In a decisive move to address widespread disruptions caused by dense winter fog, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled a comprehensive five-step action plan. The initiative aims to curb frequent delays affecting numerous trains, including premium services, and ensure smoother operations across North India during the ongoing cold wave.
Proactive Measures for Seamless Operations
The national transporter has jumped into action following significant fog-related disruptions. The newly announced roadmap focuses on real-time monitoring and strategic deployment of resources to maintain schedule integrity. The plan was rolled out on December 29, 2025, as a direct response to the operational challenges posed by low visibility conditions.
The ministry has directed senior officials to take immediate charge. General Managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway have been instructed to maintain real-time oversight of trains, addressing passenger issues including catering promptly. Similarly, Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) in key hubs like Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Banaras, and Prayagraj have been tasked with the same critical responsibility.
Strategic Deployment of Spare Rakes
A cornerstone of the plan is the intelligent use of spare rolling stock to ensure timely departures. The Railways is making spare rakes for premier services like Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi trains readily available.
The ministry provided specific examples of this strategy in action:
- A available 20-car Vande Bharat rake is being utilized to ensure the right-time start of New Delhi-Varanasi services.
- Another 20-car maintenance spare rake with Northern Railway is being deployed for Vande Bharat services between Varanasi and New Delhi.
- A 20-car Vande Bharat rake, initially nominated for augmentation, is being moved from Western Central Railway to Northern Railway to support on-time departures.
- In East Central Railway and Southern Railway, two AC rakes are being formed from available coaches to help late-running trains start on time.
Complementing this, arrangements for catering by IRCTC and the provision of onboard housekeeping service (OBHS) and linen for these spare rakes have been mandated to ensure passenger comfort is not compromised.
Enhanced Monitoring and Passenger Advisory
The plan institutes a robust, multi-layered monitoring system. Real-time tracking and intervention will be conducted directly from the Railway Board level to address issues as they arise. Furthermore, a war room at IRCTC will be made operational to specifically monitor trains and tackle catering-related concerns instantly.
While the Railways implements these operational measures, it continues to advise passengers to take proactive steps. Travelers are strongly recommended to check the live running status of their train on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before leaving home for their journey. This allows them to plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary waiting at stations during the fog-prone season.
This five-pronged strategy represents a significant institutional effort to mitigate the impact of seasonal weather on India's vast railway network, prioritizing punctuality and passenger convenience during the challenging winter months.
