Crowding, confrontations and full-on attacks. Japan's many train fans are mostly mild-mannered enthusiasts passionate about the country's famed rail system, but a small group is gaining surprising notoriety.

Japan's railway system has long inspired envy around the world, with its famed punctuality, cutting-edge technology and meticulous timetables.

So it's no surprise that the country is home to a diverse landscape of train buffs, from those who enjoy poring over timetables to others who adore and even record the rumbling sound of passing trains.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-temperatures-drop-japan-asks-public-to-save-power-warns-of-blackouts-in-plea-464559">As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea</a>

Perhaps the best-known group, however, is a tribe dubbed "toritetsu" (train photographers), who strive to take perfect photos of approaching trains.&nbsp;

They have been around for decades, but in recent years, reports of shouting matches, trespassing and even violence at stations have turned toritetsu into the bad boys of Japanese trainspotting.

Some argue the out-of-control behaviour isn't entirely new, citing frenzied farewells for retiring steam locomotives in the 1960s and '70s.

But recent incidents, including the harassment of a photobombing cyclist and an assault that left a teen with a fractured skull last year, have some enthusiasts worried.

"The manners have gotten worse for sure," lamented septuagenarian Masao Oda, who has been taking train photos for about 50 years.

I love everything about trains

It's an uncomfortable feeling for toritetsu like 27-year-old Akira Takahashi.

"People now point fingers at me," said Takahashi, whose fondest obsession is the EF66 electric locomotive model, which he describes as his "idol".

"The negative image of us now prevails... I don't want to be lumped together with some of us who are causing trouble."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-and-japans-kishida-discuss-china-and-ukraine-conflict-463860">India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla</a>

Most fans are more like 19-year-old Ryunosuke Takagai, a university student who has been known to get up at five in the morning to document his passion and sometimes takes on part-time factory work to finance his hobby.

"I love everything about trains -- their sound, their atmosphere," he told AFP.

"That moment when you succeed in capturing the train you'd spent hours waiting for is truly fulfilling," he said.

The increasingly raucous behaviour of some toritetsu may be driven by their pursuit of the perfect photo, according to Jun Umehara, a freelance railway journalist formerly at one of Japan's top train magazines.

He says factors including fewer "retiring" trains and more urban development mean hobbyist photographers are squeezed into smaller spaces as they chase their dream pictures.

"Every train has its last moment, which, for them, is the last missing piece of the puzzle they need to make their photo collection complete," he said.

"The idea of missing that final piece is almost unbearable for them," added Umehara.

"Hence the desperation."&nbsp;

No longer 'the enemy

Housing development over the years has also seen some old shooting spots razed, making it even harder for toritetsu to emulate the "impeccable" train photos they grew up admiring.&nbsp;

The images, featured by Japan's niche railway magazines with their devoted toritetsu readership, are often taken with a clear view of trains -- devoid of obstacles like fences, trees and passengers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-pm-fumio-kishida-announces-42-billion-investment-in-india-463849">Japan PM Fumio Kishida announces $42 billion investment in India</a>

"But imitating these exemplary photos in real-life situations is almost impossible," Umehara said. "And yet, that's what they're after."

The community of train fans encompasses a diverse group of enthusiasts, including "noritetsu", who simply enjoy riding on trains, "ekibentetsu", who focus on the ekiben bentos -- boxed meals sold at trains stations, and "soshikitetsu," so-called "mourners" of retiring trains.

Nationwide, there were an estimated five million train fans -- from casual to hardcore -- in 2015, according to Nobuaki Takada, a senior consultant at Tokyo-based firm NRI Social Information System Services.

And encroaching toritetsu have become an increasing problem for rail operators, which have often responded with heavier security.

But last year, industry behemoth East Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR East, changed tack and launched an official fan club for train enthusiasts.

"Toritetsu can actually be counted on to take beautiful pictures of our trains and promote them on the internet," said Yusuke Yamamoto, an official with subsidiary JR East Start UP Co.

"So instead of treating them as our enemy, we wanted to build a good relationship with them through this fan community."&nbsp;

He wants to see the community overcome&nbsp;the stigma associated with its fringe elements, citing the way anime and manga obsessives have become more mainstream and less socially isolated in Japan.

"Toritetsu is a culture, and I hope its image will change," Yamamoto said.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan's Suzuki to invest $1.4 BN in India to boost EV infrastructure

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-suzuki-to-invest-14-bn-in-india-to-boost-ev-infrastructure-464187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Crowding, confrontations and full-on attacks. Japan's many train fans are mostly mild-mannered enthusiasts passionate about the country's famed rail system, but a small group is gaining surprising notoriety.

Crowding, confrontations and full-on attacks. Japan's many train fans are mostly mild-mannered enthusiasts passionate about the country's famed rail system, but a small group is gaining surprising notoriety. Japan's railway system has long inspired envy around the world, with its famed punctuality, cutting-edge technology and meticulous timetables. So it's no surprise that the country is home to a diverse landscape of train buffs, from those who enjoy poring over timetables to others who adore and even record the rumbling sound of passing trains. Also read | As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea Perhaps the best-known group, however, is a tribe dubbed "toritetsu" (train photographers), who strive to take perfect photos of approaching trains. They have been around for decades, but in recent years, reports of shouting matches, trespassing and even violence at stations have turned toritetsu into the bad boys of Japanese trainspotting. Some argue the out-of-control behaviour isn't entirely new, citing frenzied farewells for retiring steam locomotives in the 1960s and '70s. But recent incidents, including the harassment of a photobombing cyclist and an assault that left a teen with a fractured skull last year, have some enthusiasts worried. "The manners have gotten worse for sure," lamented septuagenarian Masao Oda, who has been taking train photos for about 50 years. I love everything about trains It's an uncomfortable feeling for toritetsu like 27-year-old Akira Takahashi. "People now point fingers at me," said Takahashi, whose fondest obsession is the EF66 electric locomotive model, which he describes as his "idol". "The negative image of us now prevails... I don't want to be lumped together with some of us who are causing trouble." Also read | India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla Most fans are more like 19-year-old Ryunosuke Takagai, a university student who has been known to get up at five in the morning to document his passion and sometimes takes on part-time factory work to finance his hobby. "I love everything about trains -- their sound, their atmosphere," he told AFP. "That moment when you succeed in capturing the train you'd spent hours waiting for is truly fulfilling," he said. The increasingly raucous behaviour of some toritetsu may be driven by their pursuit of the perfect photo, according to Jun Umehara, a freelance railway journalist formerly at one of Japan's top train magazines. He says factors including fewer "retiring" trains and more urban development mean hobbyist photographers are squeezed into smaller spaces as they chase their dream pictures. "Every train has its last moment, which, for them, is the last missing piece of the puzzle they need to make their photo collection complete," he said. "The idea of missing that final piece is almost unbearable for them," added Umehara. "Hence the desperation." No longer 'the enemy Housing development over the years has also seen some old shooting spots razed, making it even harder for toritetsu to emulate the "impeccable" train photos they grew up admiring. The images, featured by Japan's niche railway magazines with their devoted toritetsu readership, are often taken with a clear view of trains -- devoid of obstacles like fences, trees and passengers. Also read | Japan PM Fumio Kishida announces $42 billion investment in India "But imitating these exemplary photos in real-life situations is almost impossible," Umehara said. "And yet, that's what they're after." The community of train fans encompasses a diverse group of enthusiasts, including "noritetsu", who simply enjoy riding on trains, "ekibentetsu", who focus on the ekiben bentos -- boxed meals sold at trains stations, and "soshikitetsu," so-called "mourners" of retiring trains. Nationwide, there were an estimated five million train fans -- from casual to hardcore -- in 2015, according to Nobuaki Takada, a senior consultant at Tokyo-based firm NRI Social Information System Services. And encroaching toritetsu have become an increasing problem for rail operators, which have often responded with heavier security. But last year, industry behemoth East Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR East, changed tack and launched an official fan club for train enthusiasts. "Toritetsu can actually be counted on to take beautiful pictures of our trains and promote them on the internet," said Yusuke Yamamoto, an official with subsidiary JR East Start UP Co. "So instead of treating them as our enemy, we wanted to build a good relationship with them through this fan community." He wants to see the community overcome the stigma associated with its fringe elements, citing the way anime and manga obsessives have become more mainstream and less socially isolated in Japan. "Toritetsu is a culture, and I hope its image will change," Yamamoto said. Watch | Japan's Suzuki to invest $1.4 BN in India to boost EV infrastructure

Japan's hardcore train fans accused of going off the rails

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge.

