A new direct train service from Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus to Madgaon in Goa, aimed at easing travel for residents in Mumbai’s western suburbs, was launched with much fanfare. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the 10115 Bandra Terminus-Madgaon Express, alongside Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other political leaders at Borivli station.
The bi-weekly service, operating on Wednesdays and Fridays, will depart Bandra at 6:50 am and reach Madgaon at 10:00 pm. However, the train faces significant operational challenges, leading some to describe it as a “tortoise train” due to its lengthy journey time within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The new service requires over three hours to cover the distance from Bandra to Panvel, highlighting a lack of a direct route and the absence of dedicated tracks. In contrast, existing Central Railway services from Mumbai CSMT, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus reach Panvel in just over an hour, making the new service less competitive for time-conscious travellers.
The train’s route includes multiple halts and reversals within the MMR, starting from Bandra and moving to Borivli, Vasai, Bhiwandi, and finally Panvel. Notably, there is no seamless connection between Borivli, Vasai, and Panvel. The train has to halt at Vasai for a time-consuming locomotive reversal, adding another hour to the already lengthy journey. Current infrastructure limitations contribute to the delays. There are only two additional lines between Bandra Terminus and Goregaon, and construction work is underway to extend these to Borivli. A separate project, costing ₹2,184 crore, aims to build additional lines to Virar by December 2027. Until then, the new train will share tracks with suburban services, adding to congestion and delays.
Moreover, the train’s schedule adds pressure to Mumbai’s already congested suburban network, even during off-peak hours. The situation is further complicated by delays in the construction of the Vasai By-Pass, a planned chord line meant to reduce travel time by avoiding the reversal manoeuvre at Vasai. The project is currently stalled due to issues related to mangrove land acquisition. Critics argue that the launch of the new service is more political than practical, intended to appeal to the Konkan population. The launch event featured speeches in Malwani and traditional Konkan ceremonies.
Despite being celebrated as the first direct train from Mumbai’s Western Railway to the Konkan region, the service’s efficiency remains under scrutiny due to the operational complexities involved. While the train is expected to eventually benefit passengers in the western suburbs, its current route and schedule pose significant challenges. Until the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, passengers may find existing services from Central Railway a quicker alternative for travel to Konkan and Goa.
