Railway Ministry Issues Fog Protocols to Ensure Punctual Train Operations

Indian Railways has intensified efforts to maintain train punctuality during the dense fog season that typically blankets northern India in winter, with the Railway Ministry issuing specific directives on December 29, 2025. The ministry has instructed general managers and divisional railway managers of Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Central Railway to closely monitor train movements on a real-time basis. These zones, which cover the fog-prone Indo-Gangetic plains, are particularly vulnerable to delays caused by reduced visibility, signal failures, and slower train speeds enforced for safety. The focus is on proactive management to minimize disruptions to passenger services, especially high-speed and premium trains.

To ensure right-time departures, Railways has arranged spare trains as backups for key services such as Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi trains. For instance, an additional 20-car Vande Bharat rake has been positioned to replace any delayed New Delhi-Varanasi service, while another 20-car train is ready on Northern Railway for the reverse route. A further 20-car Vande Bharat, originally a 16-car configuration, is being relocated from West Central Railway to Northern Railway to support on-time starts. These contingency plans aim to prevent cascading delays that often occur when premium trains arrive late at their originating stations.

Beyond premium services, additional measures include forming two extra AC trains using available coaches in East Central Railway and Southern Railway to replace or supplement late-running trains. This approach helps maintain schedule integrity across the network. Simultaneously, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been directed to ensure adequate catering and housekeeping arrangements, particularly for passengers facing delays. A dedicated war room at IRCTC has been activated for real-time monitoring of train movements and prompt resolution of on-board service issues.

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Senior officials from the Railway Board have been deployed to key locations to oversee operations and enable immediate decision-making. Real-time monitoring involves coordination between control rooms, station masters, loco pilots, and signal staff to adjust speeds, prioritize movements, and use fog-safe navigation aids where available. These combined efforts reflect Railways' commitment to balancing safety with punctuality during adverse weather conditions that historically cause widespread schedule disruptions.

The measures come at a critical time as dense fog continues to affect visibility in several northern states, leading to reduced train speeds and occasional diversions. By preparing backup rakes, enhancing monitoring, and improving passenger support, Indian Railways aims to reduce the impact of fog on millions of daily commuters and long-distance travelers. Officials emphasized that passenger convenience remains a priority, with ongoing coordination across zones to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the winter season.

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