Tea in Kulhad at Railway Stations: Railway Minister Announces Eco-Friendly Move
Passengers at Indian railway stations will now be served tea in eco-friendly kulhads (earthen cups). This initiative was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a visit to Pali, Rajasthan. This move is part of Indian Railways’ push toward sustainability and support for local artisans.
PM Modi Flags Off 3 New Trains for Rajasthan
On September 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new trains for Rajasthan, including the much-anticipated Jodhpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express. The train was flagged off from Jodhpur, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the local population. This launch brought immense joy to the people of Jodhpur.
Along with it, two more trains—Bikaner-Delhi Vande Bharat and Udaipur-Chandigarh Express—were also launched. These trains are expected to offer faster and more comfortable travel experiences for passengers.
Rail Budget Increased 14-Fold Since 2014
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the transformation of Indian Railways under PM Modi's leadership. He stated that before 2014, the rail budget for Rajasthan was just ₹700 crore. Now, it has increased to ₹10,000 crore, enabling the modernization of railway stations at an accelerated pace.
The Jodhpur Railway Station is currently under redevelopment, following the successful modernization of Jaipur Station. The minister emphasized that Indian Railways is being modernized nationwide, giving it a completely new identity.
Vande Bharat Trains Connecting India
Vande Bharat trains are becoming the backbone of India’s modern rail network. Currently, 152 Vande Bharat trains are operational, and more are being introduced steadily. Recently, direct trains have started between Mumbai–Pune, Chennai–Hyderabad, and now Jodhpur & Bikaner to Delhi, offering significant convenience to travelers.
Tea in Kulhads: Supporting Local Economy & Sustainability
As part of the eco-friendly initiative, tea will now be served in kulhads at railway stations. These kulhads are being produced using new technology in Pali, Rajasthan, by members of Laghu Udyog Bharati Samaj.
The Railway Minister visited the facility and interacted with women artisans involved in this production, appreciating their efforts and the impact this initiative will have on both the environment and rural livelihoods.