A Timely Festive Addition
To accommodate the anticipated surge in travel for festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, Central Railway has announced a new weekly special train connecting two of India's major metropolitan hubs: Mumbai and Bengaluru. This service, designated with train numbers
01013 from Mumbai and 01014 from Bengaluru, aims to provide a reliable and comfortable travel option for thousands of passengers. The train will connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai with Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru. This initiative by Indian Railways is a direct response to the perennial high demand on this route, which links the country's financial capital with its primary technology hub.
Schedule and Key Timings
The service is scheduled to run for a limited period, making seven trips in each direction. Train No. 01013 will depart from CSMT Mumbai every Saturday at 12:35 AM, starting from October 10 and running until November 21. It is scheduled to arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day, making the total journey time approximately 23 hours and 20 minutes. In the return direction, Train No. 01014 will leave SMVT Bengaluru every Sunday at 4:30 AM, from October 11 to November 22. It will reach CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 AM the next day. This schedule provides a new overnight option, particularly for those travelling from Bengaluru to Mumbai.
Route and Important Stoppages
The train will make 24 designated stops between the two terminuses, enhancing connectivity for several towns and cities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Key halts include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Pune in Maharashtra. Further along the route, the train will stop at important junctions like Satara, Karad, Sangli, Miraj, Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, and SSS Hubballi. Other notable stops in Karnataka include Davangere, Arsikere, and Tumakuru before its final destination. This extensive list of stoppages makes the service accessible to a wider range of passengers beyond just the two main cities.
Coach Composition and Comfort
The special train will consist of 22 coaches, designed to offer a comfortable journey for long-distance passengers. The rake will be composed primarily of air-conditioned coaches, featuring two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant 18 AC 3-Tier coaches. This focus on AC accommodation caters to the preferences of many overnight and long-haul travellers seeking comfort. The train will also include two Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. Unlike some premium trains, this service does not appear to have sleeper or general unreserved coaches, positioning it as a fully air-conditioned special.
How It Enhances Your Travel Options
The introduction of this weekly special expands the portfolio of trains on the Mumbai-Bengaluru corridor. It joins existing popular daily services like the Udyan Express (11301) and LTT CBE Express (11013), as well as several other weekly trains. While trains like the Udyan Express serve as a reliable daily link, this new special offers a unique weekend-oriented schedule. Its Saturday departure from Mumbai and Sunday departure from Bengaluru could be ideal for those planning short trips or returning home for the weekend. Furthermore, its fully air-conditioned configuration provides a different service level compared to trains with a mix of coach classes.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for these special trains typically open in advance, and passengers are encouraged to plan their travel early, especially given the festive season rush. Tickets can be booked through the official Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. Passengers can log in to their existing IRCTC account, search for the train by its number (01013 or 01014) between the specified stations, and proceed with the booking process. It is important to note that for special trains, reservation policies like the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) may differ from regular services, so it is advisable to check the IRCTC portal for the exact booking opening dates.
