Indian Railways to Renumber 20 Trains to Slash Fares
Starting January 2027, Indian Railways will renumber 20 trains and move them to the Express category to reduce passenger fares.
Indian Railways is set to implement a major overhaul affecting 20 train services across the country. Starting from January 1, 2027, a comprehensive reclassification and renumbering exercise will take place, aimed at making travel more affordable for the general public.
Fare Relief Through Reclassification
The primary driver behind this decision is to provide fare relief to commuters. The railway authorities have decided to transition several services from the 'Superfast' category to the standard 'Express' category. By doing so, the mandatory 'Superfast' surcharges will be eliminated, effectively lowering the ticket prices for passengers traveling on these routes.
Key Trains Impacted by the Change
Several prominent train services will see changes in their numbers and categories. Notable among them is the Shramjeevi Express (12391/12392). Other services undergoing this transition include:
- Magadh Express (20801/20802)
- Ranchi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express (12365/12366)
- Ernakulam Express (22644/22643)
- Raxaul-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express (12545/12546)
- Pataliputra-Chandigarh Express (22355/22356)
Note: For the Pataliputra-Chandigarh service, this specific classification change is scheduled to remain in effect through January 3, 2027.
Important Advisory for Passengers
Because this initiative involves both new train numbers and adjusted fare structures, railway officials have issued a formal advisory. Passengers are strongly urged to verify the updated train numbers and service categories before booking their journeys.
Travelers should consult the official IRCTC website or visit physical reservation counters to confirm the latest schedules and pricing to avoid any confusion during their travel planning.