She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-asks-railways-not-to-send-shramik-special-trains-to-state-till-may-26-300555">Also read:&nbsp;West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26</a>

"Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan.

"By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this."

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first. As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge. She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance. Also read: West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 "Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan. "By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this." Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

Mamata Banerjee slams central government for sending 36 trains without consulting

Indian Railways has cancelled all tickets booked to travel on or before June 30th, 2020. The railways will give refunds for all the tickets booked till June 30.&nbsp;

However, Shramik trains that ferry home lakhs of migrant workers, stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, will run - said the notification.

The special train services will also continue to operate.

According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers shall be allowed to enter/board trains.

"If during screening, a passenger has a very high temperature/symptoms of Covid-19 etc., he shall not be allowed to travel despite having confirmed tickets. In such case full refund shall be provided to the passenger," the order stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Railways has cancelled all tickets booked to travel on or before June 30th, 2020. The railways will give refunds for all the tickets booked till June 30. However, Shramik trains that ferry home lakhs of migrant workers, stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, will run - said the notification.

Indian Railways has cancelled all tickets booked to travel on or before June 30th, 2020. The railways will give refunds for all the tickets booked till June 30. However, Shramik trains that ferry home lakhs of migrant workers, stranded in various parts of the country due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, will run - said the notification. The special train services will also continue to operate. According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers shall be allowed to enter/board trains. "If during screening, a passenger has a very high temperature/symptoms of Covid-19 etc., he shall not be allowed to travel despite having confirmed tickets. In such case full refund shall be provided to the passenger," the order stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Railways cancels all train tickets booked till June 30

Minutes after IRCTC website resumed bookings for passengers, the IRCTC website crashed due to heavy traffic.

Indian Railways has suspended all passenger trains since the lockdown started. This had led to a lot of people getting stranded in different cities, away from their hometowns.

In order to help people travel back to their hometowns, Indian Railways decided to partially start train services from May 12. The announcement was made on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The online ticket bookings were to begin at 4pm on Monday. However, within few minutes the website crashed and the people were unable to book tickets or even login to their accounts.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Special trains are being uploaded in system. Booking will start soon.
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRCTCofficial/status/1259803784898732032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After some minutes, IRCTC announced that the booking portal will be accessible to all from 6pm.

The delay was not well received by the people, who took to Twitter to express their concern over this two-hour delay.

It took some time for IRCTC to be able to upload the train schedules and guidelines.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Indian Railways issues the timings of 30 special trains to be run with effect from 12th May. <a href="https://t.co/fvwxMrL3P3">pic.twitter.com/fvwxMrL3P3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1259823600783093761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As soon as the ticket portal became accessible to passengers, the Howrah-New Delhi route was fully booked for 3AC in less than 10 minutes.&nbsp;

All other routes, too, saw a huge number of bookings within the first first hour itself.

While the passengers will be properly screened and face masks will be made compulsory, Indian Railway has issued guidelines for these bookings. It has been decided that no catering charges will be included in the fare as the provision for prepaid meal has been disabled. All passengers are being advised to carry their own food and water as only limited food provisions and packaged water bottles will be available.

Passengers have also been advised to carry their own linen and blankets. Long-distance passenger trains usually provide linens, blankets and curtains. However, to make sure that no transfer of infection takes place, the linens, blankets and curtains have been removed from the trains.

Passengers have also been told that downloading the Aarogya Setu app is compulsory.

Minutes after IRCTC website resumed bookings for passengers, the IRCTC website crashed due to heavy traffic. Indian Railways has suspended all passenger trains since the lockdown started.

Minutes after IRCTC website resumed bookings for passengers, the IRCTC website crashed due to heavy traffic. Indian Railways has suspended all passenger trains since the lockdown started. This had led to a lot of people getting stranded in different cities, away from their hometowns. In order to help people travel back to their hometowns, Indian Railways decided to partially start train services from May 12. The announcement was made on Sunday evening. The online ticket bookings were to begin at 4pm on Monday. However, within few minutes the website crashed and the people were unable to book tickets or even login to their accounts. Special trains are being uploaded in system. Booking will start soon. — IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) May 11, 2020 × After some minutes, IRCTC announced that the booking portal will be accessible to all from 6pm. The delay was not well received by the people, who took to Twitter to express their concern over this two-hour delay. It took some time for IRCTC to be able to upload the train schedules and guidelines. Indian Railways issues the timings of 30 special trains to be run with effect from 12th May. pic.twitter.com/fvwxMrL3P3 — ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020 × As soon as the ticket portal became accessible to passengers, the Howrah-New Delhi route was fully booked for 3AC in less than 10 minutes. All other routes, too, saw a huge number of bookings within the first first hour itself. While the passengers will be properly screened and face masks will be made compulsory, Indian Railway has issued guidelines for these bookings. It has been decided that no catering charges will be included in the fare as the provision for prepaid meal has been disabled. All passengers are being advised to carry their own food and water as only limited food provisions and packaged water bottles will be available. Passengers have also been advised to carry their own linen and blankets. Long-distance passenger trains usually provide linens, blankets and curtains. However, to make sure that no transfer of infection takes place, the linens, blankets and curtains have been removed from the trains. Passengers have also been told that downloading the Aarogya Setu app is compulsory.

IRCTC website crashes within minutes; Howrah-New Delhi 3AC full to capacity

Indian Railways will resume their activities with selected train services today amid the lockdown. Indian Railways has released a new timetable for the trains that will begin on Tuesday. This timetable will have details of the stations and its timings.&nbsp;

The chart includes a total of 30 trains with 15 pairs of return trips.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 650px;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 58px;">S.No.</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 114px;">Train No</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 130px;">From</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 66px;">Dep. Time</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 112px;">To</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 65px;">Arr. Time</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 80px;">Frequency</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02301</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Howrah</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1705</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1000</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">
			&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2
			</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02302</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1655</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Howrah</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0955</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02951</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Mumbai Central</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1730</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0905</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02952</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1655</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Mumbai Central</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0845</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02957</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Ahmedabad</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1820</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0800</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02958</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2025</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Ahmedabad</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1005</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02309</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Rajendranagar</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1920</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0740</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02310</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1715</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Rajendranagar</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0530</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02691</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Bengaluru</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2030</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0555</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 10</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02692</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2115</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Bengaluru</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0640</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 11</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02424</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1645</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Dibrugarh</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0700</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 12</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02423</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Dibrugarh</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2110</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1015</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 13</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02442</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1600</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Bilaspur</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1200</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 14</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02441</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Bilaspur</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1440</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1055</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 15</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02823</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Bhubaneshwar</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1000</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1045</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 16</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02824</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1705</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Bhubaneshwar</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1725</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 17</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02425</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2110</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Jammu Tawi</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0545</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 18</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02426</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Jammu Tawi</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">2010</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0500</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Daily</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 19</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02434</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1600</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Chennai</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">2040</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 20</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02433</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Chennai</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">0635</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1030</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 21</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02454</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1530</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Ranchi</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1000</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 22</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02453</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Ranchi</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1740</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1055</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 23</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02414</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1125</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Madgaon</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1250</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 24</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02413</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Madgaon</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1030</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1240</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Biweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 25</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02438</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1600</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Secunderabad</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1400</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Weekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 26</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02437</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Secunderabad</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1315</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1040</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Weekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 27</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02432</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1125</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Thiruvananthapuram</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">0525</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Triweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 28</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02431</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Thiruvananthapuram</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1945</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1240</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Triweekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 29</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02501</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">Agartala</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1900</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1120</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Weekly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 58px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 30</td>
			<td style="width: 114px;">02502</td>
			<td style="width: 130px;">New Delhi&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 66px;">1950</td>
			<td style="width: 112px;">Agartala</td>
			<td style="width: 65px;">1330</td>
			<td style="width: 80px;">Weekly</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Few strict measures will be placed to contain the coronavirus spread. People with the confirmed ticket will be allowed through Delhi's Paharganj doorway, no one will be allowed through Ajmeri Gate.&nbsp;

Passengers will have to come to the station 90 minutes in advance and the entry will stop just 15 minutes before the train's departure.&nbsp;

Indian Railways will resume their activities with selected train services today amid the lockdown. Indian Railways has released a new timetable for the trains that will begin on Tuesday.

