Northern India has been engulfed by thick fog which was inevitable as the Winter has set in. But the fog has resulted in multiple train delays which in turn has impacted the passengers. To tackle this challenge, Indian Railways has stepped up measures to ensure trains run on time even in low-visibility conditions.
From real-time monitoring of train movements to arranging backup rakes for key services, the railways are taking multiple steps to reduce disruption. Here’s a peek:
Real-time monitoring of trains
To reduce delays during foggy weather, the Railway Ministry has asked all concerned railway zones to closely track train movements in real time. Special instructions have been issued to general managers and divisional railway managers of the Northern, North Eastern and North Central Railway zones to monitor both train operations and passenger facilities.
Backup trains for Vande Bharat, Shatabdi
To ensure major trains start on time, the Railways has arranged spare rakes for premium services like Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi trains.
A senior railway official told PTI that the Railways has also kept backup trains ready for Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi services so that they can begin on time from their starting stations if incoming trains are delayed at the other end.
As part of this plan, an extra 20-coach Vande Bharat train has been kept ready for the New Delhi–Varanasi route. Another 20-coach train has also been arranged by Northern Railway for timely services between Varanasi and New Delhi.
Moving trains across zones
To manage fog-related disruptions, the Railways is shifting trains between zones wherever needed. For example, a 20-coach Vande Bharat train is being shifted from West Central Railway to Northern Railway to replace a 16-coach service and ensure timely departures. Additionally, in East Central and Southern Railway zones, two AC trains are being assembled using available coaches to help delayed trains start on schedule.
War Room set up for live monitoring of trains
“Senior officials of the Railway Board have been deputed to monitor trains and take real-time action,” another official told PTI. He added that a war room has been set up at IRCTC for live monitoring of trains and to quickly resolve catering-related problems.
Along with operational steps, passenger convenience is also being prioritised. The Railway Ministry has directed IRCTC to ensure proper catering and housekeeping arrangements during delays.