What Are the New Services?
To clear the anticipated extra passenger demand during the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, Central Railway will operate special weekly trains. This initiative adds a total of 14 new journeys—seven from Mumbai to Bengaluru and seven in the return
direction. The new services will run under the train numbers 01013 for the Mumbai to Bengaluru leg and 01014 for the Bengaluru to Mumbai journey. These trains are designed to provide much-needed relief for passengers on a corridor that connects India's financial capital with its primary technology hub.
Schedule and Key Timings
The new services are slated to run from mid-October to late November 2026. Train number 01013 will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai at 12:35 AM every Saturday, starting from October 10 until November 21. It is scheduled to arrive at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day. For the return journey, train number 01014 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM every Sunday, from October 11 to November 22, and will reach CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 AM the following day. The total travel time is estimated to be around 23 hours and 30 minutes.
Route and Major Halts
These special trains will feature 24 stops between the two megacities, ensuring connectivity for passengers across several important towns in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Key stoppages include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Miraj, Belagavi, Londa, Dharwad, and SSS Hubballi. Other notable halts are Davangere, Arsikere, and Tumakuru, providing comprehensive access for travelers along this vital route. The extensive list of stops will benefit passengers from numerous smaller cities who need to travel to either of the major metropolitan areas.
Coach Composition and What to Expect
The trains will be fully air-conditioned, composed of 22 coaches in total. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a large component of 18 AC 3-Tier coaches, which caters to the significant demand for comfortable and affordable AC travel during the festive period. The train composition is completed by two Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. According to railway officials, these services are specifically designed to handle the festival rush, offering a more comfortable alternative to waitlisted tickets on regularly scheduled trains.
What This Means for Travelers
The introduction of these 14 trips is a significant boost for travelers. It directly addresses the surge in demand that typically sees fares on flights skyrocket and regular train tickets become unavailable months in advance. The added capacity will provide more flexibility and options for those planning to visit family or take holidays during the festive season. Passengers are advised by the railways to book their tickets through the official IRCTC website or computerized reservation centers and to check for final schedules before travel, as special services can be subject to operational changes. This move by Central and South Western Railways underscores the importance of the Mumbai-Bengaluru corridor for both economic activity and personal travel.