Indian Railways will resume their activities with selected train services today amid the lockdown. Indian Railways has released a new timetable for the trains that will begin on Tuesday. This timetable will have details of the stations and its timings. The chart includes a total of 30 trains with 15 pairs of return trips. S.No. Train No From Dep. Time To Arr. Time Frequency 1 02301 Howrah 1705 New Delhi 1000 Daily 2 02302 New Delhi 1655 Howrah 0955 Daily 3 02951 Mumbai Central 1730 New Delhi 0905 Daily 4 02952 New Delhi 1655 Mumbai Central 0845 Daily 5 02957 Ahmedabad 1820 New Delhi 0800 Daily 6 02958 New Delhi 2025 Ahmedabad 1005 Daily 7 02309 Rajendranagar 1920 New Delhi 0740 Daily 8 02310 New Delhi 1715 Rajendranagar 0530 Daily 9 02691 Bengaluru 2030 New Delhi 0555 Daily 10 02692 New Delhi 2115 Bengaluru 0640 Daily 11 02424 New Delhi 1645 Dibrugarh 0700 Daily 12 02423 Dibrugarh 2110 New Delhi 1015 Daily 13 02442 New Delhi 1600 Bilaspur 1200 Biweekly 14 02441 Bilaspur 1440 New Delhi 1055 Biweekly 15 02823 Bhubaneshwar 1000 New Delhi 1045 Daily 16 02824 New Delhi 1705 Bhubaneshwar 1725 Daily 17 02425 New Delhi 2110 Jammu Tawi 0545 Daily 18 02426 Jammu Tawi 2010 New Delhi 0500 Daily 19 02434 New Delhi 1600 Chennai 2040 Biweekly 20 02433 Chennai 0635 New Delhi 1030 Biweekly 21 02454 New Delhi 1530 Ranchi 1000 Biweekly 22 02453 Ranchi 1740 New Delhi 1055 Biweekly 23 02414 New Delhi 1125 Madgaon 1250 Biweekly 24 02413 Madgaon 1030 New Delhi 1240 Biweekly 25 02438 New Delhi 1600 Secunderabad 1400 Weekly 26 02437 Secunderabad 1315 New Delhi 1040 Weekly 27 02432 New Delhi 1125 Thiruvananthapuram 0525 Triweekly 28 02431 Thiruvananthapuram 1945 New Delhi 1240 Triweekly 29 02501 Agartala 1900 New Delhi 1120 Weekly 30 02502 New Delhi 1950 Agartala 1330 Weekly Few strict measures will be placed to contain the coronavirus spread. People with the confirmed ticket will be allowed through Delhi's Paharganj doorway, no one will be allowed through Ajmeri Gate. Passengers will have to come to the station 90 minutes in advance and the entry will stop just 15 minutes before the train's departure.

Indian Railways resume services: Check Stations, timings and details of your train

French rail services ground to a halt in parts of the country Sunday as workers walked off the job for the third day in a dispute over train staffing levels.

Services in the Paris suburbs, the northeastern Champagne-Ardenne region and the southern Occitanie region, which includes Toulouse and Montpellier, were particularly affected.

The industrial action began on Friday after a train in north-east France slammed into a truck at a level crossing, leaving 11 people injured.

The train driver was himself among those hurt but being the sole employee of state railways company SNCF on board had to help take care of passengers.

Unions said the incident highlighted what they say is a problem of understaffing on trains, notably the absence of ticket inspectors on some lines.

Since Friday, staff have been exercising their "right to withdraw" their labour -- a clause that allows workers to walk off the job in case of "clear and present danger to their life or health."

SNCF's management has accused the workers of abusing that right to indulge in a wildcat strike on a busy weekend for train travel, at the start of the mid-autumn school holidays.

It argues that some train lines have not had ticket inspectors for decades.

French rail services ground to a halt in parts of the country Sunday as workers walked off the job for the third day in a dispute over train staffing levels. Services in the Paris suburbs, the northeastern Champagne-Ardenne region and the southern Occitanie region, which includes Toulouse and Montpellier, were particularly affected.

French rail services ground to a halt in parts of the country Sunday as workers walked off the job for the third day in a dispute over train staffing levels. Services in the Paris suburbs, the northeastern Champagne-Ardenne region and the southern Occitanie region, which includes Toulouse and Montpellier, were particularly affected. The industrial action began on Friday after a train in north-east France slammed into a truck at a level crossing, leaving 11 people injured. The train driver was himself among those hurt but being the sole employee of state railways company SNCF on board had to help take care of passengers. Unions said the incident highlighted what they say is a problem of understaffing on trains, notably the absence of ticket inspectors on some lines. Since Friday, staff have been exercising their "right to withdraw" their labour -- a clause that allows workers to walk off the job in case of "clear and present danger to their life or health." SNCF's management has accused the workers of abusing that right to indulge in a wildcat strike on a busy weekend for train travel, at the start of the mid-autumn school holidays. It argues that some train lines have not had ticket inspectors for decades.

French trains disrupted by wildcat strike

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">cyclone Fani</a> which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday.&nbsp;

These include 140 Mail/Express trains and 83 passenger trains.&nbsp;

"All trains cancelled in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (along Odisha coastline) of Kolkata-Chennai route till May 4 afternoon in view of cyclone Fani," a railway spokesperson said.

Railways have also pressed into service three special trains to ferry passengers. The 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

While nine trains have been diverted, four others have also been short-terminated, the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The national transporter said it will grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey.

The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Eranakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express.

The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which were scheduled to run on Thursday have been cancelled as well.

Officials said that announcements about the special trains as well as the cancellations are being made across beaches and tourists spots to help tourists.

The Railways has also cancelled trains which were to ply on Friday. These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express.

The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section.

So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas.

A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal. It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur.

The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities will be made available at catering stalls of all major stations.

Due to disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers. Local transporters are to be contracted for hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said.

The national transporter has also instructed that sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies. Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added.

"Emergency control is to be operated round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said.

The National Crisis Management Committee, the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for cyclone Fani, a Home Ministry official said.

Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been requisitioned for deployment.

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of cyclone Fani which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday.

As many as 223 trains along the Odisha coastline in the Kolkata-Chennai route have been cancelled in view of cyclone Fani which is likely to hit the eastern state by May 3, Railways said Thursday. These include 140 Mail/Express trains and 83 passenger trains. "All trains cancelled in Bhadrak-Vizianagaram section (along Odisha coastline) of Kolkata-Chennai route till May 4 afternoon in view of cyclone Fani," a railway spokesperson said. Railways have also pressed into service three special trains to ferry passengers. The 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm is likely to affect Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. While nine trains have been diverted, four others have also been short-terminated, the spokesperson said. The national transporter said it will grant full refund to passengers for the cancelled or diverted trains if tickets are produced for cancellation within three days from the scheduled date of journey. The trains which have been cancelled include the Howrah-Chennai Central Coromandal Express, Patna-Eranakulam Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and the Bhubaneswar-Rameswaram Express. The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, New Delhi-Puri Nandan Kanan Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the New Delhi-Puri Purushottam Express which were scheduled to run on Thursday have been cancelled as well. Officials said that announcements about the special trains as well as the cancellations are being made across beaches and tourists spots to help tourists. The Railways has also cancelled trains which were to ply on Friday. These include the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Puri-New Delhi Nandan Kanan Express. The transporter has issued directions to the divisional managers of all zones that frequent announcements are to be made at important stations for sensitising passengers about the cancellations, short termination and diversion of coaching trains in both directions of the Bhadrak (Odisha)-Visakhapatnam section. So far, the Railways has announced three tourist special trains to ferry passengers from affected areas. A special train has started from Puri at 12 noon, going towards Shalimar in West Bengal. It has reserved as well as unreserved accommodation. It will stop at Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendujhar Road, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Kharagpur. The other two special trains will ferry passengers from Puri to Howrah. On Wednesday, the Railways had issued instructions that dry food items, 'janata khana' and water bottles in sufficient quantities will be made available at catering stalls of all major stations. Due to disruption of train services, the situation may warrant transhipment of passengers. Local transporters are to be contracted for hiring of road vehicles for meeting exigencies as and where necessary, it said. The national transporter has also instructed that sufficient amount of cash be made available at major stations for granting refunds to passengers and meeting other exigencies. Frontline staff are to be advised to be extremely polite while dealing with passengers and leaving no scope for complaint, it added. "Emergency control is to be operated round the clock with helpline numbers for guiding passengers. No staff are to be allowed to go on leave for the next three days," the Railways said. The National Crisis Management Committee, the country's top body to handle an emergency situation, Wednesday reviewed the preparedness for cyclone Fani, a Home Ministry official said. Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house evacuees, while troops of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and 78 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been requisitioned for deployment.

