A New Connection for the Festive Season
Indian Railways has introduced a new weekly special train service to manage the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming festive season, including Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath. This service, operated by Central Railway, connects
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai with Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru. Designated as train numbers 01013/01014, the service is scheduled to make seven trips in each direction, providing a crucial link between Maharashtra and Karnataka. This move is a welcome step for those planning to travel between these major hubs for holidays and family visits.
The Pune Advantage: Timings and Schedule
For Pune residents, this new train offers a significant travel advantage. The train will make a scheduled stop in Pune in both directions. The 01013 CSMT Mumbai to SMVT Bengaluru Special will depart from Mumbai on Saturdays at 12:35 AM from October 10 to November 21. It will arrive in Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day. While the specific arrival and departure time for Pune has not been detailed in the initial announcements, it will be a major halt between Lonavala and Lonand. On the return journey, the 01014 SMVT Bengaluru to CSMT Mumbai Special will depart from Bengaluru on Sundays at 4:30 AM from October 11 to November 22, arriving in Mumbai the next day at 4:05 AM. This schedule provides a convenient overnight option for travellers heading towards Mumbai.
Route, Stoppages, and Travel Time
The entire journey between Mumbai and Bengaluru is estimated to take approximately 23 hours and 30 minutes. The train will halt at 24 stations, ensuring wide connectivity across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Besides Pune, other key stoppages in Maharashtra include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Satara, Karad, Sangli, and Miraj. In Karnataka, the train will stop at major junctions like Belagavi, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, and Davangere before reaching Bengaluru. This extensive list of stops makes the service accessible to passengers from numerous towns and cities along this busy corridor.
Coach Composition and Onboard Comfort
The new special service is configured as a fully air-conditioned train, designed for comfortable long-distance travel. The train will comprise a total of 22 coaches. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a substantial 18 AC 3-Tier coaches, catering to a large number of passengers seeking AC accommodation. The rake will also include two Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. This composition highlights a focus on providing comfortable and modern amenities for passengers undertaking the nearly day-long journey between the two metropolitan cities.
How to Book and Plan Your Trip
Indian Railways has announced that bookings for these special services will open in line with their standard reservation schedule. Passengers are advised to book their tickets through the official IRCTC website, the mobile app, or at computerized reservation counters. Given that this is a special service for the festive season, demand is expected to be high, and passengers should plan to book their tickets well in advance. It is also recommended to double-check the final schedule and timings, including the precise halt duration at Pune, on the official railway portals before travel, as special train schedules can sometimes be subject to minor operational changes.
