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IndiGo operates 1,500 flights on Saturday; 95 pc of network covered: Airline

After days of disruptions, IndiGo on Saturday reported a major recovery in its network, an official statement said. The airline said that it was on its way to operate 1,500 flights by the end of the day, restoring connectivity to 95 per cent of its destinations. An airline spokesperson said that the efforts were ongoing to fully stabilise operations and thanked passengers, staff, and government agencies for their support and patience. The statement said that on Friday, the airline operated just over 700 flights connecting 113 destinations as it rebooted its network, systems, and rosters. "Addressing the recent disruptions in our network, we had cancelled a significant number of flights and operated little above 700 flights yesterday connecting 113 destinations. The main objective was to reboot the network, systems, and rosters so that we could start afresh today with higher number of flights, improved stability, and there are some early signs of improvement. Today, we are on our way to operate over 1500 flights by end of day. With regards to destinations, over 95 per cent of network connectivity has already been re-established as we are able to operate to 135 out of the existing 138 destinations in operations. While we understand that we have a long way to go, we are committed to build back the trust of our customers. We would like to thank all our partners and government agencies for their constant support and guidance. Most of all we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and staff for their patience and cooperation through these tough times. We apologise once again," an IndiGo Spokesperson said. Status of IndiGo operations at Mumbai airport on December 6, 2025 (from 0000 hrs to 2000 hrs.) Arrivals at Mumbai airport on Saturday: 70 flights Departures: 76 flights Total cancellations: 146 flights

06 December,2025 11:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Air India and Air India Express have clarified that they have capped economy class fares. Representational Pic/File/PTI

Domestic airfares capped to prevent demand-supply price spike: Air India

Air India and Air India Express have clarified that they have capped economy class fares on all non-stop domestic flights since December 4, 2025. The move was taken to prevent fare hikes that usually occur through revenue management systems when demand increases suddenly, an official statement said.  The airlines said they were aware of screenshots circulating online that showed very high last-minute fares for journeys involving one-stop or two-stop routes, or combinations of economy, premium economy and business class. They explained that it is not technically possible to cap every such route or mixed-class itinerary, especially those displayed on third-party booking platforms. However, the airlines confirmed they are engaging with these platforms to ensure better monitoring and oversight. A spokesperson said that both Air India and Air India Express are working to add more capacity so that the travellers and their baggage can reach their destinations as quickly as possible. "Air India & Air India Express clarify that, since 4 December, economy class airfares on non-stop domestic flights have been proactively capped to prevent the usual demand-and-supply mechanism being applied by revenue management systems.  We are aware of screenshots of last-minute itineraries with one-stop or two-stop flights or a combination of economy and premium economy or business cabins taken from third party platforms. It is not technically possible to cap all such permutations, but we are engaging such platforms to exercise oversight. Air India and Air India Express are seeking to add capacity to help travellers and their baggage reach their destinations as quickly as possible," an Air India spokesperson said. The airlines also announced a series of measures to support passengers affected by the widespread travel disruptions across the country. The airlines said the steps are aimed at helping stranded travellers reach their destinations as smoothly as possible. To offer passengers more flexibility, the airlines have introduced a one-time waiver of change or cancellation fees. This applies to customers who booked their domestic Air India or Air India Express tickets on or before December 4 for travel until December 15, 2025. They may reschedule their travel without paying rescheduling fees (fare difference may apply), or cancel their tickets and receive a full refund with no cancellation charges, it said. The waiver is valid for changes or cancellations made until 8 December 2025. Passengers may contact the 24x7 call centres or their travel agents. Air India Express customers can also use its chatbot Tia via WhatsApp, the website, mobile app, and Facebook Messenger. "Both airlines have deployed more staff to manage high call volumes and reduce waiting times. Air India: +91 11 6932 9333 and Air India Express: +91 124 443 5600 / +91 124 693 5600," an official statement said. The airlines also said they are using every available seat to help stranded travellers. Where possible, eligible Economy passengers may be upgraded at no extra cost. Additional flights are also being operated on key routes to clear backlogs and ensure passengers—and their baggage—reach their destinations quickly. It said that Air India and Air India Express confirmed that students, senior citizens, armed forces personnel and their dependents will continue to receive special discounted fares. These concessions may allow eligible passengers to book fares even lower than the capped economy rates.

