Alert: New Delhi Train Cancellations & New Festival Specials
Indian Railways has announced a significant series of operational changes, including major train cancellations, schedule revisions, and the introduction of new festival special services to manage passenger flow and upcoming maintenance work.
Major Disruptions at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin
Commuters traveling through the national capital should take note of a major service disruption. All mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations on October 10, 2026, between 04:00 and 14:00, have been cancelled. This decision was made to mitigate heavy traffic congestion expected in the area due to anticipated protests.
Northern Railway Schedule Revisions
In addition to the cancellations, Northern Railway has revised the timings for nine major express and mail trains, primarily affecting routes through Jammu-Katra and Punjab. These changes will be effective on October 17, 18, and 19, 2026.
For example, the Sambalpur Junction-Jammu Tawi Express (Train No. 18309) will see updated timings at Hira Nagar station, arriving at 13:28 and departing at 13:30, before reaching Jammu Tawi at 15:00.
Impact of Mathura Yard Remodeling
Ongoing yard remodeling at Mathura and Bhuteshwar stations is set to cause delays and diversions for several key services on October 9 and 10, 2026. According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mahesh Yadav, the following impacts are expected:
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh-Puri (Train No. 18478): This train will be regulated by 70 minutes on October 9. It will also be diverted, skipping several major stops including Ghaziabad, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Faridabad, Kosikalan, Mathura, and Raja Ki Mandi Junction.
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh-Laxmi Bai Nagar (Train No. 14318): Expect a 65-minute regulation on October 10.
- Amritsar-Nanded (Train No. 12716): This service will face a 120-minute regulation between Amritsar and Sanehwal on October 10.
Relief for Festive Travelers
To accommodate the surge in passenger demand during the festive season, Indian Railways is introducing several special services:
- New Delhi to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra: Reserved festival special trains featuring both AC and sleeper coaches will operate on October 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2026.
- Khadki (Pune) to Hazrat Nizamuddin: Northern Railway will run bi-weekly festival special trains. A total of 28 trips are scheduled to be completed between October 6 and November 20, 2026.