Ahmedabad Launches Special Train To Mumbai Announced For Paryushan Travel
Ahmedabad will see additional rail connectivity to Mumbai this festive season, as Western Railway has introduced a special superfast train service to manage the passenger surge during the Paryushan period. The service, designed to ease festival rush and provide affordable travel alternatives, is scheduled to operate on 27 and 28 August with limited halts across Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Railway officials confirmed that Train No. 09087 will depart Mumbai Central at noon on 27 August, reaching Bhavnagar via Ahmedabad in the early hours of the following day. The return service, Train No. 09088, will leave Bhavnagar at 17:45 on 28 August and arrive in Mumbai at 07:30 the next morning. En route, the train will halt at major junctions including Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Surat and Valsad, ensuring accessibility for passengers across the regional corridor.
The special service will feature a mix of AC two-tier, AC three-tier and sleeper class coaches, reflecting the demand for both comfort and affordability during the busy festive period. Bookings for these trains opened on 25 August at 3 pm through passenger reservation centres and the IRCTC online portal. The fare structure has been categorised as special, which is marginally higher than regular fares, a model the railways often uses during peak festival seasons to balance demand and supply.
Transport analysts suggest that such seasonal additions play a vital role in keeping road congestion under check. Long-distance buses and private vehicles often witness extreme pressure during religious and cultural festivals, leading to heavy traffic, extended travel times and higher emissions. By strengthening passenger rail services, authorities not only provide safer and more reliable travel options but also contribute to sustainable mobility goals by lowering the overall carbon footprint of mass travel. The decision comes at a time when the railways are increasingly positioning themselves as the backbone of eco-friendly intercity connectivity. Rail transport consumes significantly less energy per passenger compared to cars or flights, making it central to India’s climate action strategies. Experts also point out that by offering viable alternatives during peak demand, the railway system promotes social inclusivity, ensuring that festival travel remains accessible across income groups.
For Ahmedabad, the service also reaffirms its role as a major hub in Western Railway’s passenger network. The city not only acts as a gateway to Saurashtra but also remains a crucial midpoint for long-distance connections to Mumbai, one of India’s busiest urban destinations during festival seasons. While the new service is temporary, its introduction underscores a growing need for scalable solutions in public transport, particularly during periods of high cultural significance. As Indian cities push towards greener and more equitable mobility systems, expanding rail services during peak times offers a balanced path that supports both passenger convenience and environmental responsibility.
