train: Indian Railways has announced a sweeping set of changes to train operations during the peak winter fog season, with full cancellations, partial cancellations and reduced-frequency services scheduled between December 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026. Officials say the adjustments are necessary to ensure safe and reliable operations as visibility drops dramatically during winter nights.
The notification, issued by the East Central Railway, lists more than two dozen long-distance express services set to be cancelled entirely, along with a wide range of others running on limited days.
Railway authorities described the move as a “safety-first winter protocol”, emphasising that fog-related delays often affect signalling systems and train movement.
Fully cancelled trains (December 2025 – February 2026)
A total of 24 major express trains, including the Prayagraj–Muzaffarpur Express, Upasana Express, Ambala–Barauni Harihar Express, and the Dibrugarh–Chandigarh Express, will remain completely suspended for the winter period.
The full list includes:
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Train No. 14112 / 14111 Prayagraj Jn.–Muzaffarpur Express
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Train No. 22198 / 22197 Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi)–Kolkata Express
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Train No. 12327 / 12328 Howrah–Dehradun Upasana Express
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Train No. 14003 / 14004 Malda Town–New Delhi Express
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Train No. 14523 / 14524 Barauni–Ambala Harihar Express
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Train No. 14617 / 14618 Purnia Court–Amritsar Jansewa Express
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Train No. 15903 / 15904 Dibrugarh–Chandigarh Express
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Train No. 15619 / 15620 Gaya–Kamakhya Express
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Train No. 15621 / 15622 Kamakhya–Anand Vihar Express
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Train No. 12873 / 12874 Hatia–Anand Vihar Express
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Train No. 22857 / 22858 Santragachi–Anand Vihar Express
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Train No. 18103 / 18104 Tatanagar–Amritsar Express
These cancellations will run through various dates until the end of February or early March.
Reduced-frequency trains
Several trains will operate fewer days per week, with specific weekday cancellations for each route. These include:
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Gwalior–Barauni Express (11123/24): Cancelled on Mondays, Thursdays (up) and Tuesdays, Fridays (down).
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Ajmer–Sealdah Express (12987/88): Cancelled on selected weekdays throughout the winter window.
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Howrah–Kathgodam Bagh Express (13019/20): Cancelled on Sundays and Tuesdays.
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Kolkata–Amritsar Express (12317/18 & 12357/58): Cancelled on designated weekdays.
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Garib Rath Express (22405/06): Cancelled mid-week.
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North East Express (12505/06): Cancelled on Sundays, Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Fridays depending on direction.
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Sikkim Mahananda Express (15483/84): Cancelled on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Fridays and Mondays.
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New Jalpaiguri–New Delhi Express (12523/24): Cancelled midweek.
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Avadh Assam Express (15909/10): Cancelled on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
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Patliputra–Lucknow, Patliputra–Gorakhpur and Triveni Express services: Cancelled on multiple weekdays until February.
Railway officials said these adjustments are based on historical fog patterns and operational experience from previous winters.
Partially cancelled services
A small number of trains will operate only on a portion of their usual route:
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Howrah–Mathura Chambal Express (12177/78): Cancelled between Agra Cantt and Mathura Junction from early December to late February.
Passengers travelling on these routes are advised to check updated schedules before planning their journeys.
‘Safety the top priority’
“Dense fog severely affects visibility and train control systems. These winter-specific operational changes help ensure passenger safety,” said Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer.
