A Welcome Relief for Festive Travellers
The period covering Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja sees a massive spike in travel across India, making train tickets notoriously difficult to secure. The introduction of a special service between two of the country's major hubs, Mumbai and Bengaluru,
is a significant step by Central Railway and South Western Railway to alleviate this pressure. This move provides a much-needed alternative for thousands of people looking to travel for holidays, family gatherings, or work during this peak season. The new service is part of a broader announcement by Central Railway of 418 special services to manage the nationwide festive rush.
Schedule and Timings
The special service will operate under two numbers. Train number 01013 will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, while the return journey will be on train number 01014 from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru. The journey is expected to take approximately 23 hours and 30 minutes. The service is scheduled as a weekly special, making seven trips in each direction. From Mumbai (01013): The train will depart CSMT at 12:35 AM every Saturday, from October 10 to November 21, 2026. It is scheduled to arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 11:55 PM on the same day. From Bengaluru (01014): The train will depart SMVT Bengaluru at 4:30 AM every Sunday, from October 11 to November 22, 2026. It will reach CSMT Mumbai at 4:05 AM the next day.
Route and Key Stoppages
To serve passengers across Maharashtra and Karnataka, the train will have 24 designated stops between the two terminuses. Key stations along the route include Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Pune in Maharashtra. As it enters Karnataka, the train will halt at major junctions such as Belagavi, Londa, SSS Hubballi, Dharwad, Davangere, and Tumakuru before reaching its final destination. This extensive list of stops ensures that travellers from several smaller towns and cities along this busy corridor can also benefit from the festive service.
Coach Composition and Fares
The train is configured to cater primarily to passengers seeking air-conditioned travel. It will consist of 22 coaches in total. This includes two AC 2-Tier coaches and a significant 18 coaches designated as AC 3-Tier. The remaining two coaches will be Luggage-cum-Guard-cum-Generator Vans. Passengers should note that fares for these special trains are typically higher than regular services and are subject to dynamic pricing based on demand. It is advisable to book as early as possible to secure the best rates.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking for this special train service (01013/01014) is slated to open on September 27, 2026. Tickets can be booked through all computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters across the country. For online booking, passengers should use the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. It is important to log in to the website or app, search for the train using its number (01013 or 01014) on the specified dates of travel, and complete the passenger details and payment process. As special trains do not usually have Tatkal or Premium Tatkal quotas, planning and booking in advance is the most reliable strategy.
Comparing Your Travel Options
While the new special train offers a welcome addition, travellers have other options between Mumbai and Bengaluru. Flights are the fastest mode, taking around two hours, but are also the most expensive, with fares fluctuating significantly during the festive season. Several private bus operators run overnight services, taking about 16-18 hours. Existing daily and weekly trains on this route typically take anywhere from 21 to 25 hours. The new special train, with a travel time of around 23.5 hours and a fully air-conditioned configuration, positions itself as a comfortable and relatively economical alternative to both flights and buses for those who plan ahead.
