Amid IndiGo crisis, rlys help desk becomes lifeline for stranded flyers

Patna: As the crisis involving multiple grounded IndiGo flights entered its sixth consecutive day on Monday, the railways has stepped in by operating special trains to ferry hundreds of stranded air passengers from Patna.With no immediate end in sight to the disruptions, the railways has become the primary lifeline for stranded travellers desperate to reach their destinations, said Danapur senior divisional commercial manager (senior DCM) Abhinav Siddharth.To manage the growing rush of distressed flyers, the railways has set up a dedicated help desk at Patna airport which has seen an overwhelming response. Many of whom had been waiting for flights for over 24 to 48 hours, approached railway officials for assistance to get accommodated in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bengaluru bound trains, he said, adding the help desk has been facilitating on-the-spot reservations, sharing real-time train availability and guiding passengers towards special rail services arranged to handle the unexpected surge in demand.In addition the railways has also placed its commercial staff on high alert, directing them to extend full cooperation to incoming air passengers. In an exceptional humanitarian move, Danapur railway officials have instructed commercial staff to prioritise stranded flyers for confirmed berths against emergency quota, wherever possible, senior DCM said, adding, “People are stressed, families are stuck, and many of them are running out of money and patience and thus the railways is ensuring that no one returns disappointed.

”According to Siddharth, in contrast to the sharp spike in airfares amid the flight disruptions, the railways emphasised that it is charging only the standard, admissible fare for tickets issued to the stranded flyers. The intention is to ensure accessibility rather than capitalise on the crisis, he said.Many travellers, visibly relieved after securing train reservations, praised the railways for stepping in when air travel became unreliable.“For three days, my flight kept getting delayed and then cancelled. I had almost given up hope. The railways staff treated us with empathy. I finally have a confirmed berth and can reach my workplace in Mumbai,” said Mishu Ojha.More special services may be announced if the crisis prolongs, senior DCM said.