Where is the first dedicated Railway University of India, known as the National Rail and Transportation Institute, being established?

Introduction / Context:
To build specialised expertise in railway technology, management, and logistics, India decided to establish a dedicated Railway University. This institution is known as the National Rail and Transportation Institute and is intended to provide focused education and research in transport and railway systems. The question tests your knowledge of the city and state where this first Railway University is being set up.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The institution is India first Railway University, called the National Rail and Transportation Institute.
- The question is about its location within India.
- The options list four city and state combinations: Vadodara in Gujarat, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
- We assume general awareness of recent education and infrastructure initiatives by the Indian Railways.

Concept / Approach:
The Government of India decided to locate the National Rail and Transportation Institute at Vadodara in the state of Gujarat. The campus is associated with the National Academy of Indian Railways located there. Remembering news about the inauguration and operation of this institute helps identify Vadodara, Gujarat as the correct answer among the listed options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the first Railway University project was announced in connection with a site in Gujarat. Step 2: Remember that the chosen city was Vadodara, which already hosts major railway training facilities. Step 3: Note that Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow are important railway and technology hubs but were not selected as the main site for this first Railway University. Step 4: Match this memory with the options given. Step 5: Select Vadodara, Gujarat as the correct location.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Press releases from the Ministry of Railways and coverage in newspapers clearly state that the National Rail and Transportation Institute, India first Railway University, started operations in Vadodara, Gujarat. The institute is linked to the National Academy of Indian Railways in the same city. None of the other cities listed have been described as hosting the first Railway University, which confirms that Vadodara, Gujarat is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bengaluru, Karnataka: It is a major information technology and research hub but was not chosen as the site for the first Railway University.
Hyderabad, Telangana: Important for technology and education, yet not the location identified for the National Rail and Transportation Institute in this context.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Houses important railway workshops and offices but is not the city selected for the Railway University mentioned.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to pick a city like Bengaluru or Hyderabad simply because they are associated with technology and higher education, without recalling the specific government announcement. Some learners may also confuse this institute with other railway training centres across India. Noting the exact name National Rail and Transportation Institute and linking it with Vadodara helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The first Railway University of India, the National Rail and Transportation Institute, is being established at Vadodara in Gujarat.