Cyclone Fani: 223 trains cancelled, 3 special trains put in service to ferry stranded tourists

Gujjar community members <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-dm-issues-notice-to-gujjar-leader-for-not-following-high-court-guidelines-196528">blocked National Highway-11,</a> which connects Jaipur with Agra, in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Monday, the fourth day of their agitation demanding 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.&nbsp;

Their protest had turned violent on Sunday when shots were fired and police vehicles were torched in Dholpur district, forcing authorities to impose prohibitory orders under CrPc section 144 in Dholpur and Karauli districts.&nbsp;

It still remains in force in the areas. On Monday, the agitators blocked NH-11 and continued their blockade from previous days at other places. Since the agitation began on Friday, it has affected the movement of more than 250 trains.

“NH-11 was blocked at Sikandara in Dausa. A state highway was blocked in Bundi district’s Nainwa on Sunday and Malarna road in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli-Hindaun road at Budla village in Karauli have also been blocked,” DGP, Law and Order, M L Lathar said. Dausa SP Prahlad Singh said vehicles heading towards the blockade area on the national highway were diverted to alternate routes.

“The traffic is being diverted and things are under control. The blockade is peaceful,” the SP said. He said efforts were being made to clear the blockade. As of now, one national highway, one state highway and two arterial roads and Delhi-Mumbai railway tracks are blocked in Rajasthan, leading to cancellation and diversion of several trains. The North Western Railway said in a bulletin four trains had to be diverted on Monday.

The trains are: Hazrat Nizamuddin-Udaipur (12963), Amritsar-Mumbai Central (12904), Firozpur-Mumbai Central (19024) and Dehradun-Kochiveli (22660). Gujjar agitation leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters began their sit-in on railway tracks in Malarna Dungar of Swai Madhopur on Friday. Bainsla is demanding 5 per cent quota for Gujjar, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria communities in jobs and education and has refused to clear the railway tracks.

“We will not move from the tracks if the announcement is not made. There is only one demand and that is 5 per cent reservation,” Bainsla’s son Vijay Singh said. A state government delegation, including Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh and IAS officer Neeraj K Pawan, held talks with the protestors on Saturday but they refused to end their agitation until their demand is met through an official announcement.

Gujjar community members blocked National Highway-11, which connects Jaipur with Agra, in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Monday, the fourth day of their agitation demanding 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.

Gujjar community members blocked National Highway-11, which connects Jaipur with Agra, in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Monday, the fourth day of their agitation demanding 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes. Their protest had turned violent on Sunday when shots were fired and police vehicles were torched in Dholpur district, forcing authorities to impose prohibitory orders under CrPc section 144 in Dholpur and Karauli districts. It still remains in force in the areas. On Monday, the agitators blocked NH-11 and continued their blockade from previous days at other places. Since the agitation began on Friday, it has affected the movement of more than 250 trains. “NH-11 was blocked at Sikandara in Dausa. A state highway was blocked in Bundi district’s Nainwa on Sunday and Malarna road in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli-Hindaun road at Budla village in Karauli have also been blocked,” DGP, Law and Order, M L Lathar said. Dausa SP Prahlad Singh said vehicles heading towards the blockade area on the national highway were diverted to alternate routes. “The traffic is being diverted and things are under control. The blockade is peaceful,” the SP said. He said efforts were being made to clear the blockade. As of now, one national highway, one state highway and two arterial roads and Delhi-Mumbai railway tracks are blocked in Rajasthan, leading to cancellation and diversion of several trains. The North Western Railway said in a bulletin four trains had to be diverted on Monday. The trains are: Hazrat Nizamuddin-Udaipur (12963), Amritsar-Mumbai Central (12904), Firozpur-Mumbai Central (19024) and Dehradun-Kochiveli (22660). Gujjar agitation leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters began their sit-in on railway tracks in Malarna Dungar of Swai Madhopur on Friday. Bainsla is demanding 5 per cent quota for Gujjar, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria communities in jobs and education and has refused to clear the railway tracks. “We will not move from the tracks if the announcement is not made. There is only one demand and that is 5 per cent reservation,” Bainsla’s son Vijay Singh said. A state government delegation, including Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh and IAS officer Neeraj K Pawan, held talks with the protestors on Saturday but they refused to end their agitation until their demand is met through an official announcement.

Trains, highways blocked as Gujjar quota agitation continues on Day 4

Railways is the lifeline of the nation. Nowhere is this as true as in Mumbai, where the suburban network popularly called ‘the local train’ ensures that Mumbaikars reach their destination on time. At a total length of 459 km, the network has more than 3,000 services of local trains carrying around 80 lakh people on a daily basis, making it one of the busiest urban transport systems in the world.

To ensure that Mumbai has world-class infrastructure in keeping with its metropolitan status, the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a number of initiatives to upgrade the suburban system, which will help improve passenger satisfaction and safety, reduce congestion, and adequately plan for the future.

With regard to passenger safety, Railways is working in mission mode. Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), platforms and pathways on platform end are now treated as safety items having highest priority with no budgetary restriction. To allow free and safe movement of passengers, 87 FOBs have been constructed since 2014, including 44 after the unfortunate Elphinstone Road station tragedy. A further 70 FOBs will be commissioned this year while 55 will be commissioned next year.

&nbsp;The average time for construction has been reduced from 8-9 months to about 3 months. We have also raised the height of all station platforms in the suburban section to allow safer entry and exit into trains.

Very often passengers climb a train and do not realise that it is about to move. This poses a serious risk to their lives and well-being. Therefore, a new innovation in the form of a blue light signal on the door of the coach to signal that the train is starting, has been introduced. Passengers will now get adequate warning. We will use this system after all trials are completed.

Under our government, we have significantly scaled up investments into new projects. In 2016, PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP 3) worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore. Under this project, several works have been started, including the Airoli-Kalva elevated link, Panvel-Karjat new suburban double line corridor, and the introduction of 47 new air-conditioned suburban trains.&nbsp;

These will help decongest the network while adding improved services.

In the 2018-19 Budget, an unprecedented Rs 55,000 crore was announced for a new project in Mumbai — the MUTP 3A, showcasing the Government’s ambitious plans for the suburban system. Under this, a number of lines will be extended and introduced. In addition, a communications-based train control system will be introduced for improved safety and punctuality. Funds will also be allocated towards station improvement and procurement of AC rakes.

Under this government, long pending projects are also being fast tracked and completed. The long-awaited Nerul-Seawood/Belapur-Uran new line first phase project is finally complete. Sanctioned in 1996-97, the work was very slow. However, after 2014 the work was fast tracked and the line finally opened in November 2018. The personal intervention of CM Devendra Fadnavis helped smoothen all issues. Currently, the second phase of the project is in progress.

