Western Railway has announced the operation of two pairs of special fare trains connecting key destinations from Mumbai.
This initiative aims to provide convenient and additional travel options for passengers heading towards Palitana in Gujarat and Gaya in Bihar, ensuring smoother journeys during this peak travel period. The introduction of these special trains underscores the railway’s commitment to passenger comfort and efficient connectivity across its network. According to a statement from Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the first special train, numbered 09009, will depart from Bandra Terminus in Mumbai on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 7:25 pm, reaching Palitana at 9:25 am the following day. The return journey, on train number 09010, will commence from Palitana on Monday, May 19th, 2025, at 8:30 pm, arriving at Bandra Terminus at 10:45 am the next day. This service will provide crucial connectivity to several significant stations en route, including Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, Botad, Dhola, Songadh, and Sihor Gujarat, catering to travellers along this important north-western corridor. The train will feature AC 3 Tier (Economy) and AC Chair Car coaches, offering comfortable travel options for passengers.
The second pair of special trains will serve the Udhna (Surat) to Gaya route. Train number 09039 will depart from Udhna every Friday at 10:00 pm, reaching Gaya at 3:15 am on Sunday. This service will run weekly from May 23rd to June 27th, 2025, catering to the summer travel rush towards the eastern part of the country. For the return journey, train number 09040 will depart from Gaya every Sunday at 7:10 am, arriving at Udhna at 2:00 pm the following day. This train will operate from May 25th to June 29th, 2025. En route, this train will provide connectivity to several towns and cities including Chalthan, Bardoli, Nandurbar, Amalner, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Sasaram, and Dehri on Sone. This train will comprise Sleeper Class and General Second Class coaches, providing affordable travel options for a wider range of passengers.
While the immediate objective of these special trains is to manage summer travel demand, efficient and accessible railway services play a crucial role in fostering sustainable urban and regional development. By providing comfortable and convenient alternatives to private vehicles and air travel for these routes, Western Railway is indirectly contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions associated with transportation. Railways are inherently a more energy-efficient mode of transport for long distances, and encouraging their use helps in building a greener transportation ecosystem.
Furthermore, the provision of both AC and non-AC coaches on these special trains ensures that travel options are available across different economic segments, promoting more equitable access to intercity travel. This aligns with the broader goal of creating inclusive transportation systems that cater to the diverse needs of the population. By facilitating easier movement between different regions, these special trains also contribute to economic activity and social cohesion. The operation of these summer special trains by Western Railway is a welcome step in addressing the seasonal surge in passenger traffic and in providing crucial connectivity to important destinations. While the focus is on immediate convenience, the underlying impact of efficient and accessible rail transport contributes to a more sustainable and equitable transportation landscape in the long run.
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