New Delhi: Dense fog once again played
havoc with train movements as the Railways cancelled 46 trains
and rescheduled 38, even as more than 110 trains arrived in
the national capital several hours behind schedule.
Several trains, including a few Rajdhanis like the
Sealdah Rajdhani, have been rescheduled to leave tomorrow
morning, said a Northern Railway spokesperson.
The Lucknow Shatabdi and the Shan-e-Punjab Express
were cancelled today along with several other trains.
Terming the foggy conditions this season as one of the
"worst in recent years," Railway Board Member (Traffic) Vivek
Sahai said helpline numbers have been opened in New Delhi, Old
Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin station for the benefit of
passengers.
He said the Railways are already incurring a loss of
Rs 2.5 crore per day due to the cancellations.
Sahai said the 139 passenger information system has
been revamped with an updated software to enhance its
efficiency and provide correct information.
Terming it as worst fog season since 1988, Sahai said the
Railways were little prepared to face the situation.
"There was also prolonged fog during 2003 but it was not
as bad as it is this year. Since 2003 the passenger traffic
has increased manifold, a reason why we have to cancel close
to 40 trains till January 31 this year," he said.
Till date about total 400 trains are running late across
the northern region due to the foggy weather.
If the losses are taken into account, Railways have
incurred losses of more than Rs 50 crore since January 2.
However, Sahai hoped that normalcy would return within
48 hours once foggy days are over.
PTI
