How is Southern Railway Responding to the IndiGo Crisis?
Synopsis
In an effort to accommodate air travellers affected by IndiGo flight cancellations, Southern Railway has introduced special trains and temporary coach additions across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This initiative will provide much-needed relief for passengers during a challenging travel period.
Key Takeaways
Southern Railway has introduced special trains to assist passengers affected by IndiGo flight cancellations.
Temporary augmentation of coaches will be in effect until December 10 or 12 for certain services.
Increased capacity includes special express trains on high-demand routes.
Railway officials emphasize the importance of ensuring passenger convenience during disruptions.
Coaches added include AC three-tier and sleeper class to meet the surge in demand.
Chennai, Dec 7 (NationPress) In a significant boost for air passengers impacted by extensive cancellations of IndiGo flights, Southern Railway has declared the introduction of special train services and the temporary addition of coaches on numerous high-demand routes throughout Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
As per an official announcement, three pairs of special express trains will be operational on December 7 and 8 to cater to the unexpected rise in passenger demand.
The Coimbatore-Dr MGR Chennai Central-Coimbatore Express Specials (Nos. 06024/06023) will traverse via Tirupur, Erode, and Salem on both days. Likewise, the Thiruvananthapuram North-Chennai Egmore-Thiruvananthapuram North Express Specials (Nos. 06108/06107) will also run on December 7 and 8 via Podanur, Tirupur, Erode, and Salem.
Moreover, the Nagercoil-Tambaram-Nagercoil Superfast Specials (Nos. 06012/06011) will operate on the same dates through Madurai, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli.
These arrangements are part of a nationwide initiative to bolster rail services in response to widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo.
According to a press release from the Railway Ministry, a total of 37 trains across the nation have been enhanced with 116 additional coaches, leading to over 114 augmented trips. Extra chair car and sleeper class coaches have been allocated on routes experiencing exceptionally high passenger demand.
This temporary enhancement began on Saturday and is expected to remain in effect until December 10 for most services, while some trains will have additional coaches until December 12. Accordingly, Southern Railway plans to add one AC three-tier coach to the Thiruvananthapuram Central-Dr MGR Chennai Central Superfast Express (No. 12696) and the Mumbai CST-Chennai Beach Superfast Express (No. 22157) on Sunday (December 7).
The Jodhpur-Tiruchirappalli Humsafar Express (No. 20481) will receive an extra AC three-tier coach on December 10. Furthermore, the Dr MGR Chennai Central-Coimbatore Shatabdi Express (No. 12243), starting its journey on December 7, will temporarily include one additional chair car coach.
Its return service, the Coimbatore-Dr MGR Chennai Central Shatabdi Express (No. 12244), will also operate with an extra chair car. Additionally, three trains commencing on December 7 — the Salem-Chennai Egmore Express (No. 22154), the Erode-Dr MGR Chennai Central Yercaud Superfast Express (No. 22650), and the Alappuzha-Dr MGR Chennai Central Superfast Express (No. 22640) — will each be supplemented with one additional sleeper class coach.
Railway officials indicated that these measures are aimed at ensuring seamless passenger movement and alleviating travel difficulties arising from the unexpected disruption in air services.
Point of View
I find these developments by Southern Railway commendable in addressing the travel disruption caused by IndiGo's flight cancellations. This initiative showcases the importance of adaptive measures in public transport systems, ensuring passenger convenience during times of crisis. The swift response helps to restore faith in travel during unforeseen circumstances.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the special train services?
The special train services are introduced to accommodate air travellers affected by widespread IndiGo flight cancellations.
How long will the temporary augmentation of coaches last?
The temporary augmentation of coaches will remain in effect until December 10 for most services, with some continuing until December 12.
Which routes will have special trains operating?
Special trains will operate on routes including Coimbatore to Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai, and Nagercoil to Tambaram.
Why are these measures being taken?
These measures aim to ensure uninterrupted passenger movement and reduce travel hardships caused by sudden air service disruptions.
What types of coaches are being added?
Extra chair car and sleeper class coaches are being added to accommodate the high passenger demand.
