Air India tragedy: Railways to run special Vande Bharat trains to evacuate stranded passengers in Ahmedabad

PM Modi called the incident heartbreaking and said he has been in touch with ministers and authorities in Ahmedabad.

Hours after the crash of Air India Flight AI171 near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Indian Railways announced on Thursday plans to run Special Vande Bharat trains to assist in the evacuation of stranded passengers and their families.

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India 171, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Following the tragic incident, Western Railway said: "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 aircraft issued a mayday call shortly after departure but lost contact with Air Traffic Control soon after. It crashed outside the airport perimeter near the Meghaninagar area. Visuals showed thick black smoke rising from the site, with seven fire engines rushed to control the blaze. All flight operations at the airport have been suspended.

PM Modi called the incident heartbreaking and said he has been in touch with ministers and authorities in Ahmedabad. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Modi said.