The Railway Board has greenlighted the launch of a bi-weekly train service operating from Bandra Terminus on the Western Railway (WR). This marks the first direct train service on the WR network to the popular tourist destination of Goa, traditionally served by Central Railway (CR) stations.
The inaugural run of the train is scheduled for August 29, departing from Borivali instead of Bandra Terminus, a major shift that underscores the growing demand for better connectivity from Mumbai’s western suburbs to the coastal regions of Goa and the Konkan. This new service is expected to offer considerable convenience to residents of these areas, who have previously relied on Central Railway for such travel.
The train, as per the notification issued by the Railway Board, will operate bi-weekly, with departures from Madgaon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:40 AM, arriving at Bandra Terminus at 11:40 PM. Conversely, it will leave Bandra Terminus every Wednesday and Friday at 6:50 AM, reaching Madgaon by 10:00 PM. The introduction of this service is poised to boost tourism and ease travel logistics between these two regions, particularly for those residing in the western suburbs of Mumbai. However, the implementation of this service does not come without its challenges.
A WR official highlighted that, in the absence of a dedicated chord line, trains bound for Konkan and Goa from the WR system will require a direction change at Vasai Road, shifting from a northward to a southward orientation. This process is time-consuming and may impact the punctuality of other trains on the network. Despite this, the decision to proceed underscores the anticipated benefits for passengers and the tourism industry. The train is scheduled to halt at 13 key stations along its route: Borivali, Vasai Road, Bhiwandi Road, Panvel, Roha, Veer, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavli, Sindhudurg, Sawantwadi, Thivim, and Karmali.
This wide range of stops ensures accessibility for a significant number of passengers across various regions. The service will be operated with 20 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB)-type coaches, which are known for their enhanced safety features, comfort, and operational efficiency. The use of LHB coaches aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet and improve passenger experience. This new rail service is a strategic move by Western Railway to tap into the thriving travel demand between Mumbai and Goa, offering an alternative to the heavily-utilised Central Railway services. As the inaugural run approaches, expectations are high that this service will be well-received by both regular commuters and tourists alike.