06 December,2025 10:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Supriya Sule said the Bill aims to protect employees’ rights while recognising employers’ operational needs, creating more respectful and sustainable work environments. File Pic

Right to Disconnect: Sule introduces bill for work-personal life balance

Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party NCP (SP) leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has introduced a private member’s Right to Disconnect Bill aimed at protecting employees from excessive digital work pressure and ensuring a healthier work–life balance, reported the ANI. Titled “The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025,” the proposal gives employees the legal right to stop responding to work-related emails, calls or messages outside office hours. It also allows penalties of 1 per cent of the total employee remuneration for companies that fail to comply, according to the ANI. In a post on X, Sule said the Bill seeks to “reduce burnout caused by today’s digital culture” and improve overall quality of life. The Bill argues that while modern communication technology offers flexibility, it has also blurred the boundaries between personal and professional life. It cites research showing that employees expected to be available round the clock often suffer from sleep deprivation, stress, emotional exhaustion and “telepressure” — the compulsion to check messages constantly, even on weekends and holidays. It also refers to “info-obesity”, a condition linked to overloading the brain with continuous digital communication, as per the ANI. To restore balance, the Bill says employees must have the right to protect their personal time and decline work communications after hours. At the same time, it allows companies flexibility to negotiate terms suited to their work culture. It also proposes overtime pay at the normal wage rate if employees choose to work outside regular hours, the news agency reported. The Bill further recommends counselling services to promote healthier digital habits and even suggests the creation of “digital detox centres” to help employees disconnect meaningfully. Supriya Sule said the Bill aims to protect employees’ rights while recognising employers’ operational needs, creating more respectful and sustainable work environments. Alongside this, she introduced two more private member’s Bill, the Paternity and Paternal Benefits Bill, 2025, which proposes paid paternal leave to allow fathers to play an active role in early childcare, support new mothers and encourage flexible parenting. The Code on Social Security (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to classify platform-based gig workers as a separate category entitled to minimum wages, regulated working hours, social security, fair contracts and safer working conditions. Many other Lok Sabha members also introduced their private member’s Bills during the session. (with ANI inputs)

06 December,2025 10:21 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The cap ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000. Representational Pic/File/iStock

Govt caps airfares at Rs 7,500-Rs 18,000 across India amid IndiGo crisis

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday imposed a country-wide cap on domestic airfares in order to contain the sharp and sudden surge in ticket prices following massive disruptions at IndiGo, which led to widespread cancellations and reduced capacity across several routes.  As per the ministry's order, airlines have been prohibited from charging above the newly fixed maximum limits, which have been introduced in public interest, until flight operations return to normal. The cap ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 18,000 depending on the length of the route. For flights of up to 500 km, the maximum permissible fare is Rs 7,500. The cap for sectors between 500 and 1,000 km is Rs 12,000. Routes between 1,000 and 1,500 km have a ceiling of Rs 15,000, while fares on flights covering over 1,500 km cannot exceed Rs 18,000. These limits exclude applicable charges and do not apply to business class or UDAN flights. The ministry, however, has not so far clarified whether premium economy fares come under the cap, though the limits are confirmed to apply to economy class. The move comes against the backdrop of unprecedented spikes in airfare since December 4, with several online travel platforms reflecting inflated last-minute prices due to the sudden mismatch between demand and available capacity. The government said it will closely track fare levels in real time and coordinate with airlines and booking platforms to ensure strict compliance. Anything contrary to the prescribed caps will attract immediate corrective action. Alongside this fare regulation, the ministry has instructed IndiGo to process all pending passenger refunds without delay and complete the refund cycle for cancelled or disrupted flights by 8 PM on Sunday, December 7. It has also instructed the airline to trace and deliver all misplaced baggage to passengers' homes or chosen addresses within 48 hours. The measures are expected to stabilise domestic air travel costs and ease the burden on passengers until the current operational disruptions subside. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

06 December,2025 08:51 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Chaos at airports across India amid Indigo flight cancellation. Pic/PTI

