In a swift response to a major travel disruption, Indian Railways has deployed special emergency train services to evacuate hundreds of passengers left stranded across Chhattisgarh following multiple flight cancellations by IndiGo. The initiative aims to provide immediate relief and confirmed seats to affected travellers.
Emergency Rail Services Activated
The South East Central Railway (SECR) zone has rolled out one-way special trains connecting Howrah in West Bengal and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). These services are specifically routed to facilitate the smooth evacuation of passengers from key cities in Chhattisgarh that were impacted by the air travel halt.
The first of these trains, the Howrah–CSMT Special (02870), commenced its journey from Howrah on Saturday at 1:55 pm. It is scheduled to complete its run and arrive in Mumbai on Sunday by 11:45 pm.
To complete the evacuation cycle, a return service has also been arranged. The CSMT–Howrah Special (02869) will depart from Mumbai's CSMT on Monday at 11:05 am. Its expected arrival time at Howrah is on Tuesday by 8:55 pm.
Key Halts and Route Details
These special trains have been strategically planned to cover major junctions and the affected regions. Apart from the origin and destination terminals, the trains will make crucial stops at several stations under the SECR zone to pick up stranded passengers.
The primary halts within Chhattisgarh include:
- Bilaspur
- Raipur
- Durg
- Gondia
Additionally, the trains will stop at other major railway junctions along the route to ensure wider connectivity. These stations are Kharagpur, Tatanagar, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Nagpur, Bhusaval, Nashik Road, and Kalyan.
A Lifeline for Stranded Travellers
This intervention by Indian Railways underscores its role as a critical backup during crises in India's transport sector. The special trains offer confirmed seats, providing a reliable and immediate alternative for passengers who faced uncertainty due to the sudden flight cancellations.
The move has been widely welcomed as it directly addresses the core problem of moving a large number of people efficiently and safely. By deploying these dedicated services, the authorities have ensured that the evacuation process from the heart of India to its major coastal financial capital is seamless and organized.
Passengers affected by the IndiGo cancellations are advised to avail these special services with the confirmed accommodation provided. This coordinated effort between different transport wings highlights the systemic response to passenger welfare during unforeseen disruptions.
