Indian Railways: How is the railway operating trains on time amidst dense fog, and what arrangements are being made for passengers?

IRCTC: The Railway Board has instructed the General Managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway to review the real-time positioning of trains and immediately address passenger-related issues.

Dense fog in North India is significantly impacting train timings. Hundreds of trains are running several hours late every day. To mitigate the impact of fog on train schedules, Indian Railways is now taking several steps. The Railway Board has issued instructions to zonal railways and divisions for real-time monitoring so that passengers can reach their destinations on time and train services can operate punctually.

Instructions issued by the Railway Board

The Railway Board has directed the General Managers (GMs) of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway to review the real-time positioning of trains and immediately resolve passenger-related issues, especially those concerning catering services. Similarly, Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Varanasi, and Prayagraj divisions have also been instructed to monitor the real-time status of trains and ensure necessary arrangements are in place.

These steps are also helping

Under this initiative, spare rakes have been arranged for Vande Bharat and Shatabdi trains. To ensure timely departure of trains delayed due to fog, spare rakes are being provided for Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi trains. A 20-coach Vande Bharat rake is being used on the Delhi-Varanasi route to improve punctuality. Another 20-coach Vande Bharat maintenance spare rake available with Northern Railway is being utilized for the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat route.

Plan also made for these routes

The railway has transferred a 20-coach rake from West Central Railway to Northern Railway for the augmentation of the 16-coach Vande Bharat service, to ensure timely operation of train services. In addition, special arrangements have been made in other railway zones as well. Two AC rakes each are being prepared from the available coaches in East Central Railway and Southern Railway to ensure that delayed trains can be started on time.

Increased Focus on These Areas

Special focus is being given to catering, linen, and monitoring. Furthermore, catering arrangements for spare rakes will be provided by IRCTC. On-board housekeeping services (OBHS) and linen arrangements are also being ensured for the spare rakes. An official associated with the Railway Board stated that real-time monitoring of trains is also being done at the board level, and immediate action is being taken as needed. A 'war room' is being activated at IRCTC for the convenience of passengers, which will monitor the trains and promptly address catering-related issues.