Indian Railways Steps Up Amid Airport Closures in Jammu and Chandigarh
Passengers Face Travel Disruptions, Railways Offers Relief
As air travel in North India faces a temporary disruption due to the closure of Jammu and Chandigarh airports, thousands of travelers are scrambling to find alternate transportation. Recognizing the urgency and discomfort faced by passengers, Indian Railways has launched special trains to ease the situation and ensure connectivity.
With both airports crucial for regional mobility—especially during peak seasons, festivals, and family events—this shutdown has caused considerable inconvenience to daily commuters, tourists, and those traveling for medical or professional reasons.
जम्मू और चंडीगढ़ एयरपोर्ट के अस्थायी रूप से बंद रहने के कारण यात्रियों को होने वाली असुविधा को देखते हुए, भारतीय रेल द्वारा विशेष ट्रेनों का संचालन किया जा रहा है। pic.twitter.com/LmzECWrPBj
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 10, 2025
- Why the Airports Were Closed
Though specific reasons for the shutdown remain part of broader airspace and security management, sources suggest that the move could be related to increased military and surveillance activity in the region. Given the sensitive geopolitical environment and rising regional tensions, temporary airport suspensions are part of precautionary safety protocols.
While flights are grounded, many passengers had no time to rearrange their plans, leading to crowding at bus stations and demand surges in cab fares—especially for long-distance travelers.
Indian Railways Launches Special Services
Connecting the Dots: Trains to and from Key Destinations
To counter the sudden vacuum in transportation, Indian Railways has deployed a series of special trains between high-demand routes such as:
Badgam to Banihal
Chandigarh to Lucknow
- Udhampur to Delhi
Amritsar to Chhapra
- Firojpur to Patna
- Jammu to New Delhi
These trains are being operated with additional coaches to handle extra passenger loads. Railway officials have assured the public that ticket counters are operational round-the-clock and online bookings have been streamlined to manage the sudden demand.
“We’re committed to supporting passengers during this disruption. These special trains will run as long as the airports remain non-operational,” said a senior Railway official.
Human Stories Behind the Disruption
Passengers who had planned travel for weddings, funerals, and job interviews found themselves in a dilemma. For many, trains have become the only affordable and accessible alternative.
“I had a flight from Chandigarh to Srinagar for my father’s surgery. It got cancelled last minute,” said Rekha Sharma, a school teacher from Ambala. “Thanks to Indian Railways, I was able to board a train to Jammu within a few hours.”
Railway staff at major stations have been helping the elderly, arranging water and food for families with children, and providing timely updates about train departures.
Ticketing and Helplines for Passengers
To further support passengers, the Indian Railways has activated emergency helplines and opened dedicated ticket counters at affected stations. Travelers are also advised to:
Book early via IRCTC or station counters
Check for real-time updates on train status using NTES (National Train Enquiry System)
Call helpline numbers for any travel or seat-related assistance
An Example of Public Service at Its Best
The quick response by Indian Railways is a powerful reminder of the role of public institutions in times of uncertainty. When flights failed, trains became a lifeline for thousands.
For many passengers, this has rekindled faith in the Indian Railway system—not just as a mode of travel, but as a lifeline of the nation.
