Following a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, Western Railway has introduced special superfast trains to Mumbai and Delhi to support affected passengers and ensure uninterrupted travel. The move is part of a broader emergency response that includes rescue teams, medical aid, and a focus on sustainable, accessible transport during crises.
The Indian Railways’ immediate deployment of emergency passenger services comes in the wake of a catastrophic crash involving a London-bound Air India aircraft that went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. With over 240 passengers and crew on board, the aircraft crashed in a densely populated residential neighbourhood, prompting a full-scale disaster response. To address the sudden disruption to air travel and the logistical chaos that followed, Western Railway has operationalised two special superfast train services on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad–Delhi Junction corridors. These services are being run on a short-notice emergency basis to ensure seamless movement for passengers impacted by cancelled or delayed flights and disrupted road networks.
As per official communication, train numbers 09494/09493 are operating on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central route. The train departs from Ahmedabad at 11:55 pm and arrives at Mumbai Central by 8:10 am the following day. The return journey begins from Mumbai at 11:10 am and concludes at Ahmedabad by 7:30 pm the same day. In parallel, train numbers 09497/09498 are being operated between Ahmedabad and Delhi Junction. These services depart from Ahmedabad at 11:45 pm and reach Delhi by 2:30 pm the next afternoon. The return train leaves Delhi Junction at 5:30 pm and arrives back in Ahmedabad at 8:30 am the following morning.
These trains include AC 3-tier coaches and, in the case of the Mumbai-bound services, additional AC chair car coaches to accommodate a diverse range of passenger needs, including families, professionals, and elderly travellers. The Mumbai route stops at Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Vapi, and Borivali, while the Delhi-bound train halts at key junctions such as Mahesana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Marwar Junction, Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Rewari, Gurgaon, and Delhi Cantt. Officials from Western Railway confirmed that these services are being monitored in real time and could be extended or modified depending on demand. The intervention reflects not only logistical agility but also a commitment to inclusive transport, especially at a time when vulnerable groups may struggle to secure air alternatives due to cost, availability, or accessibility concerns.
The broader emergency response includes significant on-ground coordination. Railway Protection Force (RPF) units have been deployed at multiple locations for crowd management and passenger assistance. Additionally, a dedicated ‘Hospital Team’ from Western Railway, comprising six doctors, 20 paramedical staff, and seven ambulances, has been stationed near the crash site and is working in coordination with state disaster teams. Experts say that the Western Railway’s response underscores the critical role that public transport systems play in climate-conscious and equitable urban resilience. “Trains are the backbone of crisis logistics in India. Unlike air or road transport, which are more emission-intensive and less scalable under pressure, Indian Railways can ramp up its network within hours. That’s a climate-smart response,” noted an urban mobility strategist.
Moreover, the Indian Railways has long been positioning itself as a key player in the national sustainability agenda. By activating electric-powered locomotives and deploying trains with energy-efficient technologies like regenerative braking and LED lighting, the Western zone’s latest initiative aligns with India’s net-zero transition goals. A senior railway official stated that while the special trains are part of immediate relief measures, they are also a reminder that equitable mobility solutions must be scalable, sustainable, and inclusive in both crisis and normalcy. “What we’re seeing today is not just relief logistics; it’s the operational backbone of an equitable society in action,” the official said.
Passengers taking these emergency trains have voiced appreciation for the quick mobilisation. Several individuals travelling from Ahmedabad to Mumbai reported that the rail option was not only timely but also felt safer and more reliable in the current circumstances. A passenger travelling with her elderly parents said, “This train was a lifeline. We had no access to flights, no taxis, and were anxious until we heard about this service. It’s commendable.” Coordination has also been observed with state and city-level agencies. Metro and bus connectivity around Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad stations was enhanced on Friday morning, facilitating seamless last-mile travel for passengers arriving during early hours. Transport officials in both cities said these steps were necessary to prevent overcrowding and to maintain commuter safety.
At present, investigations into the air crash are ongoing, and civil aviation authorities have yet to confirm the cause. Meanwhile, safety audits are being carried out in adjoining residential areas, and displaced residents are being moved to temporary shelters. The Western Railway has stated that it will continue to support the relief operations for as long as required. Should air travel remain affected or additional evacuation needs arise, more special train services could be deployed on other regional and interstate routes.
By leveraging its extensive electrified rail network and operational resilience, Western Railway’s response illustrates how green public transport infrastructure can play a defining role in disaster response. In a city still grappling with shock and loss, it is the steel tracks of the railway that have provided not only mobility but reassurance.
Also Read : Ahmedabad helplines activated after Air India crash
