Poorva Express: New Delhi Terminal and Schedule Changes
Northern Railway has revised the Poorva Express schedule and terminal locations due to New Delhi station redevelopment. Check new timings here.
The legendary Poorva Express, a name synonymous with the history of Indian luxury travel, is undergoing significant operational adjustments. As Northern Railway moves forward with a massive redevelopment project at the New Delhi Railway Station, several trains, including this iconic service, will see changes in their arrival, departure, and terminal locations.
A Legacy of Luxury: From Deluxe to LHB
The Poorva Express holds a unique place in the history of Indian Railways. Originally launched in 1956 as the Deluxe Express, it was the nation's very first fully air-conditioned service, connecting major hubs like Amritsar, Howrah, and Bombay via New Delhi. While the introduction of the Rajdhani Express later shifted its premium status, the train remains a vital link for passengers traveling via Gaya or Patna.
Over the decades, the train has evolved from its classic maroon-cream coaches to standard blue ICF carriages, eventually receiving an upgrade to modern LHB coaches in April 2013.
Detailed Schedule and Terminal Revisions
To manage congestion and facilitate the station upgrades, Northern Railway has implemented the following specific changes for the Poorva Express services:
- Train No. 12381: Effective October 28, 2026, this train will arrive at New Delhi Railway Station at 06:20 AM and depart at 06:45 AM. The journey will now extend to Shakurbasti, with an expected arrival at 07:20 AM.
- Train No. 12382: Starting October 30, 2026, the return service will depart from Shakurbasti at 04:35 PM and from New Delhi at 05:15 PM.
- Train No. 12303 (from Howrah): Effective October 30, 2026, this service will arrive at New Delhi at 06:20 AM (previously 06:05 AM) and depart at 06:45 AM, continuing to Shakurbasti at 07:20 AM.
- Train No. 12304: The terminal for this service has been officially shifted from New Delhi to Shakurbasti, effective October 29, 2026.
Why the Changes are Happening
These modifications are part of a broader plan affecting 45 trains to ensure smooth operations during the New Delhi Railway Station redevelopment project. The shifts are designed to mitigate congestion and allow critical construction work to proceed efficiently at the main terminal.
Railway officials have advised all passengers traveling on these routes to verify updated schedules and terminal information through official channels prior to their journey.