In a bid to help passengers from train delays and cancellations, Delhi division of Northern Railways has made preparations to battle the foggy season. Additional RPF personnel are deployed to conduct late night checks, a host of arrangements have been put at place to beat the fog.
“The department will ensure safe train operations with the help of fog safety devices. The railway employees have been given proper training to battle the foggy season so as to ensure passengers' safety,” said Neeraj Sharma, Chief public relation officer (CPRO), Northern Railways.
Total number of full cancellation of trains has been reduced from 6\54 trains ( 27 pairs) as done last year to 30 trains (15 pairs ). Unlike previous year, no Shatabdi or Rajdhani trains have been fully cancelled.
The delay results in complete disorientation of time table, train berthing plans, maintenance slots at washing line complexes etc. Stations remained heavily crowded with passengers on platforms for long intervals at major terminals.
Railway Protection Force personnel have been deputed and directed to assist passengers in the case of train delays. Medical team and ambulances is also available for passengers' convenience. Moreover, additional PRS counters have been opened to facilitate passengers seeking refund in case of cancellation and train running late for more than three hours during this period. large size display boards have been displayed so that passengers can see information at a glance.
Other than this, frequency of weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly, and 36 pairs daily popular trains have been left intact and unchanged. Frequency of only those trains that run daily or upto 4 days a week have been reduced by 1 to 3 trips a week so that services remain available on fog affected sector on any given day. Other than that, frequency of Rajdhani trains has been reduced by only 1 trip a week. Week end trips of important trains have not been cancelled to the extent feasible. Trains running with less than 24 coaches on the fog affected sections to maximise the clearance of passengers of that section.