Printing the Edition...

VOL. 01 • EST. 2025

THURSDAY
SAFAR, SWAAD AUR SAMACHAR
P1

The IRcTc Times

Digital • Metro Edition
THURSDAY, DEC 11, 2025
Daily News Digest
NEWS
TOURISM
31 TOURISTS SAFELY EVACUATED FROM LEH AMID HEAVY SNOWFALL; ARMY PRAISED FOR SWIFT ACTION.
E-TICKETING
IRCTC BAGS PRESTIGIOUS DUN & BRADSTREET PSU AWARD 2025 FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION EXCELLENCE.
CATERING
24x7 E-PANTRY SERVICE LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY ON VIVEK EXPRESS; HOT MEALS NOW AVAILABLE ANYTIME.
RAIL NEER
NEW RECYCLED BOTTLES & PLANT EXPANSION ANNOUNCED TO BOOST ECO-FRIENDLY HYDRATION.
HOSPITALITY
WORLD CLASS LOUNGES NOW OPEN AT NEW DELHI STATION FOR EXECUTIVE PASSENGERS.
LIVE
TOURISM
31 TOURISTS SAFELY EVACUATED FROM LEH AMID HEAVY SNOWFALL; ARMY PRAISED FOR SWIFT ACTION.
E-TICKETING
IRCTC BAGS PRESTIGIOUS DUN & BRADSTREET PSU AWARD 2025 FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION EXCELLENCE.
CATERING
24x7 E-PANTRY SERVICE LAUNCHED SUCCESSFULLY ON VIVEK EXPRESS; HOT MEALS NOW AVAILABLE ANYTIME.
RAIL NEER
NEW RECYCLED BOTTLES & PLANT EXPANSION ANNOUNCED TO BOOST ECO-FRIENDLY HYDRATION.
HOSPITALITY
WORLD CLASS LOUNGES NOW OPEN AT NEW DELHI STATION FOR EXECUTIVE PASSENGERS.
Cover Story Report by Anjali Sharma

OBSTACLES TO ODYSSEYS

FIG 1. The rescue convoy traverses the frozen passes of Ladakh. (IRCTC Archive)

The Leh–Ladakh expedition was never meant to be a test of survival. It was designed as a luxury escape. However, when nature intervened, grounding all flights, 31 tourists found themselves stranded at 11,000 feet. What followed was not panic, but a masterclass in crisis management.

"We had two choices," says Team Lead Vikram Singh, wiping fog from his glasses. "Wait for the weather to clear, which could take days, or move." They chose to move. A convoy of 4x4s was assembled within hours.

Read Full Story

Dun & Bradstreet Honors IRCTC

Excellence in 'NxtGen Public Sector' services. The award ceremony in Mumbai saw industry leaders applauding the digital shift.

Vadnagar: Tea & Heritage

A nostalgic look at the new food plaza that pays homage to the Prime Minister's humble beginnings with vintage decor.

The Daily Dispatch

E-Pantry Success

"Eat Local, Pay Digital" is the new mantra. Pilot shows 40% growth.

Vietnam Expo

ASEAN-India pavilion drew crowds. Diplomacy via tourism.

PATA 2025

Strengthening Bridges Through Tourism: IRCTC Leads India’s Delegation

Briefs

Wire Updates

  • Vande Bharat sleep trials next month.
  • New lounge at NDLS Platform 16.
  • Lost & Found: Blue suitcase, Train 12951.

The Social Society

Upcoming Engagements

Season's Highlights

A curation of the season's most distinguished gatherings. Click on any event to view your invitation details.

RSVP Mandatory!

Date Affair Details
15 APR
Top 50 Hotels Awards Taj Palace

The Golden Gala

Join industry titans as we celebrate the finest hospitality establishments. Black tie attire required.

Entry: Invite Only
02 MAY
Top Chefs Summit

Culinary Masterclass

An exclusive tasting menu curated by Michelin star chefs. A night of flavors not to be missed.

