Western Railway has added two additional halts at Ukai Songadh station on its Udhna–Miraj Ashadhi Ekadashi special service from early July, aiming to enhance regional, equitable, and sustainable connectivity during the festival rush. Under the revised schedule effective from 4 July 2025, Train No. 09079 (Udhna–Miraj) will now pause at Ukai Songadh at 12:45–12:47 hrs, with its return counterpart, Train No. 09080 (Miraj–Udhna), halting at the same station between 02:30 and 02:32 hrs starting 5 July.
A second pair, Train No. 09081 (Udhna–Miraj) and its return Train No. 09082, will also replicate this stoppage pattern from 5 and 6 July respectively. These extra halts have been introduced to address growing demand from passengers during Ashadhi Ekadashi travel and to better serve communities around Songadh and Ukai. Situated on the key Udhna–Jalgaon line, electrified and part of the broader Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai corridor, Ukai Songadh station historically serves passenger and MEMU traffic, and now gains importance as a festival access point. The decision reflects Western Railway’s broader strategy to encourage rail travel over more carbon-intensive road alternatives.
Such additional halts provide shorter local journeys, reducing reliance on private vehicles and supporting the editorial goals of eco-friendly, zero net carbon urban and regional transport. Western Railway’s Public Relations Office confirmed the measure was taken after reviewing passenger flow and local advocacy. Although these are modest two-minute halts, they allow passengers from smaller towns and rural surroundings to access festival trains without extensive last-mile travel. This measure supports gender-neutral and equitable access, especially for those with limited mobility or non-urban dwellers who might otherwise face challenges reaching major junctions.
Operationally, these halts have been coordinated in close consultation with station management to ensure minimal scheduling disruption. Western Railway has confirmed that both express and MEMU services on this route remain unaffected. The adjustments align with festival traffic projections and reflect adaptive railway planning during regional events. The introduction coincides with Western Railway’s deployment of cleaner, electric traction on this corridor— an approach that aligns with India’s aim for greener logistics and sustainable city planning. By encouraging regional passenger usage, the railway contributes to lowering per capita emissions, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting equitable public transport. From a broader perspective, incorporating minor station halts during high‑demand periods reflects a shift from centralised routes to more inclusive travel planning.
These halts support the development of equitable transport corridors, especially during festival seasons, and resonate with the objectives of providing mobility to all, regardless of geography or socio‑economic status. Passengers are advised to note the specific timings and train numbers when planning travel. While these changes may require minor adjustments in journey timing, the added convenience and reduced travel burden are expected to outweigh these. Western Railway continues to monitor passenger feedback and may consider similar adjustments at other intermediate stations on the corridor, ensuring dynamic, demand‑responsive rail services. As India’s railways expand their focus beyond mere capacity to include equitable and carbon-savvy mobility solutions, these small yet meaningful enhancements at stations like Ukai Songadh highlight a commitment to inclusive, sustainable travel during regional festivals.
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