Major Railway Service Adjustments for Winter Fog Season
The Indian Railways has announced significant service modifications across northern regions in anticipation of severe fog conditions this winter. From December 1 to February 28, the national transporter will implement precautionary measures affecting numerous train services to ensure passenger safety during reduced visibility periods.
Extensive Cancellations and Frequency Reductions
According to ECR chief public relations officer Saraswati Chandra, at least 24 regular mail and express trains operating within the East Central Railway jurisdiction face complete cancellation. Additionally, the frequency of 28 other trains will be reduced during this three-month period.
The decision follows meteorological forecasts predicting dense fog blankets across large parts of north India, particularly affecting the busy Prayagraj-Tundla section of the North Central Railway and other northern corridors.
Important Trains Affected by Winter Schedule
Among the significant trains cancelled are:
- Prayagraj-Muzaffarpur Express
- Howrah-Dehradun Upasna Express
- Kolkata-Birangna Laxmibai Jhansi Express
- Malda Town-New Delhi Express
- Barauni-Ambala Express
- Purnia Court-Amritsar Janseva Express
- Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express
- Kamakhya-Gaya Express
- Hatia-Anand Vihar Express
- Tata-Amritsar Express
Trains experiencing frequency reductions include:
- Gwalior-Barauni Express
- Ajmer-Sealdah Express
- Howrah-Kathgodam Bagh Express
- Kolkata-Amritsar Express
- Bhagalpur-Anand Vihar Express
- Kamakhya-Anand Vihar Express
- Patliputra-Lucknow Express
- Patliputra-Gorakhpur Express
- Dibrugarh-Lalgarh Awadh Express
Passenger Advisory and Safety Measures
The railway administration has emphasized that these adjustments form part of mandatory winter precautionary protocols aimed at minimizing delays, preventing operational hazards, and maintaining the highest safety standards for travelers.
Winter fog often results in major disruptions with trains running several hours late due to low visibility, explained CPRO Chandra. The railways has consequently advised all passengers to verify updated schedules before planning their journeys and to anticipate adjustments in arrival and departure timings throughout the fog-affected season.
Beyond long-distance services, several passenger trains will also operate with reduced frequency as part of the comprehensive winter management strategy. Railway officials stress that these proactive measures, while potentially inconvenient, are essential for ensuring reliable service delivery and passenger protection during challenging weather conditions.
