Central Railway has bolstered its special train services with the addition of 44 new trains, raising the total count to an impressive 296. This strategic move aims to ensure smooth, safe, and timely travel for lakhs of devotees heading to the Konkan region and other destinations during one of Maharashtra’s most widely celebrated festivals.
According to railway officials, the decision addresses a critical demand surge witnessed every year, with passengers often struggling to secure train tickets. The newly sanctioned services include bi-weekly express trains and daily MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) unreserved specials, providing a vital transportation lifeline for Ganesh devotees returning to their hometowns. Among the prominent additions is a bi-weekly special train service between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Sawantwadi Road. This train will operate on 28 August, 31 August, 4 September, and 7 September, departing from LTT at 8:45 AM and reaching Sawantwadi Road at 10:20 PM. The return service is scheduled to depart Sawantwadi Road at 11:20 PM on the same dates and arrive in Mumbai the next day at 12:30 PM. With 20 designated stops, including Thane, Roha, Ratnagiri, and Kudal, the service will play a crucial role in regional connectivity.
Further expanding regional mobility, the Central Railway has announced 36 additional MEMU daily unreserved services between Diva and Khed from 22 August to 8 September. The train will leave Diva at 1:40 PM and reach Khed by 8:00 PM. In the reverse direction, it will depart Khed at 8:00 AM between 23 August and 9 September, reaching Diva by 1:00 PM. These services are particularly beneficial for passengers commuting from suburban Mumbai and surrounding districts. In addition, the railway authority has increased the number of trips on the Diva-Chiplun-Diva route. Originally announced to operate 38 trips, this MEMU service will now run 40 trips until 10 September. Officials confirmed that reservation systems for long-distance trains have been streamlined and mobile-based ticketing has been encouraged for unreserved compartments through the UTS app, reducing congestion at ticket counters.
Railway officials noted that the demand for Ganpati travel services peaks in late August and early September, coinciding with the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The expanded services will mitigate passenger load across popular routes and are expected to ease traffic congestion on the Mumbai-Goa highway, often clogged with private vehicles during the festive season. Bookings for the newly added Ganpati Special trains commenced on 3 August via authorised ticketing counters and the IRCTC website. Fares remain aligned with standard superfast mail and express categories. This move has been widely welcomed by civic groups and passenger associations advocating improved last-mile connectivity during major festivals.
By providing additional rail services, the Central Railway reinforces its role in facilitating equitable and accessible travel while promoting a low-carbon transit alternative. The initiative not only addresses the seasonal surge but also supports broader goals of sustainable urban mobility and regional economic linkage.
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