Dun & Bradstreet Honors IRCTC
Excellence in 'NxtGen Public Sector' services. The award ceremony in Mumbai saw industry leaders applauding the digital shift.
In This Issue
Vol. 175-
Fig. 1Culinary Revolution
Pg. A3Regional Thalis Board The Vande Bharat Express!
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Humanity on the Move
Pg. B1An IRCTC hostess touches thousands of hearts.
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IRCTC’s E-Pantry Service
Pg. C4A New Era of Digital Convenience
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IRCTC Elevates Onboard Dining
Pg. D2Partnerships with Top F&B Brands
Market Watch
● LIVE
IRCTC
▲ 845.20
NSE Index
+2.45%
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.
Continued from Page A1...
Read Full Story
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
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
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15
APR
|
Top 50 Hotels Awards Taj Palace | ||
The Golden GalaJoin industry titans as we celebrate the finest hospitality establishments. Black tie attire required.
Entry: Invite Only
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02
MAY
|
Top Chefs Summit | ||
Culinary MasterclassAn exclusive tasting menu curated by Michelin star chefs. A night of flavors not to be missed.
Status: Full
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20
JUN
|
Rail Heritage Expo | ||
Vintage LocomotivesWitness the steam giants of the past century. Guided tours available for premium ticket holders.
Price: ₹500
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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
VALID
VOID
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.