To assist passengers stranded by flight cancellations, Indian Railways announced 75 special trains to help people reach their destinations for weddings and events. When IndiGo and other airlines left thousands of people stuck across the country, unable to afford the astronomical ticket prices or find available flights, the railways stepped in to save them. This wasn't just about transportation, it was about ensuring people didn't miss life's most important moments because airlines failed.

The timing couldn't have been more critical. India's wedding season was in full swing, with families traveling across the country for ceremonies that had been planned for months. Imagine booking your flight weeks in advance, taking leave from work, buying gifts, and then suddenly your flight is canceled and the only alternative costs ₹90,000. Indian Railways recognized the crisis and responded faster than anyone expected.

How Railways Became the Hero

The 75 special trains were deployed on the busiest routes where flight cancellations hit hardest. Delhi to Mumbai, Bangalore to Delhi, Chennai to Kolkata, all the major corridors where people desperately needed to travel got additional train services. These weren't just regular trains added to the schedule, they were emergency responses to a transportation crisis that airlines created.

Indian Railways didn't price gouge like the airlines did. While flight tickets were hitting ₹90,000, train tickets remained affordable and accessible. The railways proved that a public sector organization focused on service rather than profit maximization can be exactly what citizens need during crises. When private airlines failed spectacularly, the government railway system saved thousands of travel plans.

The New Rule That Changes Everything for Seniors

A new rule ensures that lower berths will be automatically allocated to senior citizens and women over the age of 45 when they book tickets. This is a massive quality of life improvement that millions of Indians will benefit from every single day. No more struggling to climb to upper berths, no more requesting berth changes and hoping someone agrees to swap.

The system will now automatically assign lower berths when senior citizens or women over 45 book tickets. This removes the uncertainty and anxiety that older passengers have faced for decades when traveling by train. They can book confidently knowing they won't be stuck climbing ladders or sleeping in uncomfortable positions because of poor berth allocation.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

These two actions show Indian Railways understanding what public service actually means. Launching 75 special trains during a crisis demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness that bureaucratic organizations are rarely known for. They saw people in distress and acted quickly. That's exactly what government services should do but often don't.

The lower berth rule shows long term thinking about passenger comfort and dignity. Senior citizens and older women shouldn't have to physically struggle or depend on the kindness of fellow passengers to get a comfortable berth. Making this automatic removes embarrassment, reduces conflicts, and treats these passengers with the respect they deserve.

What Railways Got Right That Airlines Didn't

Indian Railways proved that not every organization needs to maximize profit from every crisis. While airlines saw stranded passengers as an opportunity to charge obscene prices, railways saw them as people who needed help. While airlines canceled flights without adequate alternatives, railways added capacity to absorb the demand. The contrast couldn't be clearer.

The lower berth policy is equally telling. It's a small operational change that costs railways nothing but means everything to the passengers it helps. Airlines nickel and dime passengers for seat selection, legroom, and every tiny comfort. Railways just made life easier for millions of seniors without charging extra or making it complicated. That's the difference between viewing passengers as revenue sources versus viewing them as people who deserve dignity and comfort while traveling.