An Overview of the Festive Services
To cater to the increased demand during the Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals in October and November 2026, Central Railway has introduced 418 special train services. These trains will connect major Mumbai terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with numerous cities in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This initiative aims to provide comfortable and seamless travel for millions heading home for the holidays. The services include a mix of daily, weekly, and bi-weekly trains, with some featuring all-AC coaches for added comfort.
Key Routes to North and East India
A significant number of services are directed towards North and East India to handle the heavy passenger traffic. A daily special service (01079/01080) will run between CSMT and Gorakhpur from mid-October to mid-November. Additionally, bi-weekly services have been announced between LTT and other key Uttar Pradesh cities like Mau and Banaras. These routes are crucial for connecting Mumbai with one of the busiest travel corridors during the festival period, passing through major junctions like Kanpur Central, Lucknow, and Prayagraj Chheoki.
Connecting Mumbai with South India
Travellers heading south also have several new options. A weekly AC special (01015/01016) will operate between CSMT and Chennai Beach. Another weekly AC service (01013/01014) will connect CSMT with SMVT Bengaluru. For those travelling to Kerala, a weekly special (01463/01464) will run between LTT and Thiruvananthapuram North, covering key stops along the Konkan coast. Furthermore, a weekly special train (01179/01180) between LTT and Madgaon in Goa has been scheduled, providing a direct link for holidaymakers.
Enhanced Intra-State Connectivity in Maharashtra
Central Railway is also boosting connectivity within Maharashtra. A weekly superfast special (02139/02140) will run between CSMT and Nagpur. For travellers heading to the western parts of the state, a weekly service between CSMT and Kolhapur has been announced. A bi-weekly special (01105/01106) will connect CSMT with Latur, running on Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-October to late November. Western Railway has also extended the run of the Dadar-Bhusaval weekly special train (09049/09050) until late November to manage the festive rush.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking for these special trains opened on September 27 and September 28, 2026, with tickets subject to special charges. Passengers can book their tickets through multiple channels. The most convenient method is the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. Alternatively, bookings can be made at any computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter at railway stations. Given the high demand during the festive season, it is highly advisable to book your tickets well in advance to secure a confirmed seat and avoid last-minute hassles.
Important Information for Travellers
Before you travel, remember to check the detailed schedule, including timings at intermediate halts, on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) website or app. Railways advise all passengers to travel only with valid, confirmed tickets to avoid any inconvenience during their journey. The special trains will have varied coach compositions, including AC First Class, AC Two-Tier, AC Three-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General coaches, so check the train details before booking to ensure it meets your travel needs.
