Srinagar, Dec 05: In response to the severe flight disruptions affecting air travel across North India, Indian Railways has announced a key intervention to assist stranded passengers. To manage the sudden surge in travel demand, authorities have added an additional 3rd AC coach to the Jammu–New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Train No. 12426) for the next seven days, starting tonight.
The decision comes at a time when hundreds of passengers are stuck due to repeated flight cancellations and long delays triggered by poor weather conditions and operational challenges at major airports. Jammu Airport, in particular, has seen significant chaos over the past 48 hours, with travelers left searching for alternate travel arrangements.
Railway officials confirmed that the newly added AC coach will offer 72 extra seats daily, providing much-needed relief to passengers struggling to reach the national capital. Bookings for the additional seats have been opened and can be made through both online and offline reservation systems.
“This is a passenger-centric decision meant to ensure comfort, accessibility, and relief to those stranded due to the ongoing aviation disruptions,” a senior Railway official said. He added that the move aims to bridge the gap caused by the sudden breakdown in air travel connectivity and offer a dependable alternative for urgent travel.
The Jammu–Delhi Rajdhani is already one of the busiest and most preferred trains on the route, known for its speed, punctuality, and onboard services. With the flight situation worsening, demand for train travel has risen sharply, prompting the Railways to take swift action.
Passengers at Jammu Airport have reported long queues, rescheduling of flights at short notice, and several cancellations due to reduced visibility and other technical constraints. Many, including patients traveling for treatment, students, and working professionals, were left stranded for hours with no clarity on travel timelines. The addition of the extra coach is expected to significantly ease this pressure and stabilize travel flow to the national capital.
Officials also indicated that if the flight disruptions continue, similar measures may be extended or additional coaches may be considered on other high-demand routes.
For now, the augmentation of the 3rd AC coach on the Rajdhani serves as an immediate relief step, offering stranded passengers a reliable and comfortable alternative amid the ongoing travel crisis.
