Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12 (ANI): In response to the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, Western Railway has announced the deployment of additional trains from Ahmedabad to help ease the travel disruptions caused by the shutdown of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London and carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon.
The suspension of all flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport prompted immediate action by the Indian Railways. Western Railway confirmed in a statement that extra trains to Mumbai and Delhi are currently being planned, with more services to be added based on passenger demand.
“In response to the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, the Disaster Management Team of Western Railway is actively extending full support in relief and rescue operations at the site while maintaining close coordination with the State,” the statement read.
Western Railway has dispatched its Disaster Management Team, medical personnel, and Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff to support ongoing rescue efforts. These teams are assisting the Gujarat government, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency response units at the crash site.
The Gujarat government has mobilized three NDRF teams—comprising 90 personnel—from Gandhinagar to the crash zone in Meghani Nagar, where the aircraft went down just minutes after takeoff at 1:38 PM.
According to Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathore, the aircraft crashed into a doctors’ hostel, located just outside the airport’s perimeter wall. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, are engaged in full-scale rescue operations.
The Ahmedabad City Police has issued a dedicated emergency helpline number: 079-25620359, for assistance and information regarding the crash. Citizens are encouraged to use the helpline for verified updates and emergency support.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) continues to lead the official investigation into the crash. Meanwhile, Air India and central government agencies remain on high alert, coordinating efforts to support the affected families and restore operational stability in the region.
Further updates on relief trains, airport status, and casualty figures are expected as the situation develops. (ANI)
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