Title - Special trains ferry stranded pilgrims

New Delhi:
Having run a special train on Sunday night from Haridwar to Mumbai, the Railways is continuing its efforts to ensure smooth transportation of stranded pilgrims in the rain-ravaged Uttarakhand.Newly appointed Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge has been reviewing various arrangements regularly. Northern Railway and its Muradabad Division have been fully geared up to meet the rush of passengers. Special trains have been running regularly since June 20. "Two special trains ran on June 20, three on June 21 and one on June 22," it said.Pilgrims, who were stranded in the flood-affected areas, are being allowed to travel by special trains from Haridwar and Dehradun free of cost. Additional coaches have also been arranged which are being attached to the regular trains to accommodate the rush. Railway officials were camping at Rishikesh, Dehradun and Haridwar stations.

Arrangement for revalidation of tickets of stranded passengers had been done. Special arrangements have been made at these stations to refund the fare of passengers. PRS (Computerised Passenger Reservation) Counters at Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh have been made functional round-the-clock. Arrangements have also been made for opening of 10 extra counters, Doctors and paramedical staff have also been deployed to meet with any exigencies at these stations round-the-clock.