Having personally travelled on local trains as a student, I know the difficulties an average commuter faces. To beat the sweltering heat and humidity, an AC rake was introduced for the first time ever. We have given a green signal for procuring 210 AC rakes.

It was inconceivable that for a city which never stops, people have to wait in long lines to buy tickets for local trains. Those days of waiting have now ended with the introduction of the UTS mobile app to buy unreserved tickets on the spot. Waiting for trains has become more convenient with the introduction of high-speed wi-fi at 27 stations.

We have also reduced the waiting time for trains. Since 2014, 214 services have been added to the Mumbai suburban network. To meet the ever-growing demand for direct connectivity between India’s financial capital and political capital, an additional Rajdhani train was introduced between Delhi and Mumbai. It will take a different route covering central India, and will serve hitherto unserved areas.

We are now improving stations through lifts, escalators, Swacchata and security through cameras. In fact, we have also given importance to the security of women passengers. Taking feedback, a number of CCTV cameras have been relocated at stations to ensure better focus on ladies coaches.

Over the last four and a half years, Railways has become cleaner, safer, faster and more convenient. Indian Railways is committed to providing better services to every Mumbaikar and our efforts to improve infrastructure, passenger conveniences and safety will ensure the iconic Mumbai suburban system is a part of the New India vision.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-mumbai-suburban-network-nurturing-lifeline-of-the-city-2717315">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

Railways is the lifeline of the nation. Nowhere is this as true as in Mumbai, where the suburban network popularly called ‘the local train’ ensures that Mumbaikars reach their destination on time.

Railways is the lifeline of the nation. Nowhere is this as true as in Mumbai, where the suburban network popularly called ‘the local train’ ensures that Mumbaikars reach their destination on time. At a total length of 459 km, the network has more than 3,000 services of local trains carrying around 80 lakh people on a daily basis, making it one of the busiest urban transport systems in the world. To ensure that Mumbai has world-class infrastructure in keeping with its metropolitan status, the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a number of initiatives to upgrade the suburban system, which will help improve passenger satisfaction and safety, reduce congestion, and adequately plan for the future. With regard to passenger safety, Railways is working in mission mode. Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), platforms and pathways on platform end are now treated as safety items having highest priority with no budgetary restriction. To allow free and safe movement of passengers, 87 FOBs have been constructed since 2014, including 44 after the unfortunate Elphinstone Road station tragedy. A further 70 FOBs will be commissioned this year while 55 will be commissioned next year. The average time for construction has been reduced from 8-9 months to about 3 months. We have also raised the height of all station platforms in the suburban section to allow safer entry and exit into trains. Very often passengers climb a train and do not realise that it is about to move. This poses a serious risk to their lives and well-being. Therefore, a new innovation in the form of a blue light signal on the door of the coach to signal that the train is starting, has been introduced. Passengers will now get adequate warning. We will use this system after all trials are completed. Under our government, we have significantly scaled up investments into new projects. In 2016, PM Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3 (MUTP 3) worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore. Under this project, several works have been started, including the Airoli-Kalva elevated link, Panvel-Karjat new suburban double line corridor, and the introduction of 47 new air-conditioned suburban trains. These will help decongest the network while adding improved services. In the 2018-19 Budget, an unprecedented Rs 55,000 crore was announced for a new project in Mumbai — the MUTP 3A, showcasing the Government’s ambitious plans for the suburban system. Under this, a number of lines will be extended and introduced. In addition, a communications-based train control system will be introduced for improved safety and punctuality. Funds will also be allocated towards station improvement and procurement of AC rakes. Under this government, long pending projects are also being fast tracked and completed. The long-awaited Nerul-Seawood/Belapur-Uran new line first phase project is finally complete. Sanctioned in 1996-97, the work was very slow. However, after 2014 the work was fast tracked and the line finally opened in November 2018. The personal intervention of CM Devendra Fadnavis helped smoothen all issues. Currently, the second phase of the project is in progress. Having personally travelled on local trains as a student, I know the difficulties an average commuter faces. To beat the sweltering heat and humidity, an AC rake was introduced for the first time ever. We have given a green signal for procuring 210 AC rakes. It was inconceivable that for a city which never stops, people have to wait in long lines to buy tickets for local trains. Those days of waiting have now ended with the introduction of the UTS mobile app to buy unreserved tickets on the spot. Waiting for trains has become more convenient with the introduction of high-speed wi-fi at 27 stations. We have also reduced the waiting time for trains. Since 2014, 214 services have been added to the Mumbai suburban network. To meet the ever-growing demand for direct connectivity between India’s financial capital and political capital, an additional Rajdhani train was introduced between Delhi and Mumbai. It will take a different route covering central India, and will serve hitherto unserved areas. We are now improving stations through lifts, escalators, Swacchata and security through cameras. In fact, we have also given importance to the security of women passengers. Taking feedback, a number of CCTV cameras have been relocated at stations to ensure better focus on ladies coaches. Over the last four and a half years, Railways has become cleaner, safer, faster and more convenient. Indian Railways is committed to providing better services to every Mumbaikar and our efforts to improve infrastructure, passenger conveniences and safety will ensure the iconic Mumbai suburban system is a part of the New India vision. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Suburban network: Nurturing lifeline of Mumbai

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered.

As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled.

In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas.

According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India.

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday, as a result of which train and flight schedules were hampered. As many as 27 trains coming into Delhi were delayed due to fog in Northern India. Furthermore, a number of flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were put on hold at the runway as visibility dipped severely. However, no flights were diverted or cancelled. In addition to inclement weather, poor air quality is also adding to the woes of locals in the national capital and surrounding areas. According to SAFAR, Air Quality Index (AQI) at Delhi's Lodhi Road area saw major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 docking in the 'poor' category at 206 and 216, respectively. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Thick fog engulfs Delhi: Several trains, flights delayed; air quality dips

In consonance with the spirit of “Digital India” the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Friday introduced the electronic payment mode for the food items on trains through the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines.

Also, the paper bill is generated immediately after the payment is made by the customers as a record of the purchase.

“The biggest advantage is that one can pay the bill electronically and the right amount would be generated. It would keep a check on the overcharging and the complaints regarding the same,” said an IRCTC official.

He informed that about 2000 POS have been deployed in Mail and Express trains and soon rest of the trains would also be covered.

“Instructions have been given that in one rake there should be at least 8 machines,” he said.

An inspection drive will also be launched on all the Mail and Express trains from January 26 to February 15 to ensure the availability and working of POS machines.

“This system is indeed very good system as nobody will overcharge the passengers and we have to pay the amount that is generated electronically,” said Neha Singh, who was travelling in Kashi Vishwanath Express from Delhi to Varanasi on Friday.

“Earlier at some instances they use to charge extra for water bottle saying that Rs 2-3 is extra for cooling. Now such type of things will stop,” she said.

“These days people usually avoid carrying change, this is very good system as now we can pay by using credit card or debit card,” said Raj Pratap Singh, another traveller.&nbsp;

In consonance with the spirit of “Digital India” the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Friday introduced the electronic payment mode for the food items on trains through the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines.

In consonance with the spirit of “Digital India” the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Friday introduced the electronic payment mode for the food items on trains through the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines. Also, the paper bill is generated immediately after the payment is made by the customers as a record of the purchase. “The biggest advantage is that one can pay the bill electronically and the right amount would be generated. It would keep a check on the overcharging and the complaints regarding the same,” said an IRCTC official. He informed that about 2000 POS have been deployed in Mail and Express trains and soon rest of the trains would also be covered. “Instructions have been given that in one rake there should be at least 8 machines,” he said. An inspection drive will also be launched on all the Mail and Express trains from January 26 to February 15 to ensure the availability and working of POS machines. “This system is indeed very good system as nobody will overcharge the passengers and we have to pay the amount that is generated electronically,” said Neha Singh, who was travelling in Kashi Vishwanath Express from Delhi to Varanasi on Friday. “Earlier at some instances they use to charge extra for water bottle saying that Rs 2-3 is extra for cooling. Now such type of things will stop,” she said. “These days people usually avoid carrying change, this is very good system as now we can pay by using credit card or debit card,” said Raj Pratap Singh, another traveller.

