The railways are making all out efforts to rescue the people stranded in flood-hit Tamil Nadu. For the past two days, the railways have come out with 10 to 20 special trains evacuating people in large number.
Railways Public Relations Officer Anil Saxena informed that in past two days 32 special trains have been used. Besides, after the water has receded in some areas in Chennai, we are repairing the damages in tracks and bridges. Additional coaches are on standby for the specials. However, trains continued to be cancelled as a large number of tracks remain remained submerged in many places.
He further said, “Even though the special are doing well, we hope by evening we can restore long distance trains. Chennai Central still remains waterlogged which is making things difficult. Around 130 trains had to be cancelled today and we have cancelled around 500 trains till now.” Around 66,000 people have been rescued through the special trains and food, drinking water and medicines are also being distributed in large number, while railway engineers and technicians are working hard to normalise the situation and provide rescue and relief to stranded passengers.
Meanwhile, in a positive note for stranded passengers, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said that commercial flights are expected to begin their services after December 6, once power is restored in the airport.
“We started technical flights yesterday, but resuming commercial flights services will take time as the airport basement remains flooded and there is no power supply. We expect commercial flight services to resume after December 6,” Sharma told.