Winter Fog Alert: Major Train Cancellations Announced for 2026-27
Indian Railways is making significant operational adjustments to prepare for the upcoming dense fog season. The North Central Railway (NCR) and Northern Railway have announced a series of train cancellations and reduced service frequencies to ensure safe travel and prevent network-wide delays.
These changes are scheduled to take effect from December 2026 and will continue through February and March 2027. The primary objective is to manage the impact of low visibility on train movements and maintain high safety standards during the peak winter months.
Prioritizing Safety and Operational Efficiency
The decision to adjust schedules is a proactive measure to prevent the cascading delays that often occur when fog disrupts the railway network. Officials have emphasized that safety remains the top priority during these months.
Dr. Shivam Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, Prayagraj, stated that the decision was made based on operational requirements and the necessity of maintaining safety standards.
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, CPRO of Northern Railway, added that these measures are intended to prevent massive delays across the entire network. While modern technology like GPS-based Fog Safe Devices is in use, extreme visibility conditions still require trains to operate at significantly reduced speeds or stop altogether, according to loco pilot Chandi Prasad.
List of Cancelled and Impacted Trains
Several key services will see full cancellations or reduced frequencies. Passengers are encouraged to check the specific details for their routes below:
Full Cancellations
- Prayagraj-Muzaffarpur (14112/14111): This service will be completely cancelled throughout the fog season.
- Veerangana Lakshmibai Jhansi-Kolkata (22198/22197): This service will also face full cancellation during the fog period.
Reduced Frequency and Partial Cancellations
- Kanpur Central-Kathgodam Garib Rath Express (12209/12210): Cancelled from December 7, 2026, to March 2, 2027.
- Gorakhpur-Anand Vihar Terminal Humsafar Express (12595/12596): Will not operate three days a week from December 15 to February 15.
- Santragachi-Anand Vihar Terminal Express (22857/22858): 12 trips will be cancelled between December 7 and February 22.
- Yognagari Rishikesh-Jammu Tawi (14605/14606): Subject to specific cancellation periods between December and March.
- Amritsar-Chandigarh Daily Express (14541/14542): Subject to specific cancellation periods between December and March.
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Kalka (14503/14504): Subject to specific cancellation periods between December and March.
Important Travel Advice for Passengers
The Ambala Division of Northern Railway has already halted advance bookings for the affected routes as of October 18, 2026. To avoid inconvenience, travelers are strongly advised to verify their train schedules before heading to the station.
You can check the latest updates through the following methods:
- The National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app.
- Official railway inquiry services.
- By dialing the railway helpline number 139.