IRCTC introduces on-the-spot e-payment for food in trains

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars.

Central Railway has installed a blue light visual indicator just above the entrance of one EMU coach for guiding the commuters not to board the running train, at the last moment.

The indicator flashes when to stop boarding the train before it becomes unsafe and draws a boundary on the platform which is the minimum clearance level for commuters to avoid accidents while the train is in motion.

The device will definitely act as a psychological barrier from boarding the moving train and also as a deterrent to the people.

The work of installing the blue light visual indicator was carried out in Kurla car-shed of Central Railway under the guidance of DK Sharma, General Manager, Central Railway.

Central Railway would monitor the performance of the new blue light visual indicator and based on the outcome and commuter feedback, a decision would be taken on the installation of visual indicators on more coaches and rakes of Mumbai suburban locals.&nbsp;

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars.

With an aim to ensure safety in railways, the Central Railway has come out with an innovative idea of installing visual indicators in local trains to Mumbaikars. Central Railway has installed a blue light visual indicator just above the entrance of one EMU coach for guiding the commuters not to board the running train, at the last moment. The indicator flashes when to stop boarding the train before it becomes unsafe and draws a boundary on the platform which is the minimum clearance level for commuters to avoid accidents while the train is in motion. The device will definitely act as a psychological barrier from boarding the moving train and also as a deterrent to the people. The work of installing the blue light visual indicator was carried out in Kurla car-shed of Central Railway under the guidance of DK Sharma, General Manager, Central Railway. Central Railway would monitor the performance of the new blue light visual indicator and based on the outcome and commuter feedback, a decision would be taken on the installation of visual indicators on more coaches and rakes of Mumbai suburban locals.

Mumbai: Blue light warning signal to passengers travelling by local trains

Fares in premium Shatabdi trains on sections with low passenger occupancy could be slashed soon as the railways look to ensure optimum utilisation of resources, a senior government official has said. The national transporter has identified 25 such Shatabdi trains in which this scheme could be implemented, the official said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Indian Railway is actively working on a proposal in this regard,&rdquo; the official told PTI The move to lower fares is encouraged by the success of a pilot project launched on two routes last year. In one section, where the pilot scheme was implemented, the earnings went up by 17 per cent and passenger bookings by 63 per cent, the official said.

The development comes at a time when the national transporter is facing flak over the flexi-fare scheme and the general contention that it has led to a spike in fares in Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto trains. The Railways runs around 45 Shatabdi trains and these are among the fastest in the country. The Railways had last year launched a pilot project in two Shatabdi trains &mdash; one running between New Delhi and Ajmer and the other between Chennai-Mysuru to study the impact of lowering of fares.

Under the scheme, the fares were reduced between Jaipur and Ajmer, and Bengaluru and Mysuru &mdash; the sections of the route which witnessed perpetual low occupancy. &ldquo;The move yielded positive results for us. What we did was we offered fares in these premium trains equivalent to bus fares plying on the particular stretch,&rdquo; the official said. In the case of the Shatabdi to Ajmer, he said, the occupancy was low between Jaipur and Ajmer as people preferred to travel by buses which offered more affordable fares. To attract passengers, the Railways decided to match the bus fare in the premium train and reduced the ticket prices to about Rs 300 in this section.

Similar step was also taken in the Shatabdi train between Chennai and Mysuru. The fares were reduced between Bengaluru and Mysuru, resulting in 63 per cent growth in passenger bookings on this stretch between January and November last year compared to the corresponding period the previous year. The official said the measures being adopted are part of an exhaustive exercise initiated by the Railways for optimum utilisation of resources. One such exercise is reducing the layover time of a train for introducing more services. By reducing the layover time of trains, the official said, the Railways was now looking to run 100 new trains on shorter and longer routes. While 25 new trains have already been introduced, 75 more would be run within this year.

Layover time refers to the time a train remains stationed at the terminating or originating point. This time is being utilised to run the train on new routes, optimising the resources. Recently, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had announced that a detailed analysis was carried out about layover time and the results have helped railways identify the routes on which new services can be introduced.

Fares in premium Shatabdi trains on sections with low passenger occupancy could be slashed soon as the railways looks to ensure optimum utilisation of resources, a senior government official has said.

Fares in premium Shatabdi trains on sections with low passenger occupancy could be slashed soon as the railways look to ensure optimum utilisation of resources, a senior government official has said. The national transporter has identified 25 such Shatabdi trains in which this scheme could be implemented, the official said. “Indian Railway is actively working on a proposal in this regard,” the official told PTI The move to lower fares is encouraged by the success of a pilot project launched on two routes last year. In one section, where the pilot scheme was implemented, the earnings went up by 17 per cent and passenger bookings by 63 per cent, the official said. The development comes at a time when the national transporter is facing flak over the flexi-fare scheme and the general contention that it has led to a spike in fares in Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto trains. The Railways runs around 45 Shatabdi trains and these are among the fastest in the country. The Railways had last year launched a pilot project in two Shatabdi trains — one running between New Delhi and Ajmer and the other between Chennai-Mysuru to study the impact of lowering of fares. Under the scheme, the fares were reduced between Jaipur and Ajmer, and Bengaluru and Mysuru — the sections of the route which witnessed perpetual low occupancy. “The move yielded positive results for us. What we did was we offered fares in these premium trains equivalent to bus fares plying on the particular stretch,” the official said. In the case of the Shatabdi to Ajmer, he said, the occupancy was low between Jaipur and Ajmer as people preferred to travel by buses which offered more affordable fares. To attract passengers, the Railways decided to match the bus fare in the premium train and reduced the ticket prices to about Rs 300 in this section. Similar step was also taken in the Shatabdi train between Chennai and Mysuru. The fares were reduced between Bengaluru and Mysuru, resulting in 63 per cent growth in passenger bookings on this stretch between January and November last year compared to the corresponding period the previous year. The official said the measures being adopted are part of an exhaustive exercise initiated by the Railways for optimum utilisation of resources. One such exercise is reducing the layover time of a train for introducing more services. By reducing the layover time of trains, the official said, the Railways was now looking to run 100 new trains on shorter and longer routes. While 25 new trains have already been introduced, 75 more would be run within this year. Layover time refers to the time a train remains stationed at the terminating or originating point. This time is being utilised to run the train on new routes, optimising the resources. Recently, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had announced that a detailed analysis was carried out about layover time and the results have helped railways identify the routes on which new services can be introduced.

Shatabdi train tickets could get cheaper

Delhi fog continues to affect train services with eights trains being canceled and 11 trains running late on Thursday, as per the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO).

One train has been rescheduled due to fog and low visibility as well.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a slight respite from the dense fog has been experienced in the entire region.

The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 12 degree Celsius and the maximum at 25 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

The AQI was 154 on Monday and 165 and 167 over the next two days, officials said.

Delhi&rsquo;s AQI was recorded at 310 on Sunday with a reading between 301 and 400 classified under &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category, the CPCB data stated.&nbsp;

However, with rainfall in parts of NCR on Monday and wind speeds picking up, air quality fell to &lsquo;moderate&rsquo; level with both average PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels hovering close to the prescribed standards.&nbsp;

The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 12 degree Celsius and the maximum at 25 degrees Celsius

Delhi fog continues to affect train services with eights trains being canceled and 11 trains running late on Thursday, as per the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO). One train has been rescheduled due to fog and low visibility as well. Meanwhile, a slight respite from the dense fog has been experienced in the entire region. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 12 degree Celsius and the maximum at 25 degrees Celsius. The AQI was 154 on Monday and 165 and 167 over the next two days, officials said. Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 310 on Sunday with a reading between 301 and 400 classified under ‘very poor’ category, the CPCB data stated. However, with rainfall in parts of NCR on Monday and wind speeds picking up, air quality fell to ‘moderate’ level with both average PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels hovering close to the prescribed standards.

Fog in Delhi outskirts continues to affect train services

As many as 18 trains were cancelled, 35 delayed, and two rescheduled due to low visibility caused by the persisting cold wave here.

As per the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature will be 26 degree Celsius while the minimum is expected to fall to seven degrees. Furthermore, a dense layer of fog is expected to be seen during the day.

