A Welcome Relief for the Festival Rush
Every year, millions of people travel from Mumbai to their hometowns to celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja with their families. This mass exodus puts immense pressure on the railway network, with tickets on popular routes getting
sold out within minutes of bookings opening. To manage this predictable surge, both Central and Western Railway have announced hundreds of 'Festival Special' train services, aiming to provide a smoother and more comfortable journey for passengers. These trains are not part of the regular schedule and are added specifically to clear the extra rush on high-demand corridors.
Extensive Network of Special Routes
The 2026 festival season sees a robust schedule of special trains connecting Mumbai with key destinations across the country. Central Railway has announced 418 special services, while other zones are also contributing to the effort. Key routes include daily services to Gorakhpur, bi-weekly trains to Mau and Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, and weekly services to Nagpur. For those travelling south, there are weekly AC specials to Chennai and Bengaluru, as well as services to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Madgaon in Goa. Within Maharashtra, bi-weekly specials will connect CSMT Mumbai with Latur, and weekly services will run to Kolhapur. Western Railway is also running specials from Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus to destinations in North India like Danapur, Gorakhpur, and Bhagalpur.
Key Dates and Train Details
These special trains will operate primarily between mid-October and late November 2026 to cover the peak travel period for Diwali and Chhath Puja. For instance, the daily special from CSMT to Gorakhpur (01079) will run from October 16 to November 16. The weekly CSMT to Chennai service (01015/01016) is scheduled from mid-October to mid-November. The bi-weekly CSMT to Latur special (01105) will operate from October 13 to November 24. It is crucial for passengers to check the specific dates of operation for their desired route, as most of these services are not permanent fixtures.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for most of these festival special trains opened on September 27 and 28, 2026. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), the RailOne mobile application, or at any computerised railway reservation centre. It's important to note that these trains often have special fares, which may be higher than regular services. Given the high demand, it's advisable to book as soon as possible. Railway authorities have consistently urged passengers to secure their bookings early and to travel only with valid, confirmed tickets to avoid any last-minute issues.
Tips for a Smoother Booking Experience
Securing a ticket during the festival rush requires speed and preparation. Before bookings open, ensure you have an active IRCTC account and add passenger details to the 'Master List' feature to save time during checkout. Be flexible with your travel dates; special trains may run on specific days of the week, and being open to travelling a day earlier or later can increase your chances. If your preferred train is full, check for services from alternate stations within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, such as Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Bandra Terminus, or Panvel. For real-time information on train schedules and availability, travellers can use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) portal.
