS will not be entertained and the candidature/application of such candidates, if fulfilling all the eligibility conditions for General (UR) category, will be considered under General (UR) vacancies only.

5. The recruitment board has removed the condition for scribes. Earlier, it was stated in the advertisement that the academic qualification of the scribe for a PwBD must be one step below the applicant but this condition has been deleted from the notification now.

6. The clause that says that any application even under RTI act seeking any information will not be entertained till the completion of the entire recruitment process has also been removed.

7. As per the changes MD which was earlier to be read as ‘Muscular Dystrophy’, should now be read as ,Multiple Disabilities’.

 

The collapse of the foot overbridge near Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station is the latest accident that raises concerns over the city’s stressed infrastructure. Soon after the Mumbai bridge collapse, which left 6 dead and 33 injured, a blame game erupted between Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Corporation and the Indian Railways.

The bridge collapse near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the third such tragedy in the past two years involving the foot overbridges in the city. Safety audits were carried out at about 445 foot overbridges, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after the accident on Thursday. Minor repairs had been carried out on the CST bridge six months ago as part of the audit.

The Railway Ministry has said the overbridge was under the control of Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Corporation – Sena lawmaker Anil Desai has denied the claim. State minister Vinod Tawde said both Railways and the civic body would investigate the matter.

Andheri Bridge Collapse

Part of a 40-year-old bridge at the Andheri station collapsed amid heavy rain in July last year and five people were injured. The bridge, running east to west over the Andheri station, crashed early morning, ripping off overhead wires which were left on the tracks.

The bridge crash damaged a portion of the platform roof, blocked railway lines and damaged high-tension electric wires and overhead power equipment. Five people were injured in the bridge collapse out of which 2 are critical. Incidentally, the bridge, built in 1971, had also cleared the railway’s safety audit just months earlier.

The bridge collapse was held up as an example of the annual civic nightmare in India’s financial capital during rain.

Elphinstone Stampede

In September 2017, a stampede broke out on a railway bridge at Elphinstone station bridgeduring peak office hours where 22 people killed and over 30 were seriously injured. The stampede broke out after just a 20-minute rain, on the foot over-bridge linking two of the busiest stations in Mumbai — Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban stations.

The stampede took place when four trains arrived at the same time and a crowd surged over the narrow bridge connecting the two stations. Sudden heavy rain made a bad situation worse, as a few slipped, leading to the tragedy. Witnesses said there were rumours of the old bridge collapsing which caused panic and chaos.

Railway officials blamed the incessant rains for causing the deadly stampede despite multiple warnings citing safety concerns.

Mumbai’s suburban railway network, a lifeline for the city’s residents, is used by around 8.5 million commuters daily.

 

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