18 Trains to Lose Superfast Status: Cheaper Fares Coming!
Indian Railways will strip Superfast status from 18 trains by 2027 due to low speeds, leading to cheaper ticket prices for passengers.
In a major move that will benefit frequent commuters, Indian Railways has announced the Superfast status removal for 18 long-distance train services, effective January 1, 2027. This significant policy shift is expected to result in lower ticket prices for passengers across various travel classes.
Why the Superfast Status is Being Removed
The decision follows a detailed speed assessment conducted by Central Railway and West Central Railway. According to official railway guidelines, a train must maintain a minimum average speed of 55 kilometers per hour throughout its entire route to qualify for the 'Superfast' designation and the associated surcharge.
The comprehensive review concluded that nine pairs of trains failed to meet this mandatory speed threshold. As a result, these services will no longer be classified as superfast.
Cheaper Ticket Prices for Passengers
While the loss of the 'Superfast' tag might seem like a downgrade, it brings a major financial advantage to travelers. Because these trains will no longer carry the 'Superfast' classification, the additional superfast surcharge will be removed from the fare structure. This reduction will apply to all accommodations, including:
- Sleeper Class
- AC Classes (1AC, 2AC, 3AC)
- All other reserved categories
Key Trains and New Train Numbers
As part of the transition, several prominent trains will also undergo changes to their identification numbers. Dr. Shivam Sharma, CPRO, confirmed that the modification of train numbers is a necessary part of this reclassification process.
Major Changes to Train Numbers:
- Mahanagari Express (Mumbai CSMT – Banaras): Will transition from numbers 22177 and 22178 to 11093 and 11094.
- Tulsi Express (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – Ayodhya Cantt): Will change from 22129 and 22130 to 11065 and 11066.
- Banaras-Lokmanya Tilak Express: Will shift from 12167 and 12168 to 11067 and 11068.
Other affected services include the Pragati Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and the Mumbai-Chennai Superfast Express.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers are advised to verify updated train numbers through official railway channels before completing future bookings. The adjusted fare structure, which excludes the Superfast surcharge, will be implemented starting in the new year.