The devastating Air India Flight AI171 crash shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Western Railway has swiftly mobilised resources to provide alternative transportation for stranded passengers and families. The crash, which resulted in over 290 fatalities, including 241 on board and 28 on the ground, has left numerous individuals in urgent need of travel options .
To alleviate the crisis, Western Railway has initiated the operation of two special trains: one bound for Delhi and the other for Mumbai. These air-conditioned services are designed to accommodate passengers affected by the suspension of flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport. The trains will make strategic stops at key junctions, including Jaipur, Surat, and Vadodara, to facilitate easy boarding and alighting for passengers. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been actively involved in the disaster response efforts, deploying its disaster management teams to assist in the aftermath of the crash. Additionally, a hospital unit comprising six doctors, 20 medical staff, and seven ambulances has been stationed at the crash site to provide immediate medical assistance and support to the affected individuals .
Bookings for these special trains are being managed on a Tatkal basis through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and reservation counters. Authorities have advised passengers and families to check the latest schedules and availability at www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in to ensure timely travel arrangements. The crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, has been described as India’s deadliest air disaster in nearly three decades. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, collided with a dormitory at B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, causing extensive damage and loss of life .
In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways has implemented urgent relief measures, including the deployment of disaster management teams from Western Railway and the operation of special Vande Bharat trains. These initiatives aim to assist in evacuating and transporting affected individuals, demonstrating rapid coordination between Indian Railways and emergency services during the aftermath of the aviation tragedy . As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the swift and coordinated response by Western Railway underscores the critical role of railways in providing emergency transportation solutions during times of crisis. The operation of special trains not only offers immediate relief to those affected but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of India’s railway network in the face of unforeseen challenges.
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