Indian Railways

Train Cancellations Due to Weather? What You Need to Know

Train travel is the most sought after mode of transport in the country because of it’s low cost, variety and wide reach. But, even the most dependable means of transport suffers disruptions due to the bad weather. When the situation gets too severe, these disruptions could increase to outright train cancellations.

 

 

Heavy rainfall during the monsoon, floods, cyclones, foggy winters, and other harsh weather conditions often disrupt train travel and sometimes lead to train cancellations. For travellers, facing such disruptions can be extremely frustrating.

In this blog we are going to talk about the reasons behind these train cancellations, how to check them in real time and some special tips to remain updated during uncertain weather conditions. 

 

Why Do Train Cancellations Happen During Bad Weather

 

Train cancellations during bad weather are more frequent than you might think. Indian Railways prioritise the passenger’s safety and well being above anything else. Railways offer its services across diverse geographical regions and need to face varied climatic conditions. Here are some of the reasons that lead to train cancellations:

 

Waterlogging and Flooding of Tracks

 

In high rainfall regions of North- east, Bengal, Bihar and Maharashtra, Monsoon often leads to submerging of train tracks. When rainfall rises above the threshold mark, railway authorities stop train operations to prevent potential derailments or accidents. In severe situations, they suspend entire train routes if floods or landslides have damaged the tracks.

 

Cyclones and Storms

 

The Western and Eastern coastal regions of India along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are prone to frequent cyclonic disturbances. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) keeps during cyclonic activities and alerts the people residing in the affected areas. Depending upon the severity of the situation Indian railways, train rescheduling and cancellations take place to avoid any loss of life or infrastructure.

Landslides and the Risk of Avalanches

 

The Himalayan regions of India, especially the Northern and North eastern regions of India suffer from landslides and avalanches during the peak monsoon or excessive rains. These often lead to the blocking of tracks, leaving Indian Railways with no option but train cancellations.

 

Signal Failures

 

Indian Railways depend on electric signals for managing traffic. Moisture and lightning disrupt these signals making it harder to manage train traffic. In severe situations, Indian Railways prefer train cancellations to avoid any accidents.

 

Low Visibility Due to Fog

 

Winters in India, especially the Northern regions of the country experience fog and smog as a common occurrence. Fog reduces visibility during early mornings and late evenings. Low visibility makes it difficult for the train drivers and loco pilots to track train signals and other trains, thus prompting railways for train cancellations.

 

Safety First

 

The safety and wellness of the passengers is the priority number one for the Indian Railways. If there is any probability of danger and mishap, the authorities do not refrain from cancelling the train altogether. Indian Rail services believe that a minor inconvenience is far better than posing a risk to the lives of the passengers.

Steps to Take If Your Train Gets Cancelled Due to Weather

 

Bad weather can cancel your train and derail your entire travel plan. However, in such a situation it is better to take decisions with calmness and wisdom rather than getting restless and agitated.

Here is a step-by-step guide on what you should follow in case you suffer from train cancellations due to bad weather:

  • Confirm that your ticket has actually been cancelled: Before making any changes in your travelling plan you must first confirm that your train has actually been cancelled. You can check it by performing a PNR status check online or by the use of Live train running status service. Both these services are just a click away at the RailMitra platform. 
  • Get your ticket refund: Indian Railways provides a full refund in case of train cancellations. The system automatically transfers the refund for tickets booked online. For tickets booked offline, you need to visit the train counter within 72 hours from the time of departure. Please carry your original ticket and valid Identification proof along with you.

Read More:  Train Ticket Cancelled? Here’s How to Get Instant Refunds Easily

  • Look for alternative trains and rebook your ticket:  Your train has been cancelled, but the journey was necessary. In such situations, you need to look for any alternative trains that might be still operating. You can use RailMitra’s check train seat availability online service to see the number of seats available in train for booking.
  • Use Vikalp scheme: Indian Railways also has a special Vikalp Scheme that provides alternative trains in case your original booking remains Waitlisted or your train gets cancelled. You need to select up to seven trains on which you would open for alternative journeys.

 

 

How to Stay Updated About Train Cancellations

 

Train Cancellations can suddenly disrupt your train journey. However, tracking these abruptions is easier than ever, thanks to the technological and digital support Indian Railways has been getting. Here are some of the techniques that can keep you updated in case of any weather disruptions:

  • Use RailMitra’s Live train status: You can use the live train running status service available at RailMitra platform to track every aspect of your train journey along with cancellations due to bad weather. With this service you can get your train’s current stations, updated arrival/ departure time, halt duration and even the platform number on which the train will halt.
  • Use PNR Status check: PNR Status check is usually done to track the status of the booking. You can also use this service to track any train cancellations. RailMitra updates your PNR Status in real time and instantly reflects any disruption in your train journey through the PNR Check service. At RailMitra you now also get IRCTC PNR Prediction. Check these services now.
  • Follow X (formerly Twitter) handles of Indian Railways: You can follow X handles of important railways accounts like @RailMinIndia, @IRCTCofficial, @WesternRly, @RailwayNorthern, @EasternRailway, etc to get updates related to any train cancellations.
  • Use SMS method: You can also reach out to India Railways through their IRCTC SMS Service number at 139. However, each SMS costs ₹3, and they’re not sent for free.

Tips for Train Travel During Uncertain Weather Conditions

 

Train cancellations can be harsh, but with better planning and strategy we can tackle any challenge that life throws at us. Here are some of the tips for train travel during uncertain weather conditions:

  • Prefer tickets booked online: Online tickets are cancelled and refunded automatically, offline tickets need physical visit to the ticket booking counters. Since, train cancellations are possible in uncertain weather conditions, book tickets online to avoid any difficulty in the refund process.
  • Pack and travel lightly: Bad weather brings many kinds of uncertainties. Railway authorities might cancel or reschedule your train, or change your platform number. Travelling light helps in quick movement during the harsh climatic conditons.
  • Keep monitoring the Weather: It is better to keep track of the weather situation through news, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)’s updates and various internet platforms. 
  • Be aware of alternative trains: Since trains might get cancelled during bad weather, it is a good strategy to be aware of alternative trains. This eases the process when we have to switch trains. Use RailMitra’s train schedule, seat availability and PNR Status service for your research.
  • Order food online: Bad weather disrupts the mighty India Railways, food service of Pantry and station vendors are obviously disrupted as well. In such situations you can opt for an Online food delivery in train through the RailMitra platform. RailMitra provides restaurants quality food directly at your seat without any excessive Delivery or Platform charges.

Conclusion

 

Train cancellations due to harsh weather can feel underwhelming. However, we need to understand that these abruptions are aimed at passenger welfare. A change in plan is clearly preferable over a train accident or loss of life.

With RailMitra’s top notch and smooth services you can stay ahead of these changes in train movement. RailMitra platform provides these services for free and without any log in requirements. 

So, what are you waiting for? Track your train using RailMitra’s services and travel freely even during harsh weather conditions.

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