Tackling the Festive Exodus
Every year, the months of October and November witness a massive movement of people from Mumbai to their hometowns across the country to celebrate Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. This annual exodus puts immense pressure on the existing railway network,
leading to long waiting lists and overcrowded trains. To manage this surge, both Central and Western Railways have rolled out a comprehensive plan for 2026, introducing hundreds of additional services to ensure smoother and more comfortable journeys for millions of travellers. These services are a critical piece of infrastructure management during a period of peak demand.
Central Railway's Extensive Network
Central Railway has taken the lead by announcing 418 special train services to cater to the festive demand. These trains will connect major Mumbai terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with high-demand destinations. Key routes include daily services to Gorakhpur, bi-weekly services to Banaras and Mau, and weekly services to Chennai, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Kolhapur. For instance, 64 daily special services will run between CSMT and Gorakhpur from mid-October to mid-November. Additional weekly AC special trains will also operate to southern hubs like Bengaluru and Chennai, while special services to Kerala via the Konkan route will provide relief for passengers heading south.
Western Railway's Crucial Connections
Western Railway is also bolstering its network, focusing on routes towards North India, a region that sees a particularly heavy rush for Chhath Puja. Special trains will connect Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus with destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, such as Patna, Danapur, Gorakhpur, and Chhapra. These services will run throughout October and November, featuring a mix of AC, Sleeper, and General class coaches to accommodate passengers across different budget levels. Additionally, Western Railway has extended the trips of some existing weekly special trains, like the Dadar-Bhusaval service, until late November to provide further capacity.
Major Destinations Covered
This year's special services cover an extensive map, ensuring better connectivity for travellers. For those heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, there are multiple options to cities like Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Mau, Patna, and Chhapra. In the south, special trains will service Bengaluru, Chennai, and various destinations across Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram. Within Maharashtra, key connections include services to Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Latur. This wide network is designed to distribute passenger load and provide direct or convenient connections to as many hometowns as possible during the festive window.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for these festival special trains have already commenced, opening in late September on a rolling basis. Passengers are advised to book their tickets as early as possible due to extremely high demand. Tickets can be booked through all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and online via the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) and the RailOne mobile app. It's important to note that these trains operate with special fares, which may be slightly higher than regular services. Travellers should check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) portal for real-time updates on train schedules and platform information before their journey.
