Delhi-Howrah Delays: Week of 2-8 October
Delay report for six Delhi-Howrah trains over 7 days (Oct 2-8): Rajdhani averaging 28 minutes, special train recorded cancelled 4 days, on-time rate 9%.
TrainLiveStatus Desk · Updated · 3 min read
Photo: AMOL NAKVE / Pexels
What this data shows
Between 2 and 8 October, TrainLiveStatus tracked six trains running between New Delhi and Howrah Junction in our delay history for that week. Delay is measured as the largest delay reported during each day's run, in minutes; "on time" means arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. This is our own tracking record, not an official railway statistic. Several of these trains do not run every day (for example 04052 is listed on Tue, Fri and Sun, 12274 on Tue and Sat), so the number of days with a record differs from train to train.
The six trains in the window
The six trains in our data for this week include two Superfast express services (Poorva Express in two different numberings), a Rajdhani, a Duronto, and a Special. Of these, five had enough observed runs to rank by typical delay pattern.
Which trains ran on time this week?
The HWH Rajdhani (12302) was the best performer, averaging 28 minutes maximum delay across the 7 days with records, with 29% of those days landing within 15 minutes of schedule. It saw a worst-day delay of 44 minutes, the lowest worst-case across all ranked trains.
The Poorva Express (12304) came next, averaging 41 minutes maximum delay across 6 days with records, with 17% on time. The HWH Duronto Express (12274) and 12382 Poorva Express both averaged around 42-43 minutes, while the special train running between New Delhi and Howrah faced much heavier delays.
The special train and cancellations
The 04052 Ndls-hwh Special tells a different story. Our history records it as cancelled on 4 of the 7 days, with 3 days observed. The timetable lists it on Tue, Fri and Sun only, so some of those 4 days may simply be days it was not scheduled; check the train page for the current position. On the 3 days observed, it saw an average maximum delay of 177 minutes, a median of 197 minutes, and a worst-day delay of 308 minutes. None of the three came in within 15 minutes of schedule. Our data does not tell us why a train was recorded as cancelled.
Overall pattern
Across all six trains the average maximum delay was 66 minutes, and only 9% of the day-level records were within 15 minutes of schedule. Our data shows how late trains ran, not why. A late-running train can also push back trains behind it, so delays on one service are not always independent of the next.
Is this week typical?
A single week's data is a snapshot. Delays shift from week to week. If you're travelling this route, our trip planner shows seat availability and confirmation chances across the options, and each train's own page displays its full delay history so you can see whether this week's pattern is normal for the train you're considering.
Related reading
For deeper context on how to interpret these numbers before booking, see our guide on understanding a train's punctuality before booking. If you're comparing trains on this specific route, best trains between Delhi and Kolkata walks through the scheduled timings, classes, and typical trade-offs. For the broader pattern of delays across the network, our note on why apps show different delays explains how different measurement methods can appear to disagree on the same train.
Where is your train right now?
Live position, expected arrival at every stop and the delay history of the last few weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
What period does this delay report cover?
2 to 8 October 2026. Six trains between New Delhi and Howrah are in scope for that week.
How is 'delay' measured here?
Delay is the largest delay reported during each day's run, in minutes. 'On time' means arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.
Why was the special train recorded as cancelled on 4 days?
Our data only records that the train did not run on those days, not the reason. The timetable lists 04052 on Tue, Fri and Sun only, so some of the 4 days may be days it was not scheduled.
Is 66 minutes average delay typical for this corridor?
This was one week's snapshot, so we cannot say it is typical. Check your specific train's page for its recent delay history closer to your travel date.
Which train should I book if I need reliability?
During this week, the HWH Rajdhani (12302) had the best on-time share at 29% and the lowest average delay. Check a specific train's delay history on its own page before booking, especially if a tight connection depends on it.
Sources
Rules and fares change. Check the official source before you travel. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.
