Extreme heat and ongoing track maintenance have slowed down train operations across several sections of the Indian Railways. On Sunday, June 28, 2026, more than 18 mail, express, and passenger trains passing through Mathura Junction ran behind schedule. This caused passengers to wait for several hours on the platforms.
Which trains were most affected by the delays
The Hirakud Express faced the maximum delay of 6 hours and 27 minutes. Other trains also ran late, including the Huzur Nanded Sahib Superfast by 3 hours and the Jhelam Express by 1 hour 40 minutes. The following table provides details of the delayed trains on June 28:
| Train Name | Delay Duration |
|---|---|
| Hirakud Express | 6 hours 27 minutes |
| Huzur Nanded Sahib Superfast | 3 hours |
| Jhelam Express | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Agra Cantt Palwal | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Ghaziabad-Mathura Passenger | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Lalgarh-Prayagraj Express | 57 minutes |
| Shakur Basti-Mathura Passenger | 57 minutes |
| Intercity Express | 50 minutes |
| Amritsar CST Express | 25 minutes |
Why are trains running slow in summer
Railway officials stated that extreme heat can cause tracks to expand or buckle, which creates a safety risk. To prevent accidents, trains are operated with speed restrictions. Additionally, doubling and non-interlocking work in the Agra Division of North Central Railway, and yard remodeling at Prayagraj station, have contributed to the delays. In the Bikaner Division, automatic signaling work is also affecting the schedule.
What steps has Indian Railways taken for passengers
To help passengers cope with the heat, Indian Railways has arranged cold drinking water, ORS packets, and medical teams at stations like Prayagraj. To manage the summer vacation rush, the railway has extended the duration of several special trains until July and August. South Eastern Railway has also increased the number of summer special trains for destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ajmer from Ranchi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are trains running slow during the summer months?
Extreme heat causes railway tracks to expand or buckle, which is dangerous. To ensure safety, the railways impose speed restrictions on trains during this period.
Which stations and divisions are currently most affected by track work?
Mathura Junction, Hapur, and Jalandhar stations are affected. Major work is happening in the Agra Division (North Central Railway), Bikaner Division, and Prayagraj station.