As people are planning to head out for vacations, Indian Railways has announced a major relief for travellers keeping in mind the busy, travel-packed summer season ahead.
On Tuesday, Indian Railways revealed that it will be running 4010 trips of 217 special trains this year. According to the ministry, this is a proactive step towards facilitating convenience for railway travellers and clearing the extra rush of passengers.
The special trains will connect major destinations across India through rail routes, said the ministry adding that it will cater to the travel needs of passengers heading to popular tourist destinations. This facility will be available exclusively during the summer months.
The official Railways’ statement said that South Western Railway covering stations in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana, plans to operate 69 special trains, while the South Central division plans to operate 48 such trains. Additionally, the Western Railway Zone will run 40 special trains, and the Southern Railway Zone will run 20 special trains.
In an order to its zones issued on March 31, the Railway Board has said that four berths in Sleeper class (two lower and two middle), two berths in 3 AC (one lower and one middle), two berths in 3E class (one lower and one middle) will be reserved for people with disabilities and their attendants.
The Central and East Central Railway zones will each operate 10 special trains. The Eastern Central Railway zone, which includes Bihar, will run 10 special trains, completing a total of 296 trips. The Eastern Railway zone will have four special trains running on its route.The North Western Railway zone has announced the operation of 16 summer special trains, while the Northern Railway zone has not been allocated any such trains.
At present, the Railways have not given out any further information on the number, dates and routes of these special summer trains, apart from the specification of zones.
“A watch on any malpractices – like cornering of seats, over-charging and touting activity is being done and strictly monitored,” assured the Railways Ministry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also hailed the decision of adding these 217 trains and said this will ensure smooth travel during the summer season. “This will enhance comfort and connectivity through the summer,” Modi commented.
