Central Railway has announced the operation of multiple special train services connecting key destinations across Maharashtra. The move aims to enhance connectivity between Mumbai and regional hubs including Kolhapur, Nanded, and Amravati, addressing both seasonal travel peaks and urban mobility pressures. This expansion reflects broader efforts to optimise rail capacity while accommodating growing intercity travel in one of India’s densest urban corridors.
Two special services will operate between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus in Kolhapur. The first departs CSMT at 00:30 hrs on January 24, arriving in Kolhapur at 11:45 hrs the same day, while the return service leaves Kolhapur at 16:40 hrs on January 26, reaching CSMT at 04:05 hrs the following day. Trains will halt at major transit nodes including Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Satara, and Sangli, providing crucial connectivity for commuters and regional travellers alike. The composition includes a mix of AC tiers, sleeper, and general coaches, reflecting both comfort and mass accessibility considerations. In addition, four services between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Hazur Sahib Nanded will operate from January 23–25. These services are scheduled to serve urban and peri-urban populations, linking industrial and educational centres across Maharashtra. Stops along the route, including Thane, Kalyan, Nashik Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna, illustrate the railway’s approach to integrating metropolitan and regional transit needs. The coach configuration combines high-capacity sleeper and general compartments with air-conditioned options to meet varying passenger requirements.
Separately, unreserved special trains between Panvel and Amravati are being introduced to support short- and medium-distance travellers. These services, departing Panvel on January 26 and Amravati on January 22, traverse a network of urban nodes and rural catchments including Karjat, Pune, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Akola, and Badnera. The predominantly unreserved configuration highlights an emphasis on equitable access for daily and seasonal commuters who rely on affordable rail transport. Railway officials note that these measures aim to relieve congestion on conventional services while ensuring smooth travel for passengers during peak periods. Urban planners and transport experts emphasise that integrating special services into regular schedules is a critical tool for sustainable urban mobility, particularly in rapidly growing metropolitan regions.
As passenger flows continue to rise, authorities are expected to monitor demand trends closely, adjusting capacity and frequency to balance convenience, safety, and operational efficiency. Such targeted interventions demonstrate how urban transit networks can dynamically respond to both population density pressures and regional economic connectivity needs.
Special Train Services Launched On CSMT Kolhapur, LTT Nanded Routes