Indigo flight cancellation: Congress MP alleges BJP for creating aviation crisis

Launching a sharp attack on the Centre over the air travel crisis, the opposition on Saturday alleged that the ongoing disruption in IndiGo services is not accidental but the outcome of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government’s sustained attempt to create a duopoly in the aviation sector.  As reported by news agency IANS, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil, while pointing to the nationwide travel crisis over the past couple of days, said that “IndiGo's cancellation of more than 1,000 flights on December 5, 2025, followed by hundreds more on December 6, has brought India’s air travel system to an unprecedented collapse.” The Congress MP also emphasised that the disruptions have exposed weaknesses long ignored by the Centre. He also added that the consequences of this policy were now unfolding in full public view. Congress MP while slamming the BJP and the ongoing aviation crisis asserted that, “This crisis is not a natural breakdown; it is the predictable fallout of the BJP government that has been hell-bent on crushing competition, rewarding favourites, and reshaping an entire national industry to suit a tiny circle of corporate allies,” as cited by news agency IANS.  MP Sasikanth Senthil further argued that aviation, which depends on tight safety rules and consistent oversight, has been forced into instability due to a policy framework that weakens regulatory checks while strengthening the grip of a handful of private players. Senthil said the government’s handling of aviation safety has revealed the scale of its neglect. Highlighting that the government released the Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules on January 8, 2024, and partially implemented them on July 1, 2025. He criticised the decision to suspend these safety rules in the middle of a sector-wide breakdown. MP Sasikanth Senthil from the Tiruvallur Lok Sabha constituency also added that, “This is not just irresponsible; it is outrageous. By scrapping rules specifically designed to prevent pilot fatigue, the BJP government has allegedly jeopardised passenger safety and thrown the well-being of cockpit crew into uncertainty.” He added, “Instead of stabilising the situation, they have deepened it, proving once again that safety and accountability mean nothing to this administration when weighed against the convenience of their preferred corporations,” as cited by news agency IANS.  Sasikanth Senthil added that the government’s inclination towards building monopolies has become visible across major infrastructure sectors. He said that the trend shows how policy, regulation, and public assets are being used to strengthen a select conglomerate in aviation, telecom, ports, and other fields. The Thiruvallur MP linked the IndiGo crisis to the controversial electoral bonds, which the Supreme Court has struck down as unconstitutional and illegal, saying the disclosures further darken the picture. He alleged that the data shows InterGlobe group entities purchased around Rs 36 crore in electoral bonds, and its promoter, Rahul Bhatia, purchased about Rs 20 crore, most of which went to the BJP. Senthil added that, “It raises legitimate questions about how a sector once filled with healthy competition has been reduced to a fragile duopoly, and whether financial proximity to the BJP has played any role in shaping this distorted landscape. These concerns cannot be brushed aside; they strike at the heart of public trust and democratic integrity,” as per IANS. He further argued that the present chaos is the result of a system built on crony capitalism. “Aviation is the latest casualty. Telecommunications, infrastructure, cement, ports – the pattern repeats everywhere. The government’s actions suggest a dangerous commitment to empowering a select set of corporations while suffocating every other player, ultimately leaving India hostage to a handful of private giants.”  Calling the situation a government-made disaster, Senthil said that this crisis has damaged the aviation sector, endangered passengers, destabilised markets, and shown the government’s disregard for transparency and competition. (With inputs from IANS)

06 December,2025 06:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
An IndiGo aircraft prepares to land at an airport, in Mumbai, Saturday. (Pic/PTI)

