Railways to offer special services for delayed trains during winter; check details
PTC Web Desk: As the winter season sets in, train delays caused by dense fog and operational challenges are becoming a common inconvenience for passengers across India. The Indian Railways, acknowledging the discomfort faced by travellers, has implemented measures to assist passengers, particularly those travelling on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express.
Under the IRCTC catering policy, passengers are entitled to complimentary meals if their train is delayed by two or more hours beyond its scheduled arrival time. This initiative aims to provide relief and ensure passenger comfort during long waiting periods or extended travel times.
Complimentary meal options for delayed trains
The IRCTC catering service offers specific meal options based on the time of day:
Tea/Coffee Service: Passengers receive tea or coffee with biscuits and a tea/coffee kit that includes sugar, sugar-free sachets, and milk creamer.
Breakfast or Evening Tea: A meal set includes four slices of bread (white or brown), butter, a fruit drink (200ml), and tea or coffee.
Lunch or Dinner: Choices include rice with yellow dal, rajma, or chole (gram) served with pickle sachets. Alternatively, passengers can opt for seven pooris with mixed vegetables, along with pickle, salt, and pepper sachets.
Refunds for extended delays
In cases where train delays exceed three hours or require rerouting, passengers can cancel their tickets and claim a full refund. Ticket refunds are processed through the original booking platform. For tickets purchased at railway counters, passengers must cancel them in person to receive cash refunds.
Additional facilities for passenger comfort
The Indian Railways has also introduced supplementary services to ensure passenger convenience during delays. Waiting rooms at railway stations are made available free of charge, and food stalls operate for extended hours, especially catering to late-night travellers. For added safety, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) deploys additional personnel at stations during such periods.
- With inputs from agencies
