New Delhi, december 7, 2025: In response to the ongoing IndiGo flight crisis and the resulting surge in passenger traffic, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 89 special trains across the country. These additional trains, set to run until December 12, will help alleviate the pressure on the transportation system caused by flight cancellations and an overall increase in winter travel demand.

Purpose of the Special Trains

The decision comes amid a spike in passenger numbers, particularly due to disruptions in the airline industry. indigo, one of India’s largest carriers, has data-faced significant challenges recently, including an increase in flight cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. These disruptions, compounded by the busy winter travel season, have forced many travelers to look for alternative means of transportation.

Indian Railways is stepping in to help by running additional trains on high-demand routes to ensure that travelers can reach their destinations in a timely manner.

Details of the Special Trains

The 89 special trains will operate on various routes across major cities and tourist destinations, with a particular focus on routes that connect metro cities, popular holiday spots, and regional hubs. Some of the key routes include:

• Delhi to Mumbai
• Delhi to Kolkata
• Chennai to Bengaluru
• Mumbai to Pune
• Hyderabad to Bengaluru

The special trains will operate as either direct services or high-frequency additional coaches on existing trains. The Indian Railways has also reassured passengers that these trains will follow strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing measures, and sanitation facilities onboard.

Winter Travel Surge

The winter season has traditionally seen a surge in travel across India, with people taking vacations or visiting relatives for the holidays. The surge in demand has compounded the challenges posed by flight cancellations, leading to an even greater need for alternative transportation options.

The railways expect that the special services will help alleviate the situation and minimize the impact on travelers who had initially booked flights with indigo or other carriers.

Railways’ Plan to Meet Demand

Indian Railways has emphadata-sized that it is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure that services are adjusted according to the volume of passengers. Railway officials are also keeping an eye on weather conditions, which could affect travel times on certain routes, particularly those passing through the Himalayan region and areas prone to fog.

In addition to the special trains, the railways are also ensuring that ticketing systems are prepared for the surge in demand, with dedicated counters and online booking platforms to accommodate last-minute reservations.

IndiGo Flight Cancellations

The crisis for IndiGo began when several of its flights were grounded due to staffing shortages, technical difficulties, and logistical challenges. In addition to these operational issues, winter weather conditions have further exacerbated delays, leading to an increase in cancellations. The airline has been under pressure to process a high volume of refunds and rebookings, as passengers sought alternate travel options.

In response to the growing crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has intervened, with airlines being urged to improve customer service and ensure refunds are processed promptly.

What Passengers Can Expect

For passengers who had booked IndiGo flights but are now relying on train services, indian Railways is offering the following:

• Flexible ticketing options for travelers who had originally booked flights but need to shift to train travel
• Priority services for passengers who were affected by the flight cancellations
• Increased train capacity to ensure all passengers can be accommodated

The railways have also announced that a dedicated team of customer support agents will be available at key stations to assist travelers in rebooking tickets and providing travel information.

Looking Ahead

The situation remains fluid, and the indian Railways is committed to running additional special trains if demand continues to rise in the coming days. Meanwhile, indigo and other airlines are working to resolve operational challenges and return to normalcy.

 

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