A Major Boost for Festive Travellers
Central Railway (CR) has confirmed the operation of 418 special train services to manage the heavy passenger rush anticipated during the upcoming festive period of Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja in October and November 2026. This proactive measure
is designed to provide relief to millions of people who travel from Mumbai and Pune to their hometowns across the country for the holidays. According to officials, these services will connect key terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with numerous destinations, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for everyone. The announcement is welcome news for commuters who typically face overcrowded trains and long waiting lists during this peak travel window.
Key Routes Connecting Major Hubs
The 418 special services will cover a vast network, linking Maharashtra with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Several high-demand routes will see increased frequency. For instance, daily special trains will run between CSMT Mumbai and Gorakhpur, totalling 64 services. Additionally, weekly AC special services will operate between CSMT and Chennai Beach. Other significant routes include bi-weekly services between LTT and Mau, LTT and Banaras, and special trains from CSMT to Nagpur and Kolhapur. These routes are critical for connecting industrial and urban centres with regional towns, catering to migrant workers, students, and families travelling for the celebrations.
Services from Pune and Nagpur
The festive rush is not limited to Mumbai alone, and Central Railway's plan reflects this. The additional services also originate from other major cities in Maharashtra, including Pune and Nagpur. Special trains will run from Pune to key destinations like Danapur, Gorakhpur, and Nagpur, which see a significant outflow of travellers. Similarly, services from Nagpur and Hadapsar have been included in the schedule to distribute the passenger load and provide more options for people across the state. These dedicated services aim to reduce the strain on the existing railway infrastructure and make festival travel more manageable from these important urban centres.
Booking Information and Travel Advice
Reservations for these special trains, which operate on special fares, began opening in phases from late September. Passengers are encouraged to book their tickets in advance through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), the mobile app, or at computerised reservation centres. Given the high demand, seats are expected to fill up quickly. Travellers are advised to carry valid tickets and check the train schedules and halt stations on the NTES app or the enquiry.indianrail.gov.in website before starting their journey. While the additional services will significantly increase capacity, planning ahead remains the best strategy to ensure a confirmed seat and a hassle-free trip during the busiest travel season of the year.
