Indian Railways Update 2026: The Indian Railways has brought significant relief to millions of rail passengers. Accepting a long-standing demand, the Railways has decided to convert 10 major superfast trains into the regular express category. Effective mid-April, this decision will reduce fares on these trains, reducing the burden on ordinary passengers.

The primary objective of this move is to rationalize fares, as these trains had the same speed as regular express trains due to their frequent stoppages, but passengers had to pay an additional superfast fare.

Train Numbers to Change in April

This new railway system will be implemented on various dates between April 13 and April 16, 2026. Along with the change in category, the old numbers of all these trains will also be changed. For example, the Vibhuti Express (12334) from Prayagraj Rambagh to Howrah will now operate with the new number 13048 from April 14. Similarly, the Vibhuti Express from Howrah to Prayagraj Rambagh will be renumbered 13047, effective April 13.

The famous Netaji Express (12311) from Howrah to Kalka will now operate with the new number 13051, effective April 13. The Netaji Express (12312) from Kalka to Howrah will be renumbered 13052, effective April 15. There are no changes to the routes and stoppages of these trains; only their technical categories and fare slabs have been changed.

Fare Reduction

Currently, the Railways charges an additional “Superfast Surcharge” for passengers on Superfast class trains in general, sleeper, and AC coaches. For example, trains like the Vibhuti Express previously charged ₹30 for sleeper class and ₹45 for AC III and AC II coaches. After April 13th, these trains will be completely removed from the Superfast tag.

Passengers have long argued that it is unfair to impose additional charges on these trains when they stop at dozens of stations and their average speed does not meet the Superfast standards. The Railways have now decided to address this discrepancy and provide direct fare relief to ordinary passengers.

Changes to the Upasana, Kumbh, and Himgiri Expresses

The Howrah-Dehradun Upasana Express (12327/12328) and Howrah-Dehradun Kumbh Express (12369/12370), which run via Varanasi and Lucknow, have now been included in the General Express category. The Upasana Express will have new numbers 13035 and 13036, while the Kumbh Express will run with new numbers 13037 and 13038.

Similarly, the Howrah-Jammu Tawi Himgiri Express has been renumbered to 13041 and 13042. Due to the large number of stoppages on all these trains, their travel times were often similar to those of regular express trains. The Railways believes this decision will make the fare structure more reasonable and result in economic savings, especially for long-distance travellers.

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