As the demand for domestic travel increases, the Indian Railways network is seeing critical changes that passengers ought to be aware of.
Here’s what you need to know this week:
- The Tejas Express has resumed on two routes
- Vaccinated travellers can board the Mumbai local from August 15
- The Rail Ministry has reportedly revised train booking codes
Along with this, many travel guidelines have recently been updated. If you’re planning a trip soon, we suggest you take a look here.
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Now, let’s explore today’s highlights:
Tejas Express returns on star routes
The IRCTC resumed operations for two Tejas Express trains this Saturday, on August 7.
Train no.s 82901/82902 for Mumbai – Ahmedabad – Mumbai and train no.s 82501/82502 for Lucknow – New Delhi – Lucknow will run four days a week: on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Bookings for these trains are open on ixigo. Just scroll up, and tap on ‘Book Trains’ to select your desired route!
Mumbai locals to open for vaccinated passengers
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has announced that Mumbai’s suburban train network will open on August 15 for fully vaccinated passengers who have had at least 14 days go by since their second dose.
Such travellers will have to update their vaccination status on an app which will be launched soon. Travel passes can then be taken from this app.
Those without smartphones can take photo passes from Mumbai’s municipal ward offices or at suburban railway stations. “These passes are for local travel which will have QR codes so that the railway administration can verify their authenticity,” NDTV quoted the CM as explaining.
In the news: Rail Min changes train booking codes
News18, Livemint and several other media outlets have reported that seat booking codes have been revised for coaches operating in the Indian Railways network. This is reportedly due to the introduction of the tourist-favourite Vistadome coaches, and the soon-to-be-launched AC Economy class coaches.
Here is what the updated list of codes will look like:
Table credit: Mathrubhumi
Also Read | List of active Vistadome train routes (2021)
As per reports, the Principal Chief Commercial Managers of all railway zones have been notified of these changes. The IRCTC is yet to share an official order confirming this matter. Once they do, we will update this story accordingly.
Until then, stay tuned to ixigo!
Feature image credit: IRCTC
