Title - Special trains not enough to beat summer rush

NEW DELHI: Northern Railway has introduced 31 Summer Special trains this year while another 39 will be run by other railway zones. In all, it will run 2,488 Summer Special trips between April 1 and June 30, up from 1,900 last year. The previous best was 2,148 special trips in 2011.The 100 most popular trains have also been attached with extra coaches, amounting to 1,258 in May, which is 88 more than the number run last year. Railways said more trains and more coaches are expected to be added to the time table soon. "We run new trains based on waitlists, passenger rush and availability of extra coaches. We may increase the number of trains run by Northern Railway from 31 (out of a total of 70) to at least 35,'' said a senior officer. Passengers are having a harrowing time each weekend with waitlists crossing 300 on most popular trains from Delhi. The footfall at the city's five top stations touches 15.5 lakh between every Friday and Sunday. This is 20% more than the normal summer rush and 35% more than the regular season traffic. Those looking for last-minute reservations face disappointment as trains from Delhi to Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna and Chandigarh are packed to capacity, an official who looks after bookings said. Sources say the rush will continue till schools re-open. "We have seen the maximum increase in 3AC passengers, followed by 2AC,'' said a source. General coaches have been added to east-bound trains and platform berthing of trains will not be changed during the rush period. Special trains will be placed on platforms at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure to ensure that passengers have ample time to board. Sources said all booking and enquiry counters are being manned during the peak hours. "Security arrangements at stations and parcel booking areas have been beefed up by deploying additional RPF personnel. Additional booking counters will be opened as per need and railway commercial officers and supervisors have been deputed to ensure that the quality of food is good and vendors do not overcharge.