Amid flight chaos, Railways adds extra coach to Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani

In view of the ongoing IndiGo flight disruptions, Northern Railways on Friday announced the augmentation of an additional coach in the Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani Express for the next seven days, beginning tonight, officials said.

Flight operations of IndiGo were severely disrupted at Jammu and Srinagar airports today, leading to widespread passenger inconvenience and frustration. While 16 flights were cancelled at Srinagar airport, all 11 scheduled IndiGo flights were cancelled at Jammu airport.

At Srinagar International Airport, Indigo’s operations were hit hard, with officials confirming that 16 flights were cancelled. The affected destinations included Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu and Ahmedabad.

A passenger booked on a Delhi-bound flight described the chaotic scene: “In their frustration, passengers were shouting and demanding an explanation for the delays and cancellations,” the traveller said, requesting anonymity.

Similar scenes unfolded at Jammu airport, where 11 IndiGo flights were cancelled, prompting protests from stranded passengers. Long queues formed at inquiry counters as travellers sought clarity on their flight status.

“We have been waiting here for two hours for information, but no satisfactory reply has come from the airline officials. Now they say the flight is cancelled. Where should I go?” said a passenger who was returning to Lucknow after a pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi.

Meanwhile, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has stepped in to ease passenger woes. To facilitate stranded travellers and ensure smoother connectivity, the division has decided to add an extra AC coach to the Jammu–Delhi Rajdhani Express.

The additional 3rd AC coach will be attached to Train No. 12426/12425 operating on the Jammu–Delhi route from December 5 to December 11. The move aims to accommodate passengers affected by the flight cancellations.

Highlighting the initiative, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said: “Due to flight cancellations, an additional 3rd AC coach with 72 seats is being attached to the Rajdhani Express to accommodate affected passengers. Every possible effort is being made to ensure facilities for passengers during this challenging situation. Passengers can dial 139 for more information.” Also, a special Vande Bharat train will run to and fro on the Delhi-Udhampur routeon Saturday.