Indian Railways Rises To The Challenge Of IndiGo’s Ongoing Flight Cancellations By Adding Extra Coaches To Trains Providing A Lifeline For Stranded Travelers

Published on December 6, 2025

Indian Railways has responded to the ongoing flight cancellations by adding additional coaches to trains, providing thousands of stranded passengers with a lifeline. The railway system quickly increased its capacity and added air-conditioned coaches to routes with high demand after many passengers were left without flight options. Indian Railways’ vital role in offering a practical alternative during the crisis was highlighted by this prompt action, which not only reduced the strain on the transportation system but also guaranteed that those impacted could continue their travels with the least amount of disruption.

The recent wave of flight cancellations by IndiGo has left thousands of passengers stranded across airports in India, leading many to seek alternative travel options. As the airline’s disruption continues to affect travel plans, an unexpected consequence has emerged—an overwhelming increase in demand for train services. With flights grounded and fares of remaining airlines skyrocketing, train stations have become the new hubs for stranded travelers.

To meet this surge in demand, Indian Railways has swiftly responded by augmenting its train capacity, ensuring that passengers have a viable alternative. On December 5, 2025, reports confirmed that the railways added 116 extra coaches to 37 trains, primarily operating through Southern Railway, Northern Railway, and Western Railway zones. These coaches include air-conditioned two-tier, three-tier, and chair car options, offering a comfortable and accessible solution to passengers facing delays.

Expanding Train Services to Address Increased Travel Demand

The response from Indian Railways is part of an ongoing effort to accommodate the unprecedented number of passengers seeking train services. Many train routes have been upgraded to offer additional air-conditioned coaches, catering to the large influx of travelers looking to reach destinations across the country. The added coaches were incorporated into high-demand routes, particularly in southern and northern India, where the flight disruptions have been most pronounced.

According to railway officials, the additional coaches are being operated on a first-come, first-served basis due to the lack of computerized reservation systems for these newly added units. This ensures that passengers who are able to reach railway stations in time can secure a berth. However, the lack of prior reservations for these added coaches has meant that ticket availability is on a competitive basis, adding an element of urgency to the journey.

Temporary Measures to Mitigate Travel Woes

The situation is expected to persist as the cancellation crisis continues to unfold. Railway authorities have stated that the extra coaches will remain in operation until the flight disruptions are resolved, and further adjustments to train services will be made as needed. This flexibility allows the railways to quickly adapt to the changing demands of passengers in real time.

For now, the added coaches offer a temporary solution to the transportation bottleneck caused by flight cancellations. Railway officials have confirmed that they are monitoring the situation closely and will take further steps to ensure that travelers can continue to reach their destinations with minimal inconvenience.

Exploring Special Trains to Ease the Rush

In addition to augmenting the capacity of existing trains, the Railway Board has instructed zonal authorities to explore the feasibility of operating special trains to cater to the growing demand. While the capacity of most existing trains is around 24 coaches, some are already running close to their limits, and adding more coaches may lead to complications. Longer trains would exceed platform lengths, making it difficult for passengers to embark or disembark safely.

To avoid such operational hurdles, the Indian Railways is focusing on the possibility of running special trains for popular routes. There is particularly high demand for trains heading to major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Howrah. If the demand warrants, special trains will be scheduled, offering passengers an additional option during this period of uncertainty.

Southern Railway Leads the Charge

Southern Railway has been at the forefront of addressing the surge in demand. The zone has already added extra coaches to 16 express trains, many of which will operate until December 11, 2025. These additions have been particularly vital for travelers looking to reach the southern part of the country, offering much-needed relief for those unable to secure seats on flights.

These temporary measures come as the railway system grapples with the growing pressure of accommodating stranded passengers. While the disruptions have caused significant inconvenience, the rapid response from Indian Railways showcases the system’s ability to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, providing vital support to millions of travelers.

The Road Ahead for Indian Railways

As India’s aviation industry works to resolve the crisis, the train services are likely to remain a crucial part of the transportation landscape. The ongoing disruption serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the air travel system and the importance of having well-established alternative transportation networks in place.

Indian Railways, known for its vast and diverse network, has once again stepped in to help thousands of stranded passengers during a time of crisis. The future of this temporary expansion will depend on how quickly the airline industry can return to normalcy, but for now, the railways remain an essential part of the nation’s travel infrastructure. With its swift action to add coaches and explore special train services, Indian Railways has ensured that people can continue their journeys with as little disruption as possible.

In response to IndiGo’s ongoing flight cancellations, Indian Railways has added extra coaches to trains, providing a vital lifeline for stranded travelers. This immediate response ensures that passengers have a reliable alternative to reach their destinations during the disruption in air travel.

As travelers across the country continue to adapt to the changing transportation landscape, the Indian Railways’ commitment to meeting the needs of passengers during this crisis has been a critical factor in maintaining mobility and restoring a sense of normalcy to the nation’s travel system.