Meeting the Festive Demand
To accommodate the surge in travel demand expected for the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals of 2026, Central Railway is launching a special train service. This initiative aims to provide relief to passengers on the perennially busy Mumbai-Bengaluru
route, offering a much-needed alternative for those planning their holiday travel. According to railway officials, the service is specifically designed to clear the extra rush, ensuring more people can travel home or on vacation during this peak period. The service will connect two major hubs: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru.
From Mumbai to Bengaluru: Schedule Details
The service from Mumbai to Bengaluru will operate as Train No. 01013. This train is scheduled to depart from CSMT Mumbai at 12:35 AM every Saturday, starting from October 10, 2026, and running until November 21, 2026. Passengers should note that the 12:35 AM departure time is just after midnight on Friday night. The train will complete its journey on the same day, arriving at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 PM. This schedule will be maintained for all seven trips originating from Mumbai. The total journey is expected to take approximately 23 hours and 20-30 minutes.
From Bengaluru to Mumbai: The Return Journey
For the return leg, passengers will board Train No. 01014. This service will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM every Sunday, from October 11, 2026, to November 22, 2026. It is scheduled to arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 AM the following day (Monday). Like its counterpart, this train will also make seven trips, providing a reliable weekly option for travellers heading back to Mumbai after the weekend or a short holiday trip. This overnight journey structure is convenient for passengers looking to maximize their time at their destination.
Route and Key Stoppages
The special train will make 24 designated stops between Mumbai and Bengaluru, enhancing connectivity for numerous towns across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Key halts in Maharashtra include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Satara, Karad, Sangli, and Miraj. After entering Karnataka, the train will stop at important stations such as Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, Davangere, Arsikere, and Tumakuru before reaching its destination. This extensive list of stoppages makes the service accessible to a wider range of passengers beyond just the origin and destination cities.
Coach Composition and Booking Information
Each special train will consist of 22 coaches, designed to cater to comfort-focused travellers. The composition includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant number of 18 AC 3-Tier coaches. The train will also have two Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. It is important to note that this is a fully air-conditioned service, without sleeper or general class compartments. Bookings for these special fare trains typically open in advance of the journey dates. Passengers are advised to book their tickets through the official IRCTC website, the mobile app, or at computerised reservation counters at major railway stations. Given the high demand during the festival season, it is recommended to book as early as possible once reservations open.
