Mumbai commuters can expect smoother travel this Ganeshotsav as Central Railway announces 310 special train services, including four new Mumbai–Sawantwadi Road trips. With the festival prompting heightened movement across Maharashtra and the Konkan region, Indian Railways is intensifying operations to meet the seasonal surge in passenger demand.
Officials confirmed that the recently added LTT–Sawantwadi Road specials will operate on 26 and 27 August 2025, with departures from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 01:00 hrs and return trips from Sawantwadi Road at 17:30 hrs. These services are structured to ensure connectivity to key stops including Thane, Panvel, Roha, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, and Kudal, catering to both long-distance and regional travellers. Each train composition has been carefully planned for comfort and efficiency. The rakes comprise one 1st AC coach, one AC 2-tier, five AC 3-tier, eight sleeper class, four general second class coaches, alongside a second seating cum guard’s brake van, a generator car, and a pantry car. Officials highlighted that these arrangements are designed to provide a balanced capacity for premium and economy segments, ensuring equitable travel options during the high-demand festive period.
Experts from the railway operations division emphasised that strategic planning for Ganeshotsav services incorporates sustainable transport principles. “By increasing train frequencies and optimising coach composition, we aim to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions, offering passengers a greener alternative to private vehicle travel,” stated a senior railway operations official. The festival season historically sees a spike in travel along the Mumbai–Konkan corridor. Last year, passenger volume surged by over 40 percent during Ganeshotsav, causing road congestion and delays. With the new services, authorities anticipate smoother mobility and more equitable access across different income groups, highlighting gender-neutral and inclusive commuter management practices.
Further, authorities have coordinated with local traffic police to ensure smooth operations near major stations, including Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Thane. Timely scheduling and punctuality remain top priorities, as well as enhanced onboard services for passenger convenience, including pantry and safety measures. With 380 Ganeshotsav special trains announced nationwide, Maharashtra remains at the forefront of seasonal transport preparedness. Central Railway’s proactive expansion of services demonstrates a commitment to public welfare, operational efficiency, and eco-friendly urban mobility, offering a sustainable model for managing festival-related commuter demand in India’s congested transport corridors.
Also Read : Indian Railways Receives Over Fifteen Thousand Pest Complaints In Train Coaches Yearly
