In a swift response to widespread flight disruptions, the Western Railway has stepped in to provide crucial relief for stranded passengers. Following a series of cancellations by Indigo airlines, the railway authority has announced a special train service connecting Ahmedabad to Delhi. This move aims to address the sudden surge in passenger demand for travel between the two major cities.
Schedule and Route of the Special Train
The relief measure comes in the form of a Train on Demand (TOD) service, numbered 09497 and 09498. This special train will operate a total of four trips to manage the extra passenger load. The detailed schedule is as follows:
Train 09497 will depart from Sabarmati station at 10.55 PM on December 7 and 9. It is scheduled to arrive at Delhi Junction the next day at 3.15 PM.
For the return journey, Train 09498 will leave Delhi Junction at 9.00 PM on December 8 and 10. This service will reach Sabarmati the following day at 12.20 PM.
The train will cover a distance of approximately 925 kilometers. The journey from Sabarmati to Delhi will take about 16 hours and 20 minutes, while the Delhi to Sabarmati trip will be slightly shorter at 15 hours and 20 minutes.
Stops and Amenities for Passengers
To ensure maximum convenience, the special train will halt at several key stations along the route. This provides connectivity for passengers from various towns and cities. The designated stops include:
- Mehsana
- Palanpur
- Abu Road
- Marwar Junction
- Ajmer
- Jaipur
- Alwar
- Rewari
- Gurgaon
- Delhi Cantonment
In terms of comfort, the train will be composed exclusively of AC 3-tier coaches. This ensures a standardized and relatively comfortable travel experience for all passengers during the long journey.
Booking Details and Passenger Guidance
The railway authorities have confirmed that ticket bookings for this special service will commence on Wednesday, December 6. Passengers can secure their seats through all standard channels.
Tickets will be available for purchase at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters across stations and online via the official IRCTC website. Given the likely high demand following the flight cancellations, passengers are advised to book their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
This proactive initiative by the Western Railway highlights the integrated transport system's role in providing alternatives during aviation sector disruptions. It offers a reliable and timely solution for travelers whose plans were abruptly changed, ensuring they can still reach their destinations with minimal inconvenience.