IndiGo announces automatic refunds amid the ongoing flight disruptions

In the wake of recent disruptions, IndiGo on Saturday announced that it will offer automatic refunds for all cancelled bookings and a complete waiver on cancellation or rescheduling charges for travel between December 5 and 15. This comes after the Ministry of Civil Aviation during the early hours of Saturday issued a statement to the aviation company to ensure that every passenger gets the refund of their ticket amount by Sunday.  The Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “Mandated that the refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be fully completed by 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 7,” as cited by news agency ANI.   Following which, in a post shared on social media platform X, IndiGo said that it would issue automatic refunds and full waivers to passengers, with no questions asked. The post by Indigo on social media platform X stated, "No questions asked. In response to recent events, all refunds for your cancellations will be processed automatically to your original mode of payment." pic.twitter.com/hbw70EsPZz — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 6, 2025 The airline further wrote that, "We will offer a full waiver on all cancellations/reschedule requests of your bookings for travel between 5 December 2025 and 15 December 2025." While the statement from Indigo did conclude with an apology, adding that, "We are deeply sorry for the hardships caused." The outrage inside the flyers is still on the higher side, seeking other alternatives for their travel plans.  The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also instructed airlines not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were impacted by cancellations. It emphasised that any delay or non-compliance in processing refunds will invite immediate regulatory action under the Ministry's powers, reported ANI.  To ensure seamless grievance redressal, IndiGo has been instructed to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells. These cells have been tasked with proactively contacting affected passengers and ensuring that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. The automatic refund system will remain active until operations stabilise completely. Furthermore, as per the release, the Ministry has directed IndiGo to ensure that all baggage separated from passengers due to cancellations or delays is traced and delivered to the passenger's residential or chosen address within the next 48 hours. Airlines have been told to maintain clear communication with passengers regarding tracking and delivery timelines and to provide compensation where required under existing passenger rights regulations. (With inputs from ANI)

06 December,2025 05:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Passengers wait at the airport as Indigo cancelled majority of their flights on Saturday as well. (Pics/PTI)

Center orders IndiGo to clear all pending refunds by Sunday

Amid the ongoing flight crisis across the nation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday directed IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds by 8 pm on Sunday.  As reported by news agency IANS, the statement from the ministry comes amid the ongoing disruption of IndiGo flights, which continued for its fifth consecutive day, with a total of 405 domestic flights cancelled. While issuing the statement, the Ministry emphasised, ”Mandated that the refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be fully completed by 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 7.”  It also added that, “Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations,” as cited by news agency IANS.  The Ministry of Civil Aviation further clarified that "any delay or non-compliance in refund processing will invite immediate regulatory action". Furthermore, the government has also directed IndiGo to trace and deliver baggage separated from passengers to their residential or chosen address within the next 48 hours. The statement by the Ministry also mentioned that, “Airlines have been told to maintain clear communication with passengers regarding tracking and delivery timelines, and to provide compensation where required under existing passenger rights regulations,” as per IANS.  The government has also asked the airline to set up dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cells to ensure seamless grievance redressal. These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely. “The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airports, security agencies, and all operational stakeholders to ensure that passenger rights are fully protected during this period of disruption,” the statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also added. This includes “proper facilitation for senior citizens, specially abled passengers, students, patients, and all those requiring urgent travel”.Following the crisis, the government noted that it remains “fully committed to restoring complete operational normalcy at the earliest,” as reported by news agency IANS.  (With inputs from IANS)

06 December,2025 05:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Central Railway said that more trains will be introduced as required, depending on passenger demand. Representational Pic/File

CR announces 14 special trains for winter rush of passengers

Central Railway on Saturday announced 14 special train services to help passengers during the busy winter vacation and festival period. The special trains have been planned in response to the high demand for travel and will run between major cities across India, including Madgaon, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi). The trains will provide faster and more comfortable travel options and will include AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class and General Second Class, ensuring choices for passengers from all segments. The scheduled services include: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Lucknow Special Departure: December 6, 2025 at 12.15 hrs CSMT Mumbai-Hazrat Nizamuddin Special Departure: December 6, 2025 at 17.15 hrs Pune-Bengaluru Special Departure: December 6, 2025 at 19.00 hrs Nagpur-CSMT Mumbai Special Departure: December 6, 2025 at 22.10 hrs CSMT Mumbai-Nagpur Special Departure: December 7, 2025 at 15.30 hrs Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Madgaon Special Departure: December 7, 2025 at 11.10 hrs Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Hyderabad Special Departure: December 7, 2025 at 17.20 hrs Pune-Hazrat Nizamuddin Special Departure: December 7, 2025 at 20.20 hrs Central Railway said that more trains will be introduced as required, depending on passenger demand. Meanwhile, in an another statement, issued earlier, the Central Railway on Thursday said announced a temporary restriction on the sale of platform tickets at 13 major stations from December 5 to 7, 2025, ahead of the expected heavy rush of devotees visiting on Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025. The move aims to manage crowding on platforms and ensure smooth passenger movement within station premises, officials said. The affected stations and dates are as follows: Mumbai Division: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Dadar station (December 5-7, 2025) Bhusaval Division: Bhusaval, Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Akola, Shegaon, Pachora, Badnera, Malkapur, Chalisgaon (December 5-6, 2025) Nagpur Division: Nagpur station (December 5-6, 2025) Certain passengers are exempted from these restrictions, including those accompanying elderly, senior citizens, ailing persons, children, illiterate passengers, and women unable to travel alone, to ensure ease of travel, an official statement said. The Central Railway has urged all passengers to plan their travel accordingly and follow the new regulations for a safe and smooth journey, it said.

