Udaipur’s rail network is gearing up to handle the significant surge in passenger numbers during the summer holidays with the Indian Railways announcing the addition of temporary extra coaches on key routes connecting Udaipur to Delhi, Jaipur, and Asarwa.
This strategic move seeks to alleviate the strain on existing services, ensuring enhanced seat availability and comfort for both tourists and daily commuters. The summer months witness a sharp increase in travel to and from Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s prime tourist destinations known for its lakes and palaces. With schools closed and families planning vacations, the demand for rail travel intensifies, necessitating proactive steps by railway authorities to avoid overcrowding and discomfort.
The Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Udaipur City train (number 20473/20474) will see the inclusion of one additional Second AC coach and two Third AC coaches during the peak travel period. The augmentation will be operational from June 1 to June 30 for trains departing Delhi, while from Udaipur, the additional coaches will be in service between June 2 and July 1. Officials highlight that the air-conditioned coaches are particularly important for the long-haul Delhi-Udaipur sector, offering passengers a more comfortable journey while accommodating the seasonal influx of visitors. This expansion is expected to substantially reduce the problem of seat scarcity on this popular route, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The route between Udaipur City and Jaipur, serviced by train number 12991/12992, will also witness a temporary capacity boost with the addition of two Second Sitting (Chair Car) coaches and one General class coach for the entire month of June. This enhancement directly benefits daily commuters, professionals, and students who frequently travel between these two major cities, ensuring greater availability of affordable seating options. By prioritising these coaches, the Railways aims to support the socio-economic connectivity in the region, making daily travel more convenient and accessible, especially for those who rely on public transport for work and education.
The Udaipur City to Asarwa (Ahmedabad region) train (number 20987/20988) will have one additional General class coach to accommodate passengers during this peak travel season. The augmentation will be effective from June 1 to June 30 for trains leaving Udaipur and from June 2 to July 1 for those departing Asarwa. This decision particularly supports passengers travelling in the General class, who often belong to economically weaker sections and rely on affordable train travel for their mobility needs. Increasing capacity on this route underlines the Railways’ commitment to equitable access and passenger comfort across all economic groups.
Railway officials have emphasised that these temporary coach additions form part of a broader strategy to manage peak demand while maintaining service efficiency and passenger safety. In line with the national goals of promoting sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions, rail travel remains one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport available, providing a lower carbon footprint alternative to road and air travel. By increasing coach capacity during peak travel periods, Indian Railways not only enhances passenger comfort but also optimises train utilisation, thereby supporting its mission to foster more sustainable, equitable, and gender-neutral transportation solutions. This approach aligns with broader urban and regional planning initiatives aimed at creating connected cities that prioritise accessibility and inclusivity.
The addition of coaches is a tactical response to the predictable summer rush, informed by data analytics and passenger demand trends. Railway planners have to balance coach availability, platform capacities, and locomotive power to ensure these augmentations do not disrupt existing schedules. According to senior railway officials, the temporary coaches will be phased out once the holiday season tapers off, with continuous assessments guiding capacity planning for future peak periods. This flexible strategy allows the Railways to maintain operational efficiency while being responsive to passenger needs.
The expanded capacity is also expected to bolster Udaipur’s tourism sector, which is a major economic driver for the region. Improved connectivity and enhanced travel comfort can encourage longer stays and repeat visits, thereby benefiting local businesses and artisans dependent on tourist inflows. Moreover, better rail connectivity supports the workforce commuting between cities, aiding in regional economic integration and social cohesion. Enhanced rail services can reduce reliance on private vehicles, thus lowering traffic congestion and urban pollution, contributing to healthier, more sustainable city environments.
This expansion of train coaches on Udaipur routes exemplifies Indian Railways’ commitment to catering to diverse passenger needs while promoting eco-friendly transport solutions during periods of increased demand. The balancing act between operational feasibility and passenger welfare underscores the Railways’ evolving role in shaping equitable and sustainable urban mobility landscapes across India.
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