18 Trains Lose Superfast Status: Cheaper Fares from 2027
Indian Railways will reclassify 18 trains as Ordinary Express from Jan 2027, leading to lower ticket prices for passengers.
In a major update for long-distance travelers, 18 trains lose superfast status starting January 1, 2027. The Railway Board has decided to reclassify these services as 'Ordinary Express' trains following a comprehensive performance review.
Why the Reclassification is Happening
The decision stems from a failure to meet the mandatory speed requirements set by the Railway Board. To retain the prestigious 'Superfast' designation, a train must maintain a minimum average speed of 55 km/h. Since these specific services were unable to hit this benchmark, they will be downgraded to the ordinary express category.
Good News for Passengers: Lower Ticket Fares
While the speed designation is changing, the reclassification brings significant financial relief to passengers. Because these trains will no longer charge a superfast surcharge, ticket prices will drop across various travel classes:
- Sleeper Class: Passengers will save approximately ₹30.
- AC Classes (3AC, 3AC Economy, 2AC, and AC Chair Car): Travelers will see a reduction of ₹45.
- First AC and Executive Class: Savings will be up to ₹75 per ticket.
Affected Trains and Regional Impact
The changes will impact several key routes connecting major regions such as Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and various Central Railway zones. Some of the prominent trains included in this list are:
- Purnagiri Jan Shatabdi Express
- Sapt Kranti Express
- Shramjeevi Express
- Pragati Express (CSMT–Pune)
- Mahanagari Express (CSMT–Banaras)
- Tulsi Express (LTT–Ayodhya Cantt)
New Train Numbers and Booking Information
Alongside the change in status, the Railway Board has confirmed that all 18 affected trains will be assigned new identification numbers. While the existing schedules and stopping patterns are expected to remain exactly the same, passengers must be cautious during the transition.
The Railway Board advises all commuters to verify the updated train numbers when booking tickets through IRCTC or NTES for any travel scheduled on or after January 1, 2027, to ensure a smooth booking process.