Mumbai–Pune rail services experienced significant disruption on Tuesday morning after a data entry error led to premature passenger alerts, causing confusion and delays on one of the busiest intercity corridors. The mishap primarily affected the Udyan Express, which operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, and Bengaluru, leaving several travellers stranded at stations.
Railway officials confirmed that the Udyan Express had been erroneously rescheduled for 24 December instead of the intended date of 24 January 2026. Although the mistake was corrected overnight, the IRCTC had already sent automated SMS alerts to passengers, prompting many to believe that the train had been rescheduled immediately. “A minor clerical oversight combined with early alerts created an unexpected operational challenge,” said an official familiar with the matter. The rescheduling is linked to planned non-interlocking (NI) work on the Daund Chord Line, scheduled for January. However, the incorrect communications caused confusion during peak morning hours, highlighting the sensitivity of information flow in high-density transport networks. Industry experts note that real-time communication systems are crucial in ensuring smooth passenger experience on heavily used suburban and intercity corridors.
To mitigate disruption, railway authorities allowed passengers who missed the Udyan Express to board the Koyna Express, departing CSMT for Karjat. Operational coordination between the two services also involved temporarily halting the Udyan Express at Bhivpuri Road station for nearly two hours, enabling stranded passengers to transfer from the Koyna Express at Karjat. “Contingency measures such as these are essential to maintain service continuity and minimise commuter inconvenience,” added a senior railway operations planner. While services eventually returned to normal, the incident underscores the challenges of managing large-scale rail operations across urban and intercity networks. Experts highlighted the need for robust verification protocols for scheduling data and improved communication channels to prevent such disruptions in the future.
Urban planners point out that consistent reliability in commuter rail systems is not only vital for passenger convenience but also for sustainable urban mobility. Delays and confusion on key corridors can indirectly affect traffic patterns, economic activity, and environmental goals in megacities like Mumbai. Railway authorities have initiated a review of internal scheduling processes and automated communication systems, with an aim to strengthen preventive checks and ensure passengers receive timely and accurate information.
Mumbai–Pune Train Services Hit By Udyan Express Scheduling Error Confusing Commuters
