Central Railway (CR) has announced the operation of 44 additional special trains for Ganpati devotees, bringing the total number of special services to 296 for the upcoming festival. This significant logistical augmentation aims to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for millions during the festive season. The move underscores the railway’s commitment to enhancing public convenience and managing large-scale seasonal migrations efficiently, aligning with the broader goal of organised urban and regional mobility.
These additional services include 8 bi-weekly special trains between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Sawantwadi Road, running on Thursdays and Sundays from August 28 to September 7, 2025. These trains will make four trips each way, halting at key stations like Thane, Panvel, and Ratnagiri, providing crucial connectivity along the Konkan route. Furthermore, 36 daily unreserved MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) specials will operate between Diva and Khed from August 22 to September 8, 2025, making 18 trips each way. These MEMU services offer a high-frequency, unreserved option for shorter-distance travel.
In a further enhancement, the running of Diva – Chiplun – Diva MEMU Daily Unreserved Specials has been extended by two more services, increasing their total to 40. This extension, now running until September 10, 2025, provides continuous unreserved connectivity. The strategic deployment of these additional trains and the extension of existing services are critical for accommodating the immense influx of devotees travelling to their hometowns for the Ganpati festival, thereby alleviating pressure on regular train services and road networks.
The booking for the reserved Ganpati Special train (01131) will commence on August 3, 2025, through all computerised reservation centres and the IRCTC website. For unreserved coaches, bookings can be made via the UTS system at normal charges applicable for superfast Mail/Express trains. This streamlined booking process aims to ensure equitable access to tickets, particularly for those who may not have planned their travel far in advance.
By proactively increasing capacity and offering diverse travel options, Central Railway is not only facilitating cultural and religious practices but also contributing to broader societal benefits. Efficient management of such large-scale movements helps reduce road congestion, potentially lowering vehicular emissions, and promoting a more sustainable mode of inter-city travel. This strategic planning for festive periods is essential for maintaining order and safety, ensuring a positive travel experience for all participants during one of India’s most significant festivals.
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