In a swift response to major travel disruptions, Indian Railways has announced a significant operational expansion to accommodate stranded passengers. This move comes directly after budget carrier IndiGo cancelled a large number of its flights across the country.
Railways Steps In to Ease Travel Chaos
The disruption began when IndiGo, one of India's largest airlines, was forced to cancel numerous flights. This left thousands of passengers scrambling for alternative travel arrangements at short notice. To manage the unexpected and sharp surge in demand for rail travel, the authorities decided to press additional services into operation.
On Saturday, 6th December 2025, the South Central Railway zone took the lead by announcing it would run four special trains immediately. This initial announcement was quickly scaled up to a pan-India effort, with the total number of special trains now standing at 84. These trains are specifically intended to connect key routes affected by the air travel cancellations.
Details of the Railway's Contingency Plan
The core of the plan involves deploying these 84 special trains across various railway zones. The South Central Railway, which covers a major part of southern and central India, was the first to react to the crisis. Its proactive steps are aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring that passengers can reach their destinations without excessive delay.
The special trains will serve multiple high-demand corridors, linking metropolitan cities and other important destinations. While the exact schedules and routes for all 84 trains are being finalized, the railway's announcement signals a major contingency operation. The focus is on clear communication and efficient logistics to absorb the passenger overflow from the aviation sector.
Impact and Passenger Advisory
The large-scale cancellation of IndiGo flights has created a ripple effect throughout India's transport network. The railway's intervention is a critical measure to stabilize the situation. Passengers who had booked flights with IndiGo are advised to check the official Indian Railways website and apps for real-time information on the special trains.
This incident highlights the interdependence of India's transport infrastructure. When one mode faces a breakdown, another must rapidly scale up to meet national mobility needs. The railway's ability to mobilize 84 additional trains demonstrates its capacity as a reliable backbone for the country, especially during emergencies.
Travelers should expect higher-than-usual crowds at major railway stations over the coming days and are encouraged to plan accordingly. The railways have assured that they are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to make further adjustments if necessary.