06 December,2025 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic

ED files chargesheet against Reliance Power, others in fake bank guarantee case

The co-accused named in the prosecution complaint include former Reliance Power CFO Ashok Kumar Pal, Reliance NU BESS Ltd. and Rosa Power Supply Company Ltd. (subsidiaries of Reliance Power), Reliance Group executive Punit Narendra Garg, an Odisha-based "shell" company Biswal Tradelink Private Limited, its MD Patha Sarathi Biswal and trade financing consultant Amar Nath Dutta, reported the PTI. As per the Enforcement Directorate, Biothane Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Ravinder Pal Singh Chadha and Manoj Bhaiyasaheb Pongde are also among the accused. The officials from the ED also emphasised that the chargesheet has been filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the Patiala House court in Delhi on Friday, reported PTI. The case in which the above-mentioned parties have been accused pertains to a bank guarantee of Rs 68.2 crore submitted to secure a tender from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) on behalf of Reliance NU BESS Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Power, a listed company. The company (Reliance NU BESS) was formerly known as Maharashtra Energy Generation Limited. The probe, as per the agency, found that Reliance Group officials were well aware that this was a "fake" bank guarantee.  Furthermore, "fraudulent" endorsements were being submitted to SECI from a "spoofed" email ID of SBI, and when SECI detected the fraud, Reliance Group arranged a genuine bank guarantee from IDBI Bank within a day of intimation of the fraud by SECI. The ED in their chargesheet mentioned that, "However, SECI refused to accept the fresh bank guarantee as it was submitted after the due date. Since Reliance NU BESS Limited had emerged as the L-2 bidder, in order to save the tender, Reliance Group officials even tried to arrange a fresh endorsement of the fake foreign bank guarantee from an SBI branch in Kolkata, as reported by PTI.  While the response from the Reliance Group is still awaited, it had earlier said Ambani was "not on the Board of Reliance Power Limited for more than 3.5 years and is not concerned with this matter in any manner". The Reliance Group also claimed to have been a "victim of fraud, forgery and cheating conspiracy" in this case, adding that it had made due disclosures in this context to the stock exchange on November 7, 2024. The ED also added that Reliance Group officials signed a "dummy" agreement and also obtained the "Certificate of Enlistment" of Reliance NU BESS Limited from Kolkata Municipal Corporation by submitting "bogus" address documents. However, when they again failed to get the fresh endorsement done, in order to shift the entire blame onto the intermediary, they filed a complaint against Biswal Tradelink Private Limited and its MD, Partha Sarathi Biswal. Following this, Biswal was arrested by the ED in this case, apart from ex-Reliance Power CFO Ashok Kumar Pal and Dutta. They are currently lodged in jail under judicial custody, reported PTI.  The money laundering case stems from a November 2024 FIR of Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW). It was alleged that Bhubaneswar-based shell entity Biswal Tradelink was engaged in issuing "fake" bank guarantees against commission. (With inputs from PTI)

06 December,2025 04:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The discussions focused on field-level applications, safety measures, ethical practices and ecosystem-based management.  Pic/Special Arrangement

South African wildlife experts train officials on human-wildlife conflict

The Maharashtra Forest Department organised an international training session in Pune on Friday to strengthen the skills of officers working in areas affected by human-wildlife conflict, officials said. Two experts from South Africa — Hein Schoeman, a wildlife capture specialist, and Dr Josephine Skaarup Petersson, a wildlife veterinarian — led the interaction. They shared global practices on wildlife capture, conflict mitigation, population management and safe handling techniques. The discussions focused on field-level applications, safety measures, ethical practices and ecosystem-based management. Officers actively participated and shared challenges faced during real conflict situations in Maharashtra. The event was held under the guidance of Ashish Thakare, Conservator of Forests, Pune Circle, in collaboration with RESQ Charitable Trust. More than 40 officers from the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Junnar, Pune and Solapur divisions attended the session. These officers regularly deal with difficult wildlife situations, boundary management and conflict zones. Conservator Ashish Thakare said that although conditions in South Africa are different, the principles and methods shared were very useful. He added that such sessions help officers gain broader perspectives and improve their skills. Tuhin Satarkar, Director of Wildlife Operations at RESQ Charitable Trust, said that knowledge exchange strengthens decision-making and helps build long-term partnerships that benefit wildlife conservation.

