Western Railways to reduce frequency of trains to combat fog this winter

In an operational move being implemented by the railways possibly for the first time ever, several trains will be run with breaks in between the week as a way to combat trains delays due to fog in the months starting from January. This includes top trains like the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani and the August Kranti Express apart from 19 other trains owned by WR. The changes in schedule will be effective from 8th January to 29th February 2016.

For example, starting January, the 12951/2 Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express will not run from Mumbai on Tuesday and from New Delhi on Wednesday. Similarly the 12953/54 Mumbai Central-Nizamuddin August Kranti Express will not run from Mumbai Central on Saturday and from Nizamuddin on Sunday.  

In a press statement, Western Railway said, "The winter season (December - February) in the northern states of our country is characterized by foggy weather due to drop in the mercury, affecting visibility. In order to tackle the issues arising from such conditions, Western Railway has taken some remedial measures in accordance to the directives from Railway Board. To manage the train operations smoothly, even in foggy season, Ministry of Railways has decided to reduce the frequency of some of the trains well in advance, which traverse through the fog affected areas"

Railway officials called it a pragmatic approach to the situation as it will allow  passengers to plan their travel in such a manner so as to contain the problems and inconvenience arising due to cancellation or late running of trains on account of foggy weather conditions. 

"It will also help railways to manage their rakes properly. Also, the concerned period being a slack season (non – peak period) due to various examinations in schools and colleges, the measures initiated will not have much adverse repercussion," said a WR statement.