NEW DELHI: As dense fog continues to affect train services in northern India, Indian Railways has deployed two spare rakes of Vande Bharat trains to ensure timely departures from New Delhi and Varanasi stations. Another rake is being brought from Western Railway for use in the Northern Zone.
Officials said the ministry has also instructed the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to set up a war room for real-time monitoring of train operations and catering arrangements. Northern India, particularly, is prone to fog-related disruptions during the winter months.
To maintain punctuality, spare rakes have been allocated for Shatabdi services as well. “A 20-car Vande Bharat rake is being used to ensure on-time departures for New Delhi–Varanasi services. Another 20-car rake, normally kept as a maintenance spare with Northern Railway, is also deployed for the same route. Additionally, a 20-car rake from Western Central Railway is being shifted to Northern Railway to augment 16-car Vande Bharat services,” an official said.
Railway authorities have directed multiple zones and divisions to take real-time stock of train availability and operations. “General Managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway have been instructed to remain on alert. Divisional Railway Managers of Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Moradabad are monitoring trains closely and addressing any operational concerns,” the official added.
This proactive approach aims to minimise delays and maintain smooth train operations despite foggy conditions expected to persist for several weeks.
