A Major Boost in Services
To combat the annual surge of travellers heading home for the holidays, Indian Railways is rolling out a significant number of additional services. Central Railway has announced a massive 418 special train services to manage the expected rush during the Puja,
Diwali, and Chhath festival season. These trains will connect key Mumbai terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with numerous destinations across the country, running through October and November 2026. Similarly, Western Railway is also extending services and adding special trains to high-demand corridors, particularly towards North and East India. This proactive measure aims to increase passenger capacity and reduce the chaotic scenes often witnessed at stations during this time.
Central Railway: Key Routes from Mumbai
Central Railway's plan focuses on connecting Mumbai with destinations seeing the highest demand. A total of 64 daily special services will run between CSMT Mumbai and Gorakhpur from October 16 to November 16. For passengers travelling to southern states, there will be 14 weekly AC special services between CSMT and SMVT Bengaluru, and 12 weekly AC specials to Chennai. Closer to home, special weekly services are scheduled for Nagpur and Kolhapur. A bi-weekly service connecting CSMT and Latur will also operate, making 26 trips to cater to regional travellers within Maharashtra. These services will operate from major hubs including CSMT and LTT, providing crucial links to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Western Railway: Easing the Northern Rush
Western Railway is focusing its efforts on the heavy passenger flow from Mumbai towards northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which sees a major spike during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Special trains will operate from Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus to destinations such as Gorakhpur, Danapur, Subedarganj, and Banaras. Additionally, the operations of the weekly special train between Dadar and Bhusaval have been extended until late November 2026 to accommodate more passengers within Maharashtra. These trains are designated as 'special trains on special fare,' which means tickets may have a surcharge of 10-30% and no concessions are permitted.
What This Means for You
For the millions of Mumbaikars planning to travel, this announcement is a welcome relief. The hundreds of additional services should translate into better chances of securing a confirmed ticket, potentially shorter waitlists, and a more comfortable journey. The introduction of AC specials on routes to Bengaluru and Chennai offers more premium travel options. However, the demand during the festival season is exceptionally high, and these trains are expected to fill up quickly. The key takeaway for passengers is to plan ahead and book as early as possible. Bookings for many of these special services opened in the last week of September.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Navigating the festival rush requires more than just a ticket. First, book your travel well in advance via the IRCTC website or app, as tickets for these routes are in high demand. Second, always double-check the train schedule and platform information before heading to the station, as timings for special services can vary. Use apps like NTES for real-time train tracking. Third, arrive at the station with ample time to spare. Major terminals like CSMT, LTT, and Bandra Terminus will be extremely crowded, and having extra time helps avoid last-minute panic. Finally, be prepared for a crowded environment despite the extra trains. Travel light if possible, keep your belongings secure, and follow the instructions of railway staff deployed to manage the crowds.
