Train Cancellation 2026-27: These Express Trains May Remain Suspended From December to February
Indian Railways Train Cancellation 2026: Passengers planning railway journeys during the upcoming winter season should check their train schedules carefully. Several long-distance express services have reportedly been identified for temporary suspension between December 2026 and February 2027 because of anticipated fog-related operational difficulties.
Dense fog during winter frequently affects railway operations across northern India, particularly in December and January. Poor visibility can cause delays, changes in train schedules and, in some cases, temporary cancellation of selected services.
According to a recently published report, trains operating on routes connecting Tatanagar, Amritsar, Santragachi, Anand Vihar, Sealdah and Ajmer are among those affected by the proposed winter cancellation schedule.
However, passengers should verify the exact cancellation dates through official Indian Railways services before changing travel arrangements.
Indian Railways Winter Train Cancellation 2026-27: Full List
The following trains and suspension periods have been mentioned in the supplied report.
| Train Number | Train Name / Route | Reported Cancellation Period |
|---|---|---|
| 18103 | Tatanagar–Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express | December 2, 2026 – February 4, 2027 |
| 18104 | Amritsar–Tatanagar Jallianwala Bagh Express | December 4, 2026 – February 26, 2027 |
| 22857 | Santragachi–Anand Vihar Express | December 7, 2026 – February 22, 2027 |
| 22858 | Anand Vihar–Santragachi Express | December 8, 2026 – February 23, 2027 |
| 12988 | Ajmer–Sealdah Express | Selected days between December 1, 2026 and February 27, 2027 |
| 12987 | Sealdah–Ajmer Express | Selected days between December 2, 2026 and February 28, 2027 |
Important: These are reported cancellation periods, not independently verified official railway orders. Some services may operate only on specified days, so a date range does not necessarily mean cancellation on every day within that period.
Tatanagar–Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express Cancellation
The Jallianwala Bagh Express connects Tatanagar with Amritsar and serves passengers travelling between eastern and northern India.
According to the supplied schedule, Train No. 18103, operating from Tatanagar towards Amritsar, is listed for suspension beginning December 2, 2026.
The report gives February 4, 2027, as the end of its cancellation period.
Meanwhile, Train No. 18104, operating from Amritsar towards Tatanagar, is reportedly affected from December 4, 2026, until February 26, 2027.
There is a substantial difference between the reported end dates for the two directions.
Passengers should therefore verify these dates carefully against the relevant railway notification rather than assuming both services will resume simultaneously.
Travellers with plans involving intermediate stations should check the status of their particular train and journey date.
Santragachi–Anand Vihar Express Cancellation
The Santragachi–Anand Vihar route is another service mentioned in the winter suspension report.
Train No. 22857 is reportedly scheduled to remain suspended from December 7, 2026, until February 22, 2027.
In the opposite direction, Train No. 22858 is listed for suspension from December 8, 2026, until February 23, 2027.
These services connect eastern India with the Delhi region.
Passengers planning to travel during the Christmas and New Year holiday period may need to consider alternative trains if the reported cancellations are officially implemented.
However, the availability of replacement services will depend on the route, travel date and reservation status.
Sealdah–Ajmer Express: Selected Weekly Services Affected
The supplied report also mentions changes involving the Sealdah–Ajmer Express.
Train No. 12988, operating from Ajmer to Sealdah, is reportedly affected on three days each week between December 1, 2026, and February 27, 2027.
Train No. 12987, operating from Sealdah to Ajmer, is reportedly affected on three days each week between December 2, 2026, and February 28, 2027.
Unlike a complete suspension across an entire period, these reported changes concern selected weekly operating days.
The source does not identify the exact weekdays affected.
Therefore, passengers should not assume that every service within the listed date range is cancelled.
The correct operating dates must be confirmed using the train number and intended journey date.
Why Does Indian Railways Cancel Trains During Winter?
Fog is a recurring operational challenge for Indian Railways during the winter months.
In parts of northern India, visibility can deteriorate significantly during early mornings and late nights.
Railway operations must account for signal visibility, safe train movement and the conditions along affected routes.
When several trains experience delays, the disruption can affect the availability of coaches, locomotives and operating crews for subsequent journeys.
In certain circumstances, railway authorities may temporarily suspend selected services to manage the network more effectively.
However, winter cancellation decisions are not necessarily identical every year.
The affected trains, operating dates and restoration schedules can change depending on official operational assessments.
How to Check Whether Your Train Is Cancelled
Passengers should use official railway channels to confirm train status before travelling.
The National Train Enquiry System (NTES) provides information about train operations, including cancellations and changes in running status.
To check a train:
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Visit the official NTES website at https://enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/.
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Open the train cancellation or relevant enquiry section.
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Enter the train number or select the required date.
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Review the available operational information.
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Check again closer to departure for any further changes.
Passengers can also contact the Indian Railways enquiry helpline at 139.
Those using the IRCTC booking platform should review the train's availability and booking status for the intended journey.
What Happens If a Confirmed Train Is Cancelled?
Passengers holding tickets for a train that is officially cancelled may be eligible for refunds under the applicable Indian Railways and IRCTC rules.
For fully cancelled trains, eligible e-ticket refunds are generally processed automatically through the prescribed system.
However, refund procedures may differ depending on the ticket type, booking method and circumstances of cancellation.
Passengers should check the official refund rules before submitting a request or cancelling a ticket themselves.
If a train is partially cancelled, diverted or rescheduled, different provisions may apply.
Travellers should avoid relying on unofficial agents or messages offering to process refunds in exchange for banking details.
What Should Passengers Do Before Booking Winter Travel?
Winter railway travel requires additional planning because fog-related disruptions may affect arrival and departure times.
Passengers should check the current timetable before making hotel reservations or arranging connecting journeys.
Those planning to attend weddings, examinations, business meetings or other time-sensitive events may wish to allow additional travel time.
If a particular train is suspended, passengers can search for alternative services on the same route.
They should also confirm whether the alternative train stops at their required destination.
During popular travel periods, confirmed berths may be difficult to obtain on certain routes.
Early planning can therefore help reduce inconvenience.
Will All Trains Be Cancelled Between December and February?
No. The reported suspension schedule concerns selected train services.
Indian Railways continues to operate a large number of passenger trains throughout winter.
Even on fog-affected routes, some trains may operate normally while others experience delays, diversions or cancellations.
The operational status of one train should not be used to determine the status of another service.
Passengers should check each train individually.
Final Update
Several express trains have reportedly been included in a winter suspension schedule covering December 2026 to February 2027.
The services mentioned include the Tatanagar–Amritsar Jallianwala Bagh Express, Santragachi–Anand Vihar Express and Sealdah–Ajmer Express.
Some are reported to face extended suspensions, while others may be cancelled only on selected operating days.
Before booking or beginning a journey, passengers should verify their train number and travel date through NTES, IRCTC or railway helpline 139.
Editorial note: The cancellation periods above are reproduced as reported information, not confirmed railway notifications. In particular, the unusually different end dates for trains 18103 and 18104, and the unspecified weekly cancellation days for trains 12987 and 12988, require official verification before publication as final schedules.