The Ministry of Railways has unveiled the official timetable for the national network, marking a significant upgrade for passengers across India. The release of Trains at a Glance 2026 (TAG 2026) is the 46th edition of this crucial annual publication, serving as the definitive guide for millions of travelers.
Major Speed Boost for Hundreds of Trains
In a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing travel time, Indian Railways has significantly increased the speed of 549 trains in the new schedule. The enhancements vary across zones and time intervals, promising quicker journeys on numerous routes.
The South Western Railway (SWR) zone leads this initiative with speed upgrades for 117 trains, the highest among all zones. It is closely followed by North Western Railway (NWR) with 89 trains and Western Railway (WR) with 80 trains receiving faster schedules. Southern Railway (SR) has 75 trains, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) 36, Eastern Railway (ER) 32, Central Railway (CR) 30, and West Central Railway (WCR) 27 trains in the speed enhancement list.
The scale of time saved is broken down into clear categories. A majority of the trains, 376 to be precise, are now 5 to 15 minutes faster. Furthermore, 105 trains have been accelerated by 16 to 30 minutes, 48 trains by 31 to 59 minutes, and a notable 20 trains now run over 60 minutes quicker than before.
Expansion with New Trains and Upgrades
Beyond speeding up existing services, the 2026 timetable introduces a substantial expansion of the railway network. The national transporter has rolled out 122 new train services, extending the reach and connectivity for passengers.
The new introductions feature a strong focus on modern and premium categories. Leading the pack are 60 new Mail/Express trains. The popular Vande Bharat Express category gets a major boost with 28 new services, while the recently launched Amrit Bharat trains see 26 new additions. The timetable also welcomes two new services each for the Humsafar, Jan Shatabdi, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and the prestigious Rajdhani Express categories.
Additional improvements include the extension of 86 existing train services to new destinations, an increase in the frequency of 8 trains, and the upgrade of 10 Mail/Express services to the Superfast category, offering better amenities and schedules.
A Comprehensive Travel Companion
Trains at a Glance 2026 is more than just a schedule; it is a complete handbook for the Indian rail traveler. The publication provides exhaustive details on the routes and timings of over 1400 important passenger trains, including all premium services.
Passengers can find vital information such as reservation and cancellation procedures, fare charts per kilometer for each class, and the rules and regulations governing train travel. It also elaborates on the passenger amenities available both on trains and at stations, including detailed sections on catering services, menu types, and their rates. Recognizing the growing interest in exploring India by rail, the timetable also incorporates information on rail-based tourism opportunities.
The release of TAG 2026 underscores Indian Railways' continuous efforts to modernize, enhance passenger experience, and strengthen the country's transportation backbone. With focused speed enhancements and strategic network expansion, the new timetable is set to make rail travel faster and more accessible for citizens nationwide.
