Indian Railways Suspends Fifty-Six Trains Across North India This Winter, Including Chandigarh-Amritsar Express, Due to Dense Fog and Safety Concerns: New Update

Published on December 2, 2025

In a crucial move to enhance passenger safety during the winter fog season, Indian Railways has announced the suspension of fifty-six trains across North India from December 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026. Among the key cancellations is the popular Chandigarh-Amritsar Express, a vital link for daily commuters and long-distance travelers in the region. The decision, prompted by the hazards posed by dense fog and low visibility, aims to mitigate the risk of accidents, reduce delays, and ensure the smooth operation of the remaining services. These measures are part of Indian Railways’ ongoing effort to manage safety risks and maintain operational stability during one of the most challenging seasons for rail travel.

Indian Railways has announced the suspension of 56 trains across North India between December 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026, as part of its strategy to manage the safety risks posed by dense winter fog. Among the suspended services is the Chandigarh-Amritsar Express, a key route for travelers in the region. The move aims to prevent accidents and delays caused by low visibility, which significantly hampers safe train operations during the foggy winter months. The cancellations will primarily affect routes through Punjab and neighboring states, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.

Why Are These Cancellations Necessary?

The decision to cancel select trains comes as part of Indian Railways’ routine fog-season preparedness plan. During the winter months, thick fog reduces visibility, which in turn increases the likelihood of accidents, including collisions and derailments. To mitigate this, the railways have opted to temporarily suspend a number of trains in the affected regions. The reduced services help avoid delays, ensure safety, and prevent cascading disruptions across the larger railway network.

Officials noted that by limiting the number of trains operating during periods of poor visibility, they can ensure the safety of the remaining trains that continue to run. Additionally, fewer trains on the tracks allow dispatchers to manage the situation more effectively and reduce the chance of delays and accidents caused by sudden changes in visibility.

Impacts on Commuters and Affected Routes

The cancellation of the Chandigarh-Amritsar Express, along with other long-distance services, will significantly affect daily commuters and travelers on major intercity routes. The loss of this and other key services means that travelers between major destinations such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, Vaishno Devi, and Rajasthan will face significant disruption.

Regular commuters from Chandigarh to Amritsar, for example, will lose a direct and efficient travel option for work, family visits, and pilgrimages, forcing them to seek alternative means of transportation, such as buses or different trains. Similarly, travelers from Amritsar to cities like Kolkata, Varanasi, and Rajasthan will be impacted, as many long-distance services are among those suspended for the season.

Key trains that will be suspended include:

• Garib Rath Express (12207/12208): Chandigarh – Amritsar (December 9 – February 24)
• Yognagari Jammu Tawi Express (14606/14605): Chandigarh/Jalandhar – Jammu (December 7 – February 22)
• Lalkuan-Amritsar Express (14615/14616): Amritsar – Uttarakhand (December 6 – January 28)
• Jan Sewa Express (14617/14618): Punjab – Uttarakhand (December 3 – March 2)
• Kalka–Vaishno Devi Express (14503/14504): Kalka – Katra (December 2 – February 28)
• Nangal Dam Express (14505/14506): Nangal – Ambala – Delhi (December 1 – February 28)
• Amritsar–Chandigarh Express (14541/14542): Amritsar – Chandigarh (December 1 – February 28)
• Amritsar–Ajmer Express (19611/19614): Amritsar – Rajasthan (December 5 – March 1)
• Akal Takht Express (12317/12318): Amritsar – Kolkata (December 7 – February 24)
• Durgyana Express (12357/12358): Amritsar – Varanasi (December 6 – February 28)
• Intercity Express (14681/14682): Jalandhar – New Delhi (December 1 – March 1)

These suspensions will leave passengers from various parts of Punjab, Haryana, and the wider North India region scrambling for alternative routes. The changes will particularly affect those relying on overnight and evening trains for work and connecting services.

Managing Fog: Safety Protocols and Passenger Advice

For the trains that remain operational during the fog season, stricter safety protocols will be enforced. These include slower speeds through areas with low visibility, as well as the use of anti-fog devices on certain trains, where available. These measures aim to minimize the risk of accidents while still allowing for the continued operation of services.

Indian Railways is advising passengers to stay informed about their travel schedules via official helplines, mobile apps, and online status updates. With trains frequently being rescheduled or cancelled, passengers are strongly encouraged to verify their train status before heading to the station. Those traveling to or from stations like Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar, which are most affected, should be particularly vigilant.

Indian Railways has suspended fifty-six trains across North India this winter, including the Chandigarh-Amritsar Express, due to dense fog and safety concerns, aiming to reduce accident risks and maintain operational efficiency.

The temporary suspension of 56 trains across North India this winter underscores the challenges posed by dense fog and the need for strict safety measures. While the cancellations will cause disruptions for many, the move is essential to ensure passenger safety and prevent accidents. Commuters and long-distance travelers are advised to explore alternative travel options and regularly check for updates on train schedules to minimize the impact of these seasonal changes. With Indian Railways taking these precautionary steps, passengers can be assured that the goal is to maintain the integrity of the railway network while reducing risks during one of the most hazardous seasons for rail travel.