Status: Full
20 JUN
Rail Heritage Expo

Vintage Locomotives

Witness the steam giants of the past century. Guided tours available for premium ticket holders.

Price: ₹500

Yaadon Ki Baarat

On Air • 98.4 FM

"Celebrities relive the golden era of steam engines, station chai, and journeys that shaped their lives."

Program Schedule

Select a track to listen
Season 2
The Summer Express
Guest Ruskin Bond

Nostalgic ride through Mussoorie hills & childhood tales.

45m
Window Seat Chronicles
Guest Imtiaz Ali

Cinema, romance, and self-discovery on rails.

52m
Simple Stations
Guest Sudha Murty

Life lessons learned waiting on platforms.

38m
OPINION Page 7: Editorial

Voices & Views

Priya Desai

Rail Neer Analysis

"Beyond the Plastic Bottle"

Rail Neer plants are achieving 40% recycled usage. But is it enough? The future of hydration on rails must move towards biodegradable solutions.

Vikram Sethi

E-Ticketing Watch

"The Algorithm of Travel"

E-ticketing has transformed booking, but the waitlist remains a mystery. New AI models in the IRCTC backend promise to predict confirmation chances.

Arjun Malik

Hospitality Audit

"Service with a Smile?"

With private players entering the catering space, the quality of food has risen. However, we must ensure that the 'human touch' is preserved.

SATIRE

The Daily Toon

"Wit on Rails"

"Waiting for Tatkal..."

"The Tatkal Race"

"The only race where Usain Bolt might finish second to an Indian Uncle with fast broadband!"

Cartoonist: R.K. Laxman (Tribute)

Date: 12 Dec 2025

PUZZLES

The Leisure Junction

1 2

Clues

Across: 1. Lifeline of India (8)
3. Luxury train of Rajasthan (6,2,6)

Down: 1. Spicy station snack (4,3)
2. Booking system acronym (3)

1. RAILWAYS, 2. PRS

Guess the Station

Click to Reveal

"A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, formerly Victoria Terminus."

Answer: CSMT

Loco-Sudoku

5
7
9
1
4
TRIVIA
Rail Quiz

"Which UNESCO World Heritage site is a functional railway?"

Quiz Ticket

The Sunday Supplement

ATHITHI.IR

"Experience the romance of rail like never before. Exclusive interviews, heritage trails, and the culinary secrets of the royal kitchens."

Public Ballot

"Cast your vote: The Best Vande Bharat Meal?"

VOTED

Vote Recorded!

The Letterbox

"Telegrams, Postcards & Polaroids from the Journey"

"Dear Editor, the E-Pantry on Vivek Express is a miracle! Hot Samosas at 2 AM? Simply Unbelievable."

- R. Sharma

PRIORITY

TELEGRAM // STOP // VANDE BHARAT CLEANLINESS TOP NOTCH // STOP // STAFF COURTEOUS // STOP // END

- COL. VERMA (RETD)

"The view of Dudhsagar Falls from the window seat was pure magic. A memory etched forever."

STAMP

- Anjali K.

"Finally got a Tatkal ticket without stress! The new app update is smooth like makkhan."

~ TechieRavi

14.02.24

"Shimla Station ❤️"

WANTED

Be The Voice of IRCTC

Become an IRCTC Times Correspondent

"Share your first-hand experiences, untold stories of the rails, or a magical journey. We will share them with the world."

Classifieds & Public Notices

To Place Ad: Call 1800-IRNN-ADS Rates: ₹500 / sq cm

Public Notices

NOTICE INVITING TENDER

Sealed tenders are invited by IRCTC for supply of 50,000 biodegradable cutlery sets.

Recruitment

WALK-IN INTERVIEW

Required: Sous Chef for Maharaja's Express. Min 5 yrs exp.

Tours

KASHMIR CALLING

5N/6D Package. Starting ₹25,000. Book Now.