In a proactive move to counter widespread disruptions caused by dense winter fog, Indian Railways has deployed additional spare rakes of Vande Bharat trains and activated a special monitoring system. The national transporter is bracing for several more weeks of challenging weather conditions that severely impact train schedules across Northern India.
Spare Rakes Mobilised for Key Routes
The railway administration has strategically positioned spare train sets to ensure timely departures on crucial corridors. Two spare 20-car Vande Bharat rakes have been kept ready at New Delhi and Varanasi stations specifically for the services connecting these two cities. Furthermore, an additional rake is being moved from the Western Railway zone to the Northern Zone to bolster resources.
Officials explained the precise deployment: one available rake is ensuring the right-time start of New Delhi-Varanasi services. Another maintenance spare rake with Northern Railway is being utilised for the Varanasi-New Delhi route. The third rake, originally nominated for augmenting a 16-car Vande Bharat service, is being relocated from Western Central Railway to Northern Railway.
War Room & High Alert Across Zones
Beyond physical assets, the Railways has initiated a coordinated operational response. The Railway Ministry has directed its catering and ticketing arm, IRCTC, to establish a dedicated war room. This facility will enable real-time monitoring of both train movements and onboard catering arrangements, aiming to preempt passenger inconvenience.
Recognising that Northern India is particularly susceptible to fog, senior officials have been put on high alert. The General Managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway have received direct orders to remain vigilant and address all emergent issues promptly. This directive trickles down to the divisional level, with Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) in Delhi, Lucknow, Banaras, Prayagraj, and Moradabad instructed to take real-time stock of trains and resolve concerns immediately.
Comprehensive Measures for Punctuality
The preparedness plan is not limited to premium Vande Bharat services. The national transporter has also made arrangements for spare rakes for Shatabdi Express trains to guarantee their right-time departure. Multiple zones and divisions have been tasked with conducting continuous, real-time assessments of train stocks to ensure smooth operations.
This multi-pronged strategy highlights the administration's focus on minimising passenger distress during the harsh winter months. By combining asset deployment, enhanced monitoring, and strict accountability of officials, Indian Railways aims to uphold schedule integrity despite the persistent natural challenge of dense fog.
