Railways to run special trains for Army personnel to meet military requirements

To meet the operational requirements of Northern and Eastern Indian borders, the Railways is mulling to start special trains for about 1200 Army officers and jawans to help them reach their postings in various states.

Although the Railways has suspended its passenger services till May 3, a special ‘one-time’ arrangement is being made for Army officers and jawans who are stuck due to the extended lockdown with no other way of transportation plying.

“The moment lockdown was announced 300-500 officers and troops were in training at different training centers in Bengaluru, Belgaum, and Secunderabad, all of which are under the Southern Command,” reported The Indian Express.

To find a solution for their travel, the Defense, Home and Railways ministries worked together.

According to government sources, as of now, two routes have been identified -to Guwahati and to Jammu Tawi- to run two special non-airconditioned trains for the army.

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The officers and jawans will now be sent back to their postings in the Western, Northern and Eastern Commands after the 21-day lockdown, enabling decongestion of category A and B training establishments at Bangalore, Belgaum, Secundrabad, and Gopalpur.

“It will also help in operational preparedness of active formations deployed in the borders,” the sources said.

The sources also said, only the personnel due to rejoin units deployed in northern and eastern borders and are deemed medically fit will be accommodated in the trains.

These special trains will halt at multiple places for long periods and will have a pantry car.

Following social distancing protocols, the coaches will be sanitised with the help of both Army and Railways, and each non-AC sleeper coach with a capacity of 72 will have only 40 jawans.

Defense sources also said the routes are still being discussed and are yet to be finalised.