Every winter, dense fog blankets North India and throws train schedules into chaos — long delays, rescheduling, and outright cancellations, especially in December and January. If you are travelling in the fog season, here is how to check your train's status and exactly what to do when it is delayed or cancelled.

Why Winter Fog Hits Trains So Hard

Thick fog cuts visibility for loco pilots, so trains must run slower for safety, signals take longer to clear, and schedules pile up. Long-distance trains through the northern plains (Delhi, UP, Bihar, Punjab) are worst affected, sometimes running many hours late or being cancelled or rescheduled in advance.

How to Check If Your Train Is Delayed or Cancelled

Check before you leave for the station — don't assume on-time:

• Live train running status: see your train's current position and expected delay on our live train status tool. Check it the night before and again before leaving.
• PNR status: cancellations and rescheduling reflect on your PNR status.
• Railways also publish daily cancelled/rescheduled/diverted lists in the fog season — but the fastest check is live status for your specific train.

What Refund You Get

• Train cancelled by railways: you get a full refund automatically — no cancellation charge, no TDR needed for an e-ticket. It is credited back to your payment method. See IRCTC refund time.
• Train delayed more than 3 hours and you choose not to travel: you can claim a refund by filing a TDR before the train departs (or within the allowed window). Learn how in how to file a TDR.
• You still travel despite the delay: no refund, but you keep your seat.

What to Do When Your Train Is Late or Cancelled

1. Check live status early and keep re-checking — delays grow through the day.

2. If cancelled, the refund is automatic; plan a backup train, and check seat availability on alternatives.

3. If delayed heavily and you can't wait, file a TDR before departure to protect your refund.

4. Reach the station with buffer time — a "late" train can sometimes make up time and leave earlier than the shown delay.

5. Keep essentials handy — warm clothes, water, snacks, and a power bank for long waits.

Plan Around the Fog

• Prefer daytime departures where possible — fog is worst overnight and early morning.
• Build buffer time into connections and onward plans.
• For critical trips, keep a backup (another train or mode).

Bottom line: in winter fog, always check live train status before leaving; a cancelled train is refunded automatically, a 3-hour-plus delay lets you claim a refund via TDR, and buffer time plus backups keep your trip on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my train is cancelled due to fog?

Check your train's live running status on our live train status tool and your PNR status. Do this the night before and again before leaving, as fog delays and cancellations change through the day.

Do I get a refund if my train is cancelled by railways?

Yes. If the railways cancel the train, you get a full automatic refund with no cancellation charge — no TDR is needed for an e-ticket, and it is credited back to your original payment method.

What if my train is very late and I don't want to travel?

If the train is delayed more than 3 hours and you choose not to travel, you can claim a refund by filing a TDR before departure (within the allowed window).

Which trains are most affected by winter fog?

Long-distance trains through the northern plains — around Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab — are worst hit, sometimes running many hours late or being cancelled or rescheduled in advance.

How can I plan around fog delays?

Prefer daytime departures, keep buffer time for connections, check live status frequently, keep a backup train ready, and carry warm clothes, water and a power bank for long waits.

Travelling this winter? [Check live train status](/live) and [PNR status](/pnr) on ConfirmYatra before you leave.