Central Railway may drop superfast status of 18 long-distance trains from January 1, 2027

Central Railway has begun preparations to withdraw the superfast status of 18 select long-distance trains. From January 1, 2027, these trains are likely to run as ordinary express services instead of superfast ones. Passengers' fares could therefore come down to some extent. The numbers of these trains will also change. People travelling between Mumbai, Pune and other cities will need to familiarise themselves with the changes.

Central Railway is reported to be making the change in line with Railway Board guidelines. The trains include several important services that run from Maharashtra and connect the state with various cities across the country. Some trains departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai will be affected. Trains running from Pune are not spared either.

The list of changes includes the CSMT-Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express, the CSMT-Pune Pragati Express, the CSMT-Banaras Mahanagari Express and the LTT-Ayodhya Cantt Tulsi Express. The LTT-Thiruvananthapuram North Express, the LTT-Karmali AC Express, the CSMT-Chennai Express, the LTT-Banaras Express and the Pune-Kazipet Express are also said to be among the proposed changes.

The decision will affect services in both directions of the trains concerned. The 18 services are said to come from 8 pairs of trains linking Mumbai and Pune with cities in Maharashtra and other states.

Travelling by a superfast train requires a separate superfast charge on top of the basic fare. If a train loses its superfast status and runs as an ordinary express, this additional charge will not apply under the rules. Passengers on these 18 trains are therefore expected to get some relief on fares. The change could matter to those who frequently travel long distances.

However, how much the fare falls will depend on the fare rules applicable to each train and the type of ticket. It cannot be assumed that every passenger will save the same amount on a ticket.

Along with the withdrawal of superfast status, train numbers are also to be changed. Passengers will therefore need to check the revised train number for their date of travel, rather than rely only on the name of the train.

Passengers should keep a few things in mind. They should check the official information on the changes taking effect from January 1, 2027. When booking a ticket, they should verify the revised train number and the date of travel. Those who have already reserved should check their reservation status and whether anything has changed in the train's details. They should plan their journey only after Central Railway announces the official list of new train numbers.

Overall, passengers on the 18 long-distance trains are likely to get relief from the additional superfast charge because of Central Railway's proposed change. It is necessary to check Central Railway's official notification for the revised train numbers and the actual fares.