Quick reads
- Indian Railways has added 116 extra coaches across 37 premium trains to absorb passenger demand after mass IndiGo cancellations.
- The augmentations cover about 114 enhanced trips on key routes linking Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities.
- IndiGo has cancelled large numbers of flights amid a crew/duty-rule disruption that has hit operations for several days.
- The move aims to provide immediate travel alternatives while regulators and the airline seek operational normalcy.
- Southern Railway and other zones provided the bulk of coach augmentations; special trips and more seats were added on high-demand services.
Where it happened
The augmentations were implemented across railway zones nationwide, focused on premium and long-distance trains serving routes that saw the biggest surge in bookings after flight cancellations including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Howrah and Lucknow corridors.
The changes were announced by the Railway Ministry and rolled out from major terminals to ease the passenger rush.
How it happened
Railway zones added 116 coaches to 37 premium trains and deployed them over roughly 114 augmented trips. The extra coaches include AC and non-AC reserved stock and were attached to existing services to quickly boost seat capacity.
Southern Railway and other regional divisions led many of the augmentations; reservations were opened through the usual booking channels.
The situation
India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, has faced several days of widespread cancellations amid a staffing and duty-rule disruption, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving thousands of passengers seeking alternatives. Reuters and Indian media report cancellations across major hubs as the airline and regulators work to stabilise operations.
To help travellers, the Railway Ministry authorised rapid augmentations: 116 extra coaches were attached to 37 premium trains, yielding additional trips on high-demand routes.
Railway officials said the measure is temporary and meant to provide relief while air services recover. Southern Railway, in particular, added coaches to multiple services to handle the passenger surge.
Passengers affected by cancellations were advised to check official airline and railway notices for rebookings, refunds and coach availability.
