Clone Train – Indian Railway
- Northern Railway 5 Clone Special Trains List – Click Here
- East Central Railway 5 Clone Special Trains List – Click Here
- Western Railway 5 Clone Special Trains List – Click Here
- South Western Railway 3 Clone Special Trains List – Click Here
- South Central Railway 1 Clone Special Train – Click Here
- Northeast Frontier Railway 1 Clone Special Train – Click Here
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Clone Train Scheme by Indian Railways — launched to help waitlisted passengers during periods of high demand:
🚆 What is a Clone Train?
A clone special train is a duplicate service introduced when the original train—typically on a high-demand route—has a long waiting list. It runs under the same train number as the original service. Key features:
- Run ahead of the original train (usually 1–4 hours earlier)
- Fewer halts, limited to major or operational stations
- Primarily comprised of AC 3-tier coaches, occasionally Sleeper
- Runs only if the original train is full
✅ Key Characteristics
- Follows the same train number as the original
- Serves only waitlisted passengers
- Shorter route halts and higher average speed
- No unreserved/general class coaches
🏃 Speed, Stoppages & Priority
- Designed to reach destination 2–3 hours earlier than the main service
- Operates at higher speeds and with minimal halts (operational or divisional HQ only)
- Clone trains have lower priority on tracks compared to regular express/mail trains and goods services, leading to frequent delays
💰 Fare Structure
- Majority of clone trains (19 of 20 pairs): Fares aligned with Humsafar Express rates
- One pair (e.g., Lucknow–Delhi clone): Priced like Jan Shatabdi Express
- Child fares, senior concessions, and Tatkal rules are applied according to the applicable base fare
📅 Reservation Details
- Advance Reservation Period (ARP): Usually begins 10 days in advance
- Waiting list passengers are allocated seats on the clone after the chart is prepared or min. 4 hours before departure
⚠️ Common Passenger Experiences
Reddit discussions indicate the following:
“Clone trains are special trains run by Indian Railways to help passengers who are on the waitlist for busy routes… with fewer stops and faster speeds.”
— Reddit user explanation
But delays are frequent:
“This train… never reaches its destination on time. You can take minimum of 6 hrs delay… can be 12+ hours too.”
— Reddit on clone express service
“Special trains are treated poorly… you may be stranded to allow higher-priority trains to pass.”
— Reddit passenger review
📋 Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Used to accommodate waitlisted passengers on high-demand routes |
| Same Number | Runs with the same train number as the original |
| Coach Composition | Primarily 3AC; rarely sleeper; no general class |
| Stoppages | Limited to major stations or operational halts |
| Fare Basis | Humsafar fares (+15%) or Jan Shatabdi fare (one route) |
| Reservation Period | ARP ≈ 10 days before scheduled departure |
| Track Priority | Low priority — prone to delays and washes |
| Passenger Feedback | Frequent complaints about punctuality and comfort |
💡 Should You Book One?
- It’s a useful alternative when regular trains are fully booked or waitlisted.
- Expect potential delays due to operational priority issues.
- Fares may be significantly higher than regular express trains.
- Check availability closely and confirm booking 4 hours before departure.
Would you like to check:
- Fare comparison between a clone train and the original train for a specific route?
- Availability and booking window for upcoming clone specials?
- Official notification listing current clone trains?
Let me know—I’m happy to help!