06 December,2025 03:54 PM IST | Pune | Ranjeet Jadhav
Passengers at Terminal 3 (T3) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, in New Delhi amid crisis. Pic/PTI

Indian Railways adds extra coaches and special trains amid IndiGo cancelltions

Amid the ongoing air-travel crisis across the country, IndiGo, since the last five days, has cancelled a total of 405 domestic flights. However, Indian Railways stepped in to help the harassed passengers by adding extra coaches to its trains to accommodate the rush of people. With a daily operation of 2,300 flights and a fleet exceeding 400 aircraft, IndiGo's punctuality has drastically declined due to ongoing operational issues that are likely to persist for several more days, reported by news agency IANS.  The root of the current crisis primarily lies in an unexpected shortage of pilots due to planning shortcomings, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Scenes of total disarray have occurred at airports nationwide as IndiGo's domestic passengers voiced their frustration over delays and cancellations of their flights. Amid a sharp rise in passenger demand following widespread IndiGo flight cancellations, the Indian Railways has stepped in. Taking cognisance of the worsening travelling situation in the country, railways has deployed 116 additional coaches across 37 premium trains, covering 114 enhanced trips nationwide, easing the congestion at the airports across the country.  The Railway Ministry, while assessing the ongoing crisis while issuing a statement, said that “Southern Railway recorded the highest number of augmentations, increasing capacity in 18 trains,” as cited by news agency IANS.  The statement also added, "Additional Chair Car and Sleeper Class coaches have been deployed on high-demand routes. These augmentations, implemented from 6 December 2025 onwards, substantially expand accommodation capacity in the southern region, as per IANS. While highlighting more about the addition of extra coaches in trains, the Ministry of Railways also said, "Northern Railway (NR) follows with augmentations on eight trains, adding 3AC and Chair Car coaches. These measures implemented from today onwards enhance availability on heavily travelled northern corridors."  According to the ministry, Western Railway has also strengthened four high-demand trains with the addition of 3AC and 2AC coaches, effective from December 6, to accommodate heavy passenger movement from western states to the national capital. Furthermore, the officials have also confirmed that East Central Railway has increased capacity on the Rajendra Nagar–New Delhi (12309) service by adding 2AC coaches over five trips scheduled between December 6 and 10. The initiative by the East Central Railway will improve the connectivity on the crucial Bihar–Delhi route. East Coast Railway has also augmented the Bhubaneswar–New Delhi services (Trains 20817/20811/20823) by adding 2AC coaches across five trips, enhancing travel options between Odisha and the capital, reported IANS. Speaking to the media about the ongoing situation, Indian Railway Board Executive Director of Information and Publicity (EDIP) Dilip Kumar further said, "Considering the rush of passengers, Indian Railways has decided to add extra coaches to several trains. In addition, plans have been made to operate several special trains. So far, 116 extra coaches are planned to be added to 37 trains, and work is underway accordingly,” as cited by news agency IANS.  Special trains Along with these augmentations, four special train services have been introduced to further assist travellers. The Gorakhpur–Anand Vihar Terminal–Gorakhpur Special (05591/05592) will operate four trips between December 7 and 9. Furthermore, the New Delhi–Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan–New Delhi Reserved Vande Bharat Special (02439/02440) will run on December 6, offering fast connectivity to the Jammu region. To accommodate high demand towards the western sector, the New Delhi–Mumbai Central–New Delhi Reserved Superfast Special (04002/04001) will operate on December 6 and 7. Additionally, the Hazrat Nizamuddin–Thiruvananthapuram Central Reserved Superfast Special (04080) will run one way on December 6, providing long-distance connectivity to the south. (With inputs from IANS)

06 December,2025 12:45 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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