Several parts of North India, including Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region, have been witnessing dense fog and fall in temperatures, affecting normal life besides rail and road traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Met department says a dense layer of fog is expected to be seen during the day

As many as 18 trains were cancelled, 35 delayed, and two rescheduled due to low visibility caused by the persisting cold wave here. As per the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature will be 26 degree Celsius while the minimum is expected to fall to seven degrees. Furthermore, a dense layer of fog is expected to be seen during the day. Several parts of North India, including Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region, have been witnessing dense fog and fall in temperatures, affecting normal life besides rail and road traffic.

Dense fog disrupts trains services in Delhi

17 trains have been delayed and&nbsp;22 have been cancelled on Tuesday due to operational reasons in Delhi, officials said.&nbsp;

The exact reason for the faulty in operations have&nbsp;yet to be identified. Further details are awaited.

In addition, the rail service operations have been severely&nbsp;hit by the continuous fog.&nbsp;

Several trains have been cancelled, delayed and reschedules previously due to low visibility in the national capital region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, almost 10 trains were cancelled and 19 were late due to low visibility in the national capital region on Monday.&nbsp;

The minimum temperature in Delhi has been recorded at nine degrees with a highest going up to 23 degrees on Tuesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The exact reason for the faulty in operation has yet to be identified. Further details are awaited.

17 trains have been delayed and 22 have been cancelled on Tuesday due to operational reasons in Delhi, officials said. The exact reason for the faulty in operations have yet to be identified. Further details are awaited. In addition, the rail service operations have been severely hit by the continuous fog. Several trains have been cancelled, delayed and reschedules previously due to low visibility in the national capital region. Meanwhile, almost 10 trains were cancelled and 19 were late due to low visibility in the national capital region on Monday. The minimum temperature in Delhi has been recorded at nine degrees with a highest going up to 23 degrees on Tuesday.

17 trains delayed, 22 cancelled due to operational reasons

Almost 10 trains were cancelled and 19 were late due to low visibility in the national capital region on Monday.&nbsp;

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) informed that three trains were also rescheduled on Monday.&nbsp;

The minimum temperature in Delhi has been recorded at nine degrees with a highest going up to 23 degrees.&nbsp;

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR stands around 168-183. The air quality in Dwarka was recorded at AQI 207 while that in RK&nbsp;Puram was recorded at AQI 285, both falling under the &lsquo;very unhealthy&rsquo; category.&nbsp;

As many as 16 trains were cancelled, 23 were delayed and three were rescheduled due to low visibility as fog covered the national capital on Sunday as well.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR stands around 168-183

Almost 10 trains were cancelled and 19 were late due to low visibility in the national capital region on Monday. The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) informed that three trains were also rescheduled on Monday. The minimum temperature in Delhi has been recorded at nine degrees with a highest going up to 23 degrees. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR stands around 168-183. The air quality in Dwarka was recorded at AQI 207 while that in RK Puram was recorded at AQI 285, both falling under the ‘very unhealthy’ category. As many as 16 trains were cancelled, 23 were delayed and three were rescheduled due to low visibility as fog covered the national capital on Sunday as well.

Delhi: 10 trains cancelled, 19 late due to low visibility

Fog continues to disrupt train&nbsp;and flight operations due to low visibility in the national capital.&nbsp;

About 17 flights have been delayed at the Delhi Airport due to prevailing fog conditions&nbsp;on Friday.&nbsp;

Also, 62 trains have been delayed, 20 rescheduled and 18 have been cancelled due to low visibility in the capital on Friday.&nbsp;

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62 trains in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> delayed, 20 rescheduled and 18 cancelled due to low visibility as fog continues to grip the region: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from India Gate <a href="https://t.co/rKJ7R6WlDf">pic.twitter.com/rKJ7R6WlDf</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949102194845827072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Air Quality Index of Delhi&#39;s Lodhi Road area have been recorded at PM 2.5 &amp; PM 10 and remain in &#39; very poor&#39; category.

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Air Quality Index of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Lodhi Road area, prominent pollutants PM 2.5 &amp; PM 10 remain in &#39; very poor&#39; category. <a href="https://t.co/HVCPvCmtjV">pic.twitter.com/HVCPvCmtjV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949098909053235200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi experienced the coldest day of the season on Thursday with temperatures falling to&nbsp;5 degrees Celsius.

According to the MeT&nbsp;department, the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Air Quality Index of Delhi's Lodhi Road area have been recorded at PM 2.5 & PM 10 and remain in ' very poor' category

Fog continues to disrupt train and flight operations due to low visibility in the national capital. About 17 flights have been delayed at the Delhi Airport due to prevailing fog conditions on Friday. Also, 62 trains have been delayed, 20 rescheduled and 18 have been cancelled due to low visibility in the capital on Friday. 62 trains in #Delhi delayed, 20 rescheduled and 18 cancelled due to low visibility as fog continues to grip the region: #Visuals from India Gate pic.twitter.com/rKJ7R6WlDf — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 × Air Quality Index of Delhi's Lodhi Road area have been recorded at PM 2.5 & PM 10 and remain in ' very poor' category. Air Quality Index of #Delhi's Lodhi Road area, prominent pollutants PM 2.5 & PM 10 remain in ' very poor' category. pic.twitter.com/HVCPvCmtjV — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2018 × Delhi experienced the coldest day of the season on Thursday with temperatures falling to 5 degrees Celsius. According to the MeT department, the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Delhi fog continues: 17 flights, 62 trains delayed, 18 cancelled

Low visibility in the national capital left 20 flights delayed, six cancelled and 64 trains delayed, 24 rescheduled and 21 cancelled on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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20 flights delayed, six cancelled at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> airport due to prevailing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fog</a> conditions resulting in low visibility <a href="https://t.co/tDaiecQhK7">pic.twitter.com/tDaiecQhK7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948009346125905920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Cold wave conditions continued unabated in parts of Delhi with the temperature dropping to 8-degree Celsius on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Delhi has been covered with a heavy blanket of fog for the last few days which las lead to disruptions in flight and train operations due to low visibility.&nbsp;

Yesterday&#39;s average air quality index (AQI) was at 400 and the levels of Particulate Matter were in the &quot;Very Poor&quot; category, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research).

Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday morning, the first day of the new year, and hundreds of passengers were stranded at the airport for several hours as flight operations were temporarily suspended after visibility on the runways dropped below 50 metres.

Five domestic and seven International flights were earlier delayed in the morning because of poor visibility.

Low visibility in the national capital has left 20 flights delayed, six cancelled and 64 trains delayed, 24 rescheduled and 21 cancelled

Low visibility in the national capital left 20 flights delayed, six cancelled and 64 trains delayed, 24 rescheduled and 21 cancelled on Tuesday. 20 flights delayed, six cancelled at #Delhi airport due to prevailing #fog conditions resulting in low visibility pic.twitter.com/tDaiecQhK7 — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × Cold wave conditions continued unabated in parts of Delhi with the temperature dropping to 8-degree Celsius on Tuesday morning. Delhi has been covered with a heavy blanket of fog for the last few days which las lead to disruptions in flight and train operations due to low visibility. Yesterday's average air quality index (AQI) was at 400 and the levels of Particulate Matter were in the "Very Poor" category, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research). Delhi woke up to a thick fog on Monday morning, the first day of the new year, and hundreds of passengers were stranded at the airport for several hours as flight operations were temporarily suspended after visibility on the runways dropped below 50 metres. Five domestic and seven International flights were earlier delayed in the morning because of poor visibility.

Delhi fog continues; flights and trains delayed, cancelled

Delhi woke up to a heavy blanket of smog and high levels of air pollution surpassing the hazardous mark on Sunday.&nbsp;

The decreasing temperature and dense fog have caused&nbsp;low visibility resulting in service disruption of trains and flights in the national capital.&nbsp;

More than 40 flights were diverted and more than 90 flights were affected at the Delhi airport on Sunday.&nbsp;

Operations at the&nbsp;airport were on halt until 11 am and have now been resumed.&nbsp;

Northen areas of Delhi such as Shadipur has been recorded&nbsp;at 387(hazardous) following RK Puram at 350 (hazardous) on the air quality index.&nbsp;

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the fog condition today is expected to remain dense and continue till tomorrow.

