Travel Lifeline: Southern Railway Launches Special Trains During Flight Disruptions

Updated: December 07, 2025 14:19

Southern Railway has deployed special trains and 116 extra coaches across Tamil Nadu and Kerala to aid passengers stranded by IndiGo’s flight crisis. With 37 trains nationwide strengthened, including Rajdhani and Tejas Express, the initiative ensures affordable, reliable travel and highlights Indian Railways’ role as a dependable backup transport system.

In a swift response to the nationwide travel chaos triggered by IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations, the Southern Railway has rolled out special trains and added extra coaches to high-demand routes across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This move aims to provide immediate relief to stranded passengers and stabilise travel connectivity in the region.

Key Highlights

Special services launched: Southern Railway announced three pairs of special express trains on December 7 and 8, including the Coimbatore–Chennai Central Express Specials (Nos. 06024/06023) and the Thiruvananthapuram North–Chennai Egmore Express Specials (Nos. 06108/06107), ensuring additional capacity on critical routes.

Coach augmentation: A total of 37 trains nationwide have been strengthened with 116 extra coaches, resulting in 114 augmented trips, covering premium services like Rajdhani and Tejas Express.

Passenger relief: The initiative comes as thousands of flyers, affected by IndiGo’s operational crisis, turned to railways for alternative travel. The additional trains and coaches are expected to ease congestion and reduce ticket scarcity.

Government oversight: The Civil Aviation Ministry’s fare cap and DGCA’s directives to IndiGo have been complemented by Indian Railways’ proactive measures, reflecting a coordinated effort to safeguard passenger interests.

Regional impact: Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where demand surged sharply, are the primary beneficiaries of these special services, ensuring smoother travel during the peak season.

Broader Significance

The deployment of special trains highlights the resilience of Indian Railways as a backup transport system during aviation crises. By swiftly mobilising resources, Southern Railway has not only absorbed excess passenger demand but also reinforced its role as a dependable alternative to air travel. Analysts suggest this intervention underscores the importance of multi-modal transport coordination in India, especially during peak travel seasons.

For passengers, the move offers affordable, reliable, and immediate connectivity, bridging the gap left by IndiGo’s disruptions. It also signals how India’s transport ecosystem can adapt quickly to crises, ensuring that mobility remains uninterrupted for millions.

Sources: Telangana Today, The News Minute, OdishaTV

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