In light of Indigo flight cancellations, the railway has made a significant decision to operate special trains, while announcing the addition of 116 extra coaches on several routes. Western Railway has opted for a superfast special train between Sabarmati and Delhi Junction on special fares. According to Western Railway, train numbers 09497/09498 will be operational between Sabarmati-Delhi Junction for a total of four round trips.
In reality, a considerable number of passengers commuting between Ahmedabad and Delhi were unable to find alternative travel methods. Hence, Western Railway has resolved to run a superfast special train service between Sabarmati-Delhi on demand (TOD) in consideration of passenger convenience and current demand.
Train Number 09497 (Sabarmati-Delhi Special)
This train departs from Sabarmati at 22:55 on December 7 and 9, 2025, reaching Delhi Junction the next day at 15:15.
Train Number 09498 (Delhi-Sabarmati Special)
This service leaves Delhi Junction at 21:00 on December 8 and 10, 2025, arriving in Sabarmati the following day at 12:20.
In both directions, this special train will halt at stations including Mahesana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Marwar Junction, Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Rewari, Gurgaon, and Delhi Cantt. AC 3-tier coaches will be included.
This special service covers a total distance of 925 kilometers. Travel time from Sabarmati to Delhi is approximately 16 hours and 20 minutes, whereas it is about 15 hours and 20 minutes from Delhi to Sabarmati. The railway department claims that this arrangement offers passengers safe, reliable, and timely connectivity in sudden circumstances like flight cancellations.
Bookings for train number 09497 commence on December 6, 2025, via all PRS counters and the IRCTC website. Detailed information regarding routes, halts, timings, and coach structure is available at www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in.
Railway Increases 116 Coaches in 37 Premium Trains
According to news agencies, with the widespread cancellation of flights across the country, passenger demand surged unexpectedly. As a response, Indian Railways has added 116 extra coaches to 37 premium trains. These coaches have been integrated into trains operating with 114 additional trips across the nation.
As per the rail ministry, the Southern Railway (SR) has added the most coaches, enhancing capacity in 18 trains.
The statement notes that additional chair car and sleeper class coaches have been deployed on high-demand routes. Effective from December 6, 2025, this increase significantly augments seat availability in the southern region for travelers.
Furthermore, the Northern Railway (NR) follows by adding coaches in 8 trains, which now include 3AC and chair car coaches. Effective immediately, these measures improve seat availability on busy routes in North India.
The Western Railway (WR) also augmented capacity by adding 3AC and 2AC coaches to four high-demand trains, effective from December 6, helping manage rising passenger pressure towards the national capital.
ECR officials confirm the capacity increase of services between Rajendra Nagar and New Delhi (12309) with extra 2AC coaches for five trips from December 6 to 10, 2025, strengthening travel options in Bihar-Delhi sectors.
Moreover, Eastern Railway (ER) arrangements include increased coach capacity for three major trains. Sleeper class coaches on six trips on December 7 and 8 address the escalating regional and interstate travel demand in the Eastern region.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) also ensures seamless travel capacity for Northeast zone passengers by adding 3AC and sleeper coaches in eight trips between December 6 and 13, 2025.
Announcing increased running trains across the country, Indian Railways enhances travel convenience significantly. Four special train services are also operational.
Officials further reveal that the Gorakhpur-Anand Vihar Terminal-Gorakhpur Special (05591/05592) will run across four trips between December 7 and 9. Additionally, the New Delhi-Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan-New Delhi Reserved Vande Bharat Special (02439/02440) runs on December 6, assuring fast and comfortable connectivity to the Jammu area.
Further highlighting increased demand in the west, the New Delhi-Mumbai Central-New Delhi Reserved Superfast Special (04002/04001) will operate on December 6 and 7.
The ministry indicated that the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Thiruvananthapuram Central Reserved Superfast Special (04080) will operate one-way on December 6, offering long-distance connectivity to the southern region.
