India's bullet train: 'Maruti Moment' for Indian Railways and a glimpse into the future
For a country as large and populous as India, the bullet train project is not a luxury—it is a strategically sound move
By Manoj Yadava April 12, 2026
COVER STORY
From colonial charm to modern marvels: The inside story of Indian Railways
In 1951, more than 40 railway companies were consolidated into a single entity—Indian Railways. Now, 75 years later, THE WEEK explores how the Railways has shaped India’s national consciousness, how it is driving the future, and what can be done to make it better
By Anjuly Mathai April 12, 2026
Echoes on the platform: How Indian Railways shaped my life and nation
From childhood fascination with steam engines in Bangalore to the modern Vande Bharat in Kerala, the journey reflects the enduring connection between people and the tracks that unite them
By John Kurien April 12, 2026
Evolution of Indian Railway food: From platform snacks to plush dining cars to IRCTC
Railway food has come along way, from refreshment rooms at stations to restaurant tie-ups and online ordering services
By K.V. Subramanian April 12, 2026
From Toofan Mail to DDLJ: How trains shaped Indian cinema and identity
From iconic film sequences to representing national unity and historical shifts, trains have a powerful presence in the Indian psyche
By Arup K. Chatterjee April 12, 2026-
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Sudhanshu Mani: The visionary behind India's Vande Bharat Express
Sudhanshu Mani,who led the team that designed and built the Vande Bharat Express, on the state of the Railways
By Anjuly Mathai April 12, 2026 -
New face of governance: How personal branding is reshaping state elections
In the election-bound states West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala, the image built around the incumbents looms large
By Pratul Sharma April 05, 2026 -
Beyond Delhi's shadow: How regional leaders are reshaping Indian democracy
The upcoming assembly polls will show whether powerful chief ministers are politically relevant today
By Rasheed Kidwai April 05, 2026 -
‘Calling us right-wing is a desperate political gimmick’: Pinarayi Vijayan
Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership has focused on comprehensive welfare measures, strengthening public health and education, and building world-class infrastructure, exemplified by the LIFE Mission project and eradicating extreme poverty
By Nirmal Jovial April 05, 2026 -
From Nandigram to Bhabanipur: Suvendu Adhikari takes the fight to Mamata Banerjee's turf
Bhabanipur, also known as Bhowanipore, in South Kolkata is the focal point of this election season, with rival parties' posters, flags, and graffiti vividly displayed on its walls
By Prema Rajaram April 05, 2026 -
Scientific scrutiny meets ancient wisdom: How traditional Indian medicine is finding its place
Traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa Rigpa occupy a complex space between reverence and scepticism, facing challenges in regulation and scientific research despite loyal followings and expanding government support
By Shubhangi Shah March 29, 2026 -
Legacy of organic healing: The story of National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune
The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) in Pune has a rich history, originating from Dr. Dinshaw Mehta's nature cure clinic, which even hosted Mahatma Gandhi
By Dnyanesh Jathar March 29, 2026 -
‘Our vision is not alternative but integrative medicine’: Prataprao Jadhav
Integrating Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy) into India's public health is the ministry's vision, aiming to make these ancient practices a core pillar of healthcare. The focus is on preventive and curative benefits, ensuring quality, and expanding reach nationwide and globally.
By Dnyanesh Jathar March 29, 2026 -
‘Unani is becoming popular, as it is based on evidence-based innovation’: Prof Saiyad Shah Alam
Prof Saiyad Shah Alam is director of National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru
By Abhinav Singh March 29, 2026
