Mumbai is set to witness enhanced rail connectivity as Western Railway announces the operation of a special train service between Mumbai Central and Bhavnagar Terminus to cater to the festive travel demand. This initiative aims to provide passengers with a convenient, safe, and timely travel option during the peak season, while ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing passenger rush.
The special service, operating under train numbers 09087 and 09088, is scheduled for two trips. Train 09087 will depart Mumbai Central at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, reaching Bhavnagar Terminus at 5:45 am the next day. The return journey, train 09088, will leave Bhavnagar Terminus at 5:45 pm on Thursday, 28th August 2025, arriving at Mumbai Central by 7:30 am the following day. Experts from Western Railway highlighted that the train will halt at key stations including Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, Viramgam, Botad, Dhola, Songadh, and Sihor in both directions. This coverage ensures passengers from major urban and suburban centres along the route have access to the festive train service.
The train will include AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches, accommodating diverse passenger needs and preferences. Railway officials emphasised that this mix of coaches supports an inclusive approach, making travel accessible for all segments of society while maintaining comfort for longer journeys. Booking for the special train opens at 3:00 pm on 25th August 2025 and will be available through all PRS counters and the official IRCTC portal. Officials stressed the importance of early booking, given the anticipated high demand during the festival season, noting that timely reservations would help manage passenger flow efficiently.
From a broader perspective, such festive special trains reflect the strategic focus of Indian Railways on seasonal travel management, enhancing connectivity while reducing pressure on regular services. Experts noted that integrating high-demand special trains not only facilitates passenger convenience but also supports eco-friendly mass transit solutions by encouraging rail travel over road transport. Railway officials also underlined that monitoring and coordination along the route would be maintained to ensure punctuality, safety, and minimal disruptions, especially during the busy festive period. By operating such targeted services, Mumbai and Bhavnagar passengers can expect seamless travel, aligned with the broader goal of sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban transport infrastructure.
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