NationalWednesday, 25 March 2026·https://testbook.com/current-affairs/25-march-2026-daily-current-affairs
Indian Railways announces five reforms under Reform Express for cargo, construction and passengers
Railways approved five reforms in 2026, taking the year’s total to nine, with changes in wagon design, bidding norms and ticketing.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approved five new reforms under the Reform Express initiative, raising the total number of railway reforms in 2026 to nine.
Key specifics
- Passengers can change their boarding station digitally up to 30 minutes before departure.
- E-ticket refunds will be processed automatically, and TDR filing has been abolished.
- Counter tickets can now be cancelled at any railway station in India.
- Contractor capability threshold for railway works rose from 35% to 50% of project value, with 20% prior railway-specific experience.
- Bids more than 5% below estimated cost will require an additional 5% performance guarantee.
Exam lens
Question type: railway reforms and passenger services; key facts include 30-minute boarding change, automatic refunds, 35% to 50% contractor threshold, and 5% performance guarantee. TNPSC may frame this as a governance and transport policy question.