Indian Railways is converting numerous special train services into permanent categories to ensure passengers benefit from standard ticket pricing. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2026, that the national carrier successfully regularized 245 train services between 2024-25 and June 2026. While special trains with reserved accommodation traditionally operated at higher fare structures than regular scheduled trains, fully second-class unreserved special trains maintain the same fare as regular second-class unreserved scheduled services. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the regularization of 245 train services in the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2026.
Recent operational updates highlight this ongoing transition across various railway zones. On August 14, 2026, Central Railway announced the regularization of five special trains effective August 15, 2026. To accommodate growing travel demand, Central Railway also extended the service period for 216 special trains, which comprise 150 daily and 66 weekly services, with reservations opening on July 5, 2026.
Festive Special Services and Regional Capacity
Regional authorities have further expanded capacity to manage festive surges efficiently. On August 21, 2026, Southern Railway introduced Onam special trains between Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram North, operating as Train Nos. 06575/06576 and 06579/06580 from August 22 to August 30, 2026, with bookings opening at 8 AM on August 21. At the same time, Central Railway approved a Mumbai LTT to Thiruvananthapuram special service operating as Train No. 01463, departing on August 23 with a return trip on August 29. Passengers traveling on these routes can easily access unreserved tickets for applicable coaches at standard charges through the UTS system.