Mumbai is gearing up for the annual Ganpati immersion, a significant cultural event that witnesses massive participation across the city. In response to the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, Western Railway has announced the deployment of four pairs of special local trains during the night of 17th-18th September. These additional services will operate between Churchgate and Virar, two key stations on the Western Railway network, to facilitate the smooth transit of passengers during this festive period.
According to Western Railway, the first of these special trains will depart from Churchgate at 1:15 am on September 18, with subsequent trains scheduled for 1:55 am, 2:25 am, and 3:20 am. The last service will reach Virar at 4:58 am. In the reverse direction, the first train will leave Virar at 12:15 am on September 18, with further departures at 12:45 am, 1:40 am, and a final service at 3:00 am, arriving at Churchgate at 4:40 am. This timetable has been designed to ensure adequate frequency to manage the expected passenger load efficiently.
Beyond these special local services, Western Railway is also enhancing its broader network for the Ganpati festival. It is operating additional special trains between Mumbai and various locations, including Mumbai Central to Thokur, Mumbai Central to Sawantwadi Road, Bandra Terminus to Kudal, Ahmedabad to Kudal, Vishvamitri to Kudal, and Ahmedabad to Mangaluru. Each of these trains is expected to cater to the increased demand from devotees and other passengers during the festive season.
Meanwhile, Central Railway has also responded to the passenger demand surge by introducing two additional special trains between Panvel and Madgaon. The first service, numbered 01428, will depart from Madgaon at 09:30 hours on September 15, arriving in Panvel at 22:15 hours the same day. The return journey, numbered 01427, will leave Panvel at 23:45 hours on the same day, reaching Madgaon by 11:00 hours the next morning. These trains will have several stops, including Pen, Roha, Mangaon, and Ratnagiri, among others, ensuring widespread access across the region.
The additional services provided by Western and Central Railways are crucial for managing the influx of passengers during the Ganpati festival. They reflect the commitment of Indian Railways to accommodate the unique travel patterns that emerge during such significant cultural events. With meticulous planning, including the deployment of special trains and carefully crafted schedules, the railways aim to ensure a seamless and safe travel experience for all passengers.
