In a swift move to address a sudden spike in passenger demand, Indian Railways has stepped up its operations by adding extra coaches to several important trains. This decision comes as a direct response to the operational disruptions faced by airline IndiGo, which has left many travelers scrambling for alternative transport options.
Railways' Immediate Relief Measures
The Northern Railway (NR) zone has taken the lead in this initiative. Officials have sanctioned additional Third AC (3AC) coaches for multiple trains to accommodate the increased number of passengers. The relief efforts began on December 6, when an extra coach was attached to the 12429 AC Superfast Express running from Lucknow to New Delhi. This arrangement is confirmed to continue on the upcoming Sunday as well.
The railway's strategy involves boosting capacity on several crucial routes connecting Uttar Pradesh to the national capital and other major cities. This proactive step is aimed at preventing inconvenience to passengers affected by the aviation sector's issues.
Detailed Schedule of Enhanced Services
The railway divisions have outlined a clear plan for Sunday to manage the passenger load. Alongside the Lucknow-New Delhi service, other trains will also run with augmented capacity.
The following trains will operate with additional coaches on Sunday:
- Train 14207 from Pratapgarh Junction to Delhi.
- Train 14205 from Ayodhya Cantt to Delhi.
Furthermore, the Lucknow division of Northern Railway will operate an additional special 20-coach train numbered 04206. This train will run from Varanasi to New Delhi via Lucknow, providing a significant boost to seating availability.
Special Trains for Long-Distance Travel
Recognizing the need for connectivity beyond Delhi, the North Eastern Railway (NER) Varanasi division has also rolled out special services. These trains are specifically intended for passengers impacted by the IndiGo situation who are headed to western India.
The special trains scheduled for Sunday include:
- Special Train 01082 from Banaras (Varanasi) to Mumbai.
- Special Train 02559 from Banaras to Anand Vihar (Delhi).
- Special Train 01016 from Lucknow to Mumbai.
- Special Train 05587 from Gorakhpur to Mumbai.
This multi-pronged approach by the railways demonstrates a coordinated effort between the Lucknow and Varanasi divisions to ensure seamless travel for a large number of stranded commuters. By deploying extra coaches and introducing special trains, Indian Railways has acted as a critical backup, underscoring its role as the backbone of the nation's transport infrastructure during times of crisis.
