In response to the recent stampede at Bandra Terminus and anticipating a significant rise in passenger volume during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, Central Railway has announced the operation of an additional pair of unreserved special trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai and Gorakhpur.
This initiative aims to address the anticipated surge in demand for travel and create a more manageable flow of passengers during the peak festive season. The tragic incident at Bandra Terminus on Sunday, where nine people were injured while boarding an overcrowded unreserved train bound for Gorakhpur, served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by passengers during peak travel periods. Central Railway’s decision to add these special trains brings the total number of services planned for the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals to 583. This significant increase in capacity reflects the railway’s commitment to facilitating smooth and safe travel for passengers during this crucial period.
The special train departing from CSMT Mumbai (Train Number 01019) will leave at 2:30 PM on October 28th and arrive in Gorakhpur at 11:00 PM the following day. The return train from Gorakhpur (Train Number 01020) will depart at 12:45 AM on October 30th and reach CSMT Mumbai at 10:35 AM on October 31st. These trains will cater to passengers seeking an affordable travel option, with 15 sleeper class coaches operating as unreserved seating. The trains will halt at major stations along the route, including Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Itarsi, Bhopal, Bina, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, Orai, Kanpur Central, Lucknow, Barabanki, Gonda, and Basti.
Passengers are encouraged to book their tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience. Additionally, they can download the NTES App or visit the official website (www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in) for detailed timings and information regarding train stoppages. Central Railway’s initiative to add these special trains is a commendable step towards ensuring a more manageable and safer festive travel experience for passengers. This action highlights the importance of proactive planning and capacity management in mitigating the challenges associated with peak travel seasons. By offering additional unreserved train services, Central Railway aims to provide a more comfortable and affordable travel option for a large segment of the population traveling home for the festive season. This not only eases the burden on existing train services but also demonstrates the railway’s commitment to catering to the diverse needs of its passengers.
