Train delays result in the cancellation of 20,000 tickets, causing a loss of Rs 1.22 crore for Railways.

New Delhi: Amidst the prevailing cold wave and dense fog that have enveloped several states in Northern India, the Moradabad Division of the Indian Railways recently witnessed a significant number of ticket cancellations in December 2023. A staggering total of 20,000 reserved tickets were cancelled during this period.

Raj Kumar Singh, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Moradabad, disclosed that passengers who opted to cancel their tickets were collectively refunded approximately Rs 1.22 crore. Further elaborating on the cancellations, Singh noted that Bareilly saw 4,230 cancellations, while Moradabad, Haridwar, and Dehradun experienced 3,239, 3,917, and 2,448 cancellations respectively. These figures highlight the substantial impact of the adverse weather conditions on travel plans in these regions.

“We cancelled those trains that had low occupancy due to foggy conditions. Even then, 20,000 tickets were cancelled in the Moradabad Division in December 2023…” Singh said.

“42 trains have been cancelled till March. We have also refunded Rs 1.22 crore to people,” he added.

Northern India has been grappling with dense fog and enduring a persistent cold wave. Specifically, areas in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan have been severely affected, with dense to very dense fog prevailing for extended periods, particularly during the nights and mornings.

The challenging weather conditions have prompted many passengers to reconsider their travel plans and seek cancellations, resulting in the significant number of ticket cancellations recorded in Moradabad Division during December 2023. As these conditions persist until January 6, it’s crucial for commuters in the affected regions to stay informed about any potential disruptions and plan their journeys accordingly, considering the prevailing foggy and cold weather.