Western Railway Adds Mumbai Delhi Superfast Service To Ease IndiGo Passenger Disruption
Amid ongoing disruptions in India’s civil aviation sector, Western Railway has introduced a special superfast train between Mumbai Central and New Delhi to accommodate rising passenger demand. The initiative comes as thousands of travellers face flight cancellations and delays caused by crew shortages at IndiGo, following the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.
The new service, operating as Train No. 04003 from Mumbai Central to New Delhi, departs on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11:30 pm and is scheduled to reach Delhi at 8:50 pm the following day. Its return leg, Train No. 04004, departs New Delhi on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 10:40 pm and arrives at Mumbai Central at 9:00 pm the next day. Both trains will stop at Borivali, Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam, Nagda, Kota, and Mathura, and feature AC 3-Tier (Economy) coaches. Western Railway officials highlighted that this measure supplements existing services, including additional coaches on regular trains, to ensure smooth transit for passengers. “We have introduced special trains and added extra coaches on busy routes to respond to passenger needs during these extraordinary disruptions. Commuters are advised to arrive early at stations to avoid delays,” said a senior railway official.
The move comes in response to the recent turmoil in India’s civil aviation industry, with IndiGo experiencing a severe shortage of pilots and crew. This shortage has resulted in widespread flight cancellations and rescheduling, leaving thousands stranded at airports across the country. Passengers have reported long queues, inadequate facilities, and communication gaps during this period. Railway sources emphasised that these special services not only provide an immediate alternative to air travel but also support sustainable urban mobility. By offering reliable, energy-efficient rail options, Indian Railways is contributing to reducing carbon footprints associated with last-minute air travel and mitigating the strain on overloaded airports.
Analysts note that the Western Railway’s proactive response reflects the growing need for integrated transport solutions, particularly in megacities like Mumbai, where disruptions in one mode of transport can create cascading effects on business and tourism. “Railways are not just a contingency option—they increasingly serve as the backbone for long-distance, high-capacity urban connectivity,” said an industry expert. Passengers can book tickets for the special services at all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through the IRCTC website. Detailed information on schedules, halts, and coach composition is available at www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in.
With these emergency arrangements, Western Railway demonstrates how timely intervention can enhance resilience in India’s transport infrastructure, offering commuters safe, reliable, and sustainable alternatives during periods of systemic stress in aviation.
Western Railway Adds Mumbai Delhi Superfast Service To Ease IndiGo Passenger Disruption
