Indian Railways has introduced extensive modifications to its train services during the peak winter fog period, which includes full cancellations, partial cancellations, and reduced-frequency services scheduled from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Officials state that these measures are essential for maintaining safe and dependable operations as visibility significantly decreases during winter nights. The East Central Railway has issued a notification detailing more than 24 long-distance express trains that will be completely cancelled, along with numerous others that will operate on limited days. Railway authorities have termed this initiative a “safety-first winter protocol,” highlighting that fog-related disruptions frequently impact signaling systems and train operations.
A total of 24 major express trains, such as the Prayagraj–Muzaffarpur Express, Upasana Express, Ambala–Barauni Harihar Express, and Dibrugarh–Chandigarh Express, will be entirely suspended throughout the winter period. The complete list includes: Train No. 14112 / 14111 Prayagraj Jn.–Muzaffarpur Express, Train No. 22198 / 22197 Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi)–Kolkata Express, Train No. 12327 / 12328 Howrah–Dehradun Upasana Express, Train No. 14003 / 14004 Malda Town–New Delhi Express, Train No. 14523 / 14524 Barauni–Ambala Harihar Express, Train No. 14617 / 14618 Purnia Court–Amritsar Jansewa Express, Train No. 15903 / 15904 Dibrugarh–Chandigarh Express, Train No. 15619 / 15620 Gaya–Kamakhya Express, Train No. 15621 / 15622 Kamakhya–Anand Vihar Express, Train No. 12873 / 12874 Hatia–Anand Vihar Express, Train No.
22857 / 22858 Santragachi–Anand Vihar Express, and Train No. 18103 / 18104 Tatanagar–Amritsar Express. These cancellations will occur on various dates until late February or early March. Additionally, several trains will run fewer days each week, with specific weekday cancellations for certain routes.
These include the Gwalior–Barauni Express (11123/24), which is cancelled on Mondays and Thursdays (up) and Tuesdays and Fridays (down); the Ajmer–Sealdah Express (12987/88), which will be cancelled on selected weekdays; the Howrah–Kathgodam Bagh Express (13019/20), cancelled on Sundays and Tuesdays; the Kolkata–Amritsar Express (12317/18 & 12357/58), with cancellations on designated weekdays; the Garib Rath Express (22405/06), cancelled mid-week; the North East Express (12505/06), which will be cancelled on Sundays, Wednesdays, Tuesdays, and Fridays depending on direction; the Sikkim Mahananda Express (15483/84), cancelled on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Fridays, and Mondays; the New Jalpaiguri–New Delhi Express (12523/24), cancelled midweek; and the Avadh Assam Express (15909/10), cancelled on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Services such as the Patliputra–Lucknow, Patliputra–Gorakhpur, and Triveni Express will also face cancellations on multiple weekdays until February. Railway officials indicated that these changes are informed by historical fog patterns and past operational experiences. A few trains will only operate on part of their usual routes, such as the Howrah–Mathura Chambal Express (12177/78), which will not run between Agra Cantt and Mathura Junction from early December to late February. Passengers are advised to verify updated schedules prior to their travels. “Dense fog significantly hampers visibility and train control systems. These operational adjustments specific to winter are aimed at ensuring passenger safety,” stated Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer.
