India, Dec. 6 -- Indian Railways has deployed 116 additional coaches across 37 trains to handle a sudden surge in passenger demand following widespread flight cancellations, the Ministry of Railways announced on Friday. The extra coaches will operate on 114 trips to ease crowding and accommodate stranded travellers turning to trains as an alternative.

Southern Railway added the largest share of coaches, increasing capacity on 18 trains from December 6 with additional Chair Car and Sleeper coaches. Northern Railway expanded accommodation on eight trains by deploying 3AC and Chair Car coaches on key high-demand routes, while Western Railway introduced 2AC and 3AC coaches on four services starting December 6.

East Central Railway added ext...