Western Railway Adds Train for Akhatij Festival

Western Railway has announced a special superfast train service connecting Bandra Terminus in Mumbai to Bhavnagar Terminus in Gujarat.

The temporary addition comes ahead of the Akhatij festival, which sees a significant spike in regional mobility due to cultural and familial travel. The train, scheduled for two trips in each direction, is set to operate at a special fare and is aimed at easing congestion across one of the busiest passenger corridors during the festival season. Train number 09013 will depart Bandra Terminus at 7:25 PM on April 29 and reach Bhavnagar by 9:00 AM the following morning. The return service, train number 09014, will leave Bhavnagar at 5:45 PM on April 30 and arrive at Bandra Terminus at 7:25 AM the next day.

According to railway officials, the special service will halt at major stations including Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and others en route, catering to a diverse passenger base across urban and semi-urban locations. With both AC 3-tier and AC chair car coaches available, the train aims to balance speed, comfort, and accessibility for short and long-haul travellers. This strategic intervention reflects the railways’ growing responsiveness to seasonal demand spikes and underscores its role as a vital player in India’s evolving urban mobility ecosystem. The move also aligns with broader goals of sustainable transportation by offering a mass transit alternative to personal vehicle use during high-traffic periods.

Bookings for the special services open on April 26 and can be made through all Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters as well as the IRCTC website. Passengers have been encouraged to check the Indian Railways enquiry portal for real-time updates on timings, route changes, and coach composition. By tapping into traditional travel patterns and offering reliable service during culturally significant festivals like Akhatij, Indian Railways continues to bridge regional connectivity gaps. The Western Railway’s initiative not only facilitates ease of travel but also contributes to a reduction in private transport dependency, aligning with national objectives of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green mobility.

As the country moves towards smarter, greener, and more inclusive transit solutions, timely measures like these set an example of how public transport can adapt dynamically to social needs while supporting environmental sustainability and urban resilience.

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Western Railway Adds Train for Akhatij Festival