To accommodate the surge of passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivities, Central Railway has announced additional AC Superfast Special trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, and Nagpur. The initiative is aimed at providing commuters with faster, more comfortable travel options while reducing congestion on regular services across Maharashtra’s central and western regions.
The newly scheduled trains, comprising 20 AC three-tier coaches and two generator cars, will operate on weekends, starting with Train No. 01005 departing CSMT at 12:20 am on Saturdays and arriving at Nagpur by 3:30 pm the same day. The return journey, Train No. 01006, will depart Nagpur at 6:10 pm and reach CSMT by 8:25 am the following morning. Officials have confirmed that both services will halt at key stations en route, including Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Malkapur, Shegaon, Akola, Murtizapur, Badnera, Dhamangaon, and Wardha. This route ensures convenient connectivity for passengers from multiple regions, facilitating smoother access to central Maharashtra and adjoining areas.
According to Central Railway experts, the addition of these AC Superfast Specials is part of a broader strategy to manage festive crowds efficiently while promoting safer and more comfortable rail travel. The expanded services will alleviate the pressure on regular trains, ensuring that passengers experience reduced travel time and improved onboard amenities. Passengers can book tickets at all computerised reservation centres or online via the official IRCTC website. For updated timings, halts, and live train information, travellers are advised to use the Indian Railways Enquiry Portal or the NTES App. Officials have urged passengers to secure reservations well in advance, highlighting the high demand expected during this peak festive period.
Railway authorities emphasised that these measures are aligned with efforts to enhance passenger convenience and streamline travel during major festivals, reflecting a commitment to equitable and efficient urban mobility. Experts noted that by increasing AC service availability, Central Railway is encouraging a shift from private vehicle usage to mass transport, which could contribute positively to sustainable travel and reduced carbon emissions. As festive travel peaks, the move underscores the importance of proactive planning in India’s railway network to balance passenger convenience with operational efficiency. By integrating additional services during high-demand periods, Central Railway aims to offer both comfort and reliability, reinforcing the railways’ role as a backbone of sustainable regional connectivity.
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