The minimum and maximum temperature are likely to hover around 7 and 22 degrees Celsius respectively.

On Friday morning, north-western plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh, were covered under&nbsp;dense fog.

More than 40 flights were diverted and more than 90 flights were affected at the Delhi airport on Sunday

Delhi woke up to a heavy blanket of smog and high levels of air pollution surpassing the hazardous mark on Sunday. The decreasing temperature and dense fog have caused low visibility resulting in service disruption of trains and flights in the national capital. More than 40 flights were diverted and more than 90 flights were affected at the Delhi airport on Sunday. Operations at the airport were on halt until 11 am and have now been resumed. Northen areas of Delhi such as Shadipur has been recorded at 387(hazardous) following RK Puram at 350 (hazardous) on the air quality index. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the fog condition today is expected to remain dense and continue till tomorrow. The minimum and maximum temperature are likely to hover around 7 and 22 degrees Celsius respectively. On Friday morning, north-western plains, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and West Uttar Pradesh, were covered under dense fog.

Flights in Delhi affected due to low visibility

Heavy fog and temperature drop in Delhi continues to disrupt everyday life as trains take a major hit with 30 of them being delayed, six rescheduled and&nbsp;18 cancelled.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fog</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Safdarjung?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Safdarjung</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhaulaKuan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhaulaKuan</a> areas. 30 trains delayed in the national capital, today, six rescheduled and 18 cancelled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/syGtQF8zlL">pic.twitter.com/syGtQF8zlL</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945841305824903168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The temperature in Delhi dropped to 6.3 and the visibility record was 300m at 8:30 am yesterday at Safdarjung Observatory, the MeT department informed.

Last week, a heavy blanket of fog covered most parts of north India including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

On Sunday, 19 trains were delayed 6 were rescheduled and 17 cancelled due to the same reason.

Meanwhile, the air quality index of Lodhi Road was recorded in the &#39;poor&#39; category, with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at 290 and PM 10 at 276, thus depicting degrading air quality.

The Meteorological Department has predicted a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, with lows of seven degree Celsius, coupled with a dense blanket of fog during the day.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the air quality index of Lodhi Road was recorded in the 'poor' category, with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at 290 and PM 10 at 276, thus depicting degrading air quality

Heavy fog and temperature drop in Delhi continues to disrupt everyday life as trains take a major hit with 30 of them being delayed, six rescheduled and 18 cancelled. #Visuals of #fog in #Safdarjung and #DhaulaKuan areas. 30 trains delayed in the national capital, today, six rescheduled and 18 cancelled #Delhi pic.twitter.com/syGtQF8zlL — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2017 × The temperature in Delhi dropped to 6.3 and the visibility record was 300m at 8:30 am yesterday at Safdarjung Observatory, the MeT department informed. Last week, a heavy blanket of fog covered most parts of north India including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. On Sunday, 19 trains were delayed 6 were rescheduled and 17 cancelled due to the same reason. Meanwhile, the air quality index of Lodhi Road was recorded in the 'poor' category, with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at 290 and PM 10 at 276, thus depicting degrading air quality. The Meteorological Department has predicted a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, with lows of seven degree Celsius, coupled with a dense blanket of fog during the day.

30 trains delayed, 18 cancelled as fog engulfs Delhi

The air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating for four consecutive days, and on Tuesday the levels of AQI reached&nbsp;362 in the national capital. The weather department has warned that the &#39;very poor&#39; air quality will deteriorate further in coming days.

The Delhi government has issued a health advisory and has asked people to stay indoors while they plan to take &#39;harsh measures&#39;. &nbsp;

Officials say that the peak in poor air quality is a result of low moisture and lack of winds in Delhi, PTI reports.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-delhi-chokes-lets-turn-to-hills-24996">Delhi chokes, let&#39;s turn to hills</a>

As per reports by SAFAR, an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, PM2.5 and PM10 levels will rise over the next three days.

Officials have also said that area near the Delhi Technical University recorded the highest air quality on Tuesday with an AQI of 422.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/33-trains-delayed-and-three-cancelled-due-to-low-visibility-in-delhi-25073">Several trains have also been cancelled</a>, delayed and rescheduled due&nbsp;to low visibility in Delhi in the past week.&nbsp;

Union environment secretary CK Mishra said: &quot;As a government, we are determined to not let this (smog episode) happen again, which may mean taking harsh measures, and there will be (such measures). Because, we care for lives and we cannot ignore that aspect,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
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According to SAFAR, an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, PM2.5 and PM10 levels will rise further over the next three days

The air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating for four consecutive days, and on Tuesday the levels of AQI reached 362 in the national capital. The weather department has warned that the 'very poor' air quality will deteriorate further in coming days. The Delhi government has issued a health advisory and has asked people to stay indoors while they plan to take 'harsh measures'. Officials say that the peak in poor air quality is a result of low moisture and lack of winds in Delhi, PTI reports. Also read: Delhi chokes, let's turn to hills As per reports by SAFAR, an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, PM2.5 and PM10 levels will rise over the next three days. Officials have also said that area near the Delhi Technical University recorded the highest air quality on Tuesday with an AQI of 422. Several trains have also been cancelled, delayed and rescheduled due to low visibility in Delhi in the past week. Union environment secretary CK Mishra said: "As a government, we are determined to not let this (smog episode) happen again, which may mean taking harsh measures, and there will be (such measures). Because, we care for lives and we cannot ignore that aspect," he said.

Delhi: Air quality 'very poor', will deteriorate further, says Met

Amidst the continuing high levels smog, at least 33 trains were delayed, five were rescheduled and three were cancelled due to low visibility and operational reasons.&nbsp;

The air quality in Delhi was &#39;very poor&#39; once again with an AQI of 335 on Friday.

However, the air quality on Thursday was the lowest when AQI hit 288 falling in the &#39;poor&#39; category.&nbsp;

Around four train accidents have taken&nbsp;place in less than 12 hours, taking lives of about seven people and injuring 11. The deaths have raised&nbsp;some concerns over railway operations and safety.&nbsp;

The train derailment in Chitrakoot district in Utter Pradesh killed three passengers while Pradeep-Calcutta goods train derailed in Odisha&nbsp;recently.&nbsp;

Four passengers were killed and two were injured when a local passenger train hit a Bolero vehicle near Amethi in UP.&nbsp;

More recently, as many as three died and eight injured after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/train-derails-near-in-uttar-pradesh-two-dead-eight-injured-24975">13-coach Vasco Da Gama-Patna Express derailed</a> at Banda in Uttar Pradesh early Friday.&nbsp;

The national capital has been experiencing dense smog for about a month which has given a rise to these accidents.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal stated that he has requested the officials to stop taking any requests for letting trains pass during maintenance work, reports said.&nbsp;

The air quality in Delhi was 'very poor' once again with an AQI of 335 on Friday

Amidst the continuing high levels smog, at least 33 trains were delayed, five were rescheduled and three were cancelled due to low visibility and operational reasons. The air quality in Delhi was 'very poor' once again with an AQI of 335 on Friday. However, the air quality on Thursday was the lowest when AQI hit 288 falling in the 'poor' category. Around four train accidents have taken place in less than 12 hours, taking lives of about seven people and injuring 11. The deaths have raised some concerns over railway operations and safety. The train derailment in Chitrakoot district in Utter Pradesh killed three passengers while Pradeep-Calcutta goods train derailed in Odisha recently. Four passengers were killed and two were injured when a local passenger train hit a Bolero vehicle near Amethi in UP. More recently, as many as three died and eight injured after 13-coach Vasco Da Gama-Patna Express derailed at Banda in Uttar Pradesh early Friday. The national capital has been experiencing dense smog for about a month which has given a rise to these accidents. Railway minister Piyush Goyal stated that he has requested the officials to stop taking any requests for letting trains pass during maintenance work, reports said.

33 trains delayed, 3 cancelled due to low visibility in Delhi

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