Clone Special Train Fare Table
Fare of the trains running with Humsafar rake will be charged as per Humsafar trains and fare for the train No. 04251/04252 Lucknow-Delhi Clone special will be charged as Jan Shatabdi Express and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for Clone special is 10 days
Jan Shatabdi Express Fare Table – Click Here
Humsafar Trains Fare Table – Click Here
Here’s what you should know about Clone Special Trains in Indian Railways — their fare structure, operating norms, and key passenger experiences:
🚆 What Is a Clone Special Train?
- Clone trains are temporary/reserve services introduced on high-demand routes when the original train is backed up with waitlisted passengers.
- They often carry the same train number as the original service and follow a similar route, but usually run a few hours later.
- Designed to accommodate surplus demand with reserved coaches only (mostly 3AC) and fewer stops than the original.
💰 Fare Structure for Clone Trains
- Clone fares are typically fixed as per Humsafar Express rates (i.e., Mail/Express fare + 15%)
- In certain cases, specific designs are priced like Jan Shatabdi Express fares—for example, Lucknow–Delhi Clone Special.
📋 Fare Calculation Chart (Typical)
While exact numbers vary by route and class, here are the fare models used:
| Train Type | Fare Model |
|---|---|
| Clone (Humsafar-style) | Regular Express + 15% |
| Clone priced as Jan Shatabdi | Regular Jan Shatabdi fare |
- Child fare rules, senior citizen concessions, and Tatkal surcharges apply as per standard adult class fare.
🧾 Booking & Operation Guidelines
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for clone specials is often shorter — e.g. 10 days before departure.
- Rake composition is basic, usually comprising only reserved coaches: AC 3-tier, occasional Sleeper. No unreserved (General) or First class.
- Clone trains are created to absorb waitlisted passengers not accommodated under Vikalp or charting
⚠️ Passenger Experience & Punctuality
Reddit threads reflect widespread passenger concerns:
“Special trains are meant to be the last resort… 5–7 hrs delay is very common… 10–12 hrs in extreme cases.”
“Clone trains… run regularly but never arrive on time… minimum 6 hrs delay
- Clone trains run at low priority—regular priority trains, mail/express, or even goods trains may take precedence on track.
- Facilities on board are often basic and poorly maintained.
✅ TL;DR Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Serve waitlisted passengers on high-demand train routes |
| Fare Type | Mail/Express fare + 15%, or Jan Shatabdi fare depending on route |
| Class Type | Reserved-only: mostly AC 3-tier (and sometimes Sleeper) |
| Reservation ARP | Typically ~10 days |
| Priority Level | Low (prone to significant delays) |
| Passenger Feedback | Puncuality and comfort known to be poor |
🧠 Final Advice
If booking a clone special, keep in mind:
- Expect potential delays—clone trains are frequently delayed by hours.
- Check availability early, as seats are limited to reserved classes only.
- Best suited only when no confirmed seat is available on a regular train, and you cannot travel via Vikalp option.
Would you like help checking fare on a specific clone train or comparing the clone fare with the original train fare for a specific route? I’m here to assist!