Train timings in India are subject to many delays. Whether it be due to adverse weather conditions or some maintenance work, traffic congestion or other operational reasons, train timings often fluctuate leaving the traveller in stress and confusion.
The problem of train delays gets intense when the person concerned is working on a tight schedule. The delay may lead to missing an important event which can snowball into professional or personal loss.
In this article we will learn what to do when your train timings are abruptly altered at the last moment.
Where is my Train?
A major part of solving the problem lies in understanding it first. Fluctuations in Train Timings follow the same trajectory. Before we fix the problem of train delays, we need to find the answer to the question: Where is my Train?
Live Train Running Status
Live Train Running Status is a tool that tracks the train’s location in real time and answers the question, where is my train? This service helps us keep track of expected Train Timings as in Arrivals/Departures, Halt Time, Live Location and even Platform Number.
With this tool we can be aware of the Train Timings from anywhere. This helps us anticipate any delay beforehand and prepare accordingly.
How to check where is my Train?
You can easily check your train’s location and Train Timings using the Live Train Running Status tool. This feature is easily available at RailRestro, just follow these simple steps:
- Go to RailRestro.com or install the dedicated Application available on both Android and iOS.
- Click on the Rail Tools drop down button and select the Train Running Status option.
- Enter Train Name or Number.
- Click Check Status
You can easily access your Live Train Status now.
When train timings fluctuate
We have already discussed the Train Running Status and its utility in the previous section. We are now going to look at other things you should do when your Train Timings are modified abruptly:
- When delay time is small
When the delay time is small, we should wait for some time or do some other chores like booking some snacks or a cup of coffee for your train journey.
- Check PNR Status
If your ticket booking has not been confirmed, you should continuously Check PNR Status. When the Train Timings are delayed, most of the time it has a positive impact on your Booking Status.
Passenger Name Record (PNR) Number is a 10 digit unique number assigned to every booking with Indian Railways. One can check PNR Status to check the status of their booking, i.e., Confirmed (CNF), Waitlisted (WL), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), etc.
Many people cancel their tickets when Train Timings oscillate. This might help in confirming your Waitlisted ticket. All this information is available, when you Check PNR Status.
- When delay time is huge
If the delay is long, it is advised that a new train booking should be done. This is especially true for people running on a busy timetable.
It is worth noting here that if the delay time exceeds 3 hours, then the passenger can receive 100% refund on their ticket from Indian Railways.
- Checking Alternative Trains
If the delay is too long and you have decided to switch trains, then it becomes important to look at the Train Timings of alternatives. To check the train timings of the alternative trains you should look at two important tools: Train Schedule and Train Running Status.
Train Schedule gives the train time table of all the trains and can be used to check the status of alternate trains running on the route. Live Train Running Status gives a real time picture of those trains, thus you can adjust if alternative trains are going through delays.
Conclusion
In this article we learnt about tackling delays in train timings. We found how to cope up with abrupt shifts in timings and different tools like Train Running Status, Train Schedule and how to Check PNR Status.
With the aid of these tools we can tackle any last-minute changes in train timings. Not only these tools and tricks minimize the anxiety caused due to train delays but would help in enhancing the quality of travel experience on Indian Railways.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How to check if train timings have been delayed?
Ans: You can check your train timings and real time location through the Train Running Status tool. Go to RailRestro.com or download the app. From the Rail Tools drop down button select Train Running Status. Enter Train Name/Number and hit Check Status.
- What to do if train timings have been delayed?
Ans: If the delay is of short duration, you should wait. If the duration is too long, look for other alternative trains.
- How to check train timings of alternatives running on the route?
Ans: You can check Train Timings of alternatives through the use of Train Schedule and Live Train Running Status tools. Train Schedule gives official timings while Train Running Status gives real timings with delays and before time arrivals.
- How to find the platform at which train will arrive?
Ans: You can use the Live Train Running Status tool to find the platform at which the train will arrive.
