New Delhi: The Railway Ministry has stepped up operational planning to reduce train delays during dense fog, directing key zones to track train movement in real time and strengthen passenger facilities through the winter months.
Officials said instructions have been issued to general managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway and North Central Railway, along with divisional railway managers, to closely monitor services and take quick decisions during fog-prone periods.
To ensure premium trains depart on schedule, Indian Railways has positioned standby rakes for Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi services. “Besides, spare trains for the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi services have been arranged to start on time from their originating stations in case of delays to these trains at their destination stations,” a senior railway official said.
As part of this arrangement, an additional 20-car Vande Bharat train has been kept ready to ensure the right-time start of New Delhi, Varanasi services. Another 20-car rake has also been made available with Northern Railway for Varanasi, New Delhi operations.
“A 20-car Vande Bharat train nominated to replace a 16-car Vande Bharat service is being moved from West Central Railway to Northern Railway for right-time start of Vande Bharat services,” the official said.
Additional measures are being taken across other zones as well. He added, “In East Central Railway and Southern Railway, 2 AC trains are being formed with available coaches for use to make right time start of late running trains.”
Alongside operational preparedness, the ministry has asked IRCTC to ensure adequate catering and housekeeping arrangements so that passengers face minimal inconvenience during weather-related disruptions.
“Senior officials of the Railway Board have been deputed to monitor trains and take real-time action,” another official said, adding that a war room at IRCTC has been made operational for real-time monitoring of trains and to address catering-related issues.
The move comes as northern and eastern parts of the country prepare for frequent fog episodes that traditionally affect rail punctuality during winter.
BI Bureau
