New Delhi:The Indian Railways is continuing the resumption of long-delayed train services in a phased manner due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Ministry of Railways on Tuesday informed that the services of 78 percent of Mail/Express trains have already been resumed.
As per the figures given by the Ministry, a total number of 1381 Mail/Express trains are running on an average per day at present, which used to be at 1768 in the pre-Covid times. Therefore, 78 percent of trains are currently in operation.
Apart from this, 91 percent of Suburban trains and 21 percent of Passenger trains, including MEMU, DMU, EMU, are running on tracks currently.
ALSO READ:IRCTC to resume e-catering services from next month
The data has come a day after Railways started 71 unreserved and express train services to increase the passenger facilities. These trains are being run by Northern Railways. These trains will run between April 5 to 17. While making this announcement, Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had expressed confidence that these trains will provide better facilities to the passengers by ensuring safe and comfortable travel to the passengers.
However, there were some speculations that the decision is being taken after a sudden surge in railway passengers, to which Railway Ministry ADG PR, DJ Narain replied, "There is no such situation of any surge in booking or sudden rush in trains anywhere in the country. Announcement of additional trains, if any at certain places, is only an extension of the ongoing gradual restoration of train services."
He further added, "Railways have already reached almost 80 percent of train services as compared to the past. Zones have been given approvals to gradually increase the services in coordination with all concerned."
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that in April, Railways has restored 63 pairs of Mail/Express trains and 53 pairs of Passenger trains.
ALSO READ:IRCTC to resume e-catering services at 62 stations
