Responding to High Demand
To accommodate the persistent surge in passenger traffic, Central Railway has extended the operational period of numerous special train services. This move is a direct response to the high demand on popular long-distance routes, particularly those connecting
Maharashtra with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. For many families who travel to their hometowns or for holidays during this period, the announcement translates to more available seats and a better chance of securing confirmed tickets, reducing the uncertainty and stress of travel planning. The railway authority noted that this step was taken specifically for the convenience of passengers facing a rush.
Pune to Danapur Route Extended
A key highlight of this extension is the daily special service between Pune and Danapur. The Train No. 01449 Pune-Danapur Daily Special, which was originally scheduled to run until July 15, 2026, will now operate from July 16 to September 28, 2026. This adds a significant 75 services on this high-traffic corridor. In the return direction, Train No. 01450 Danapur-Pune Daily Special has also been extended, and will run from July 18 to September 30, 2026. The train composition, which includes a mix of AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, sleeper class, and general second-class coaches, will remain unchanged, providing options for various budgets.
More Options on Other Key Routes
Beyond the daily services, Central Railway has also extended several weekly special trains. In total, 216 additional special train services have been extended, comprising 150 daily and 66 weekly services. This includes weekly trains such as the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Kanpur service (Train No. 04152), which will now run until September 26, 2026. Another significant extension is the Solapur-Anakapalle special train, with Train No. 01477 now running until September 25, 2026, and the return Train No. 01478 operating until September 26, 2026, catering to passengers traveling between Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. These extensions ensure that connectivity remains robust across several important interstate routes.
No Changes in Timings or Halts
An important point for passengers to note is that while the operational period of these trains has been extended, their schedules remain the same. Central Railway has clarified that there will be no changes to the timings, routes, or scheduled stoppages for these special services. This consistency helps families and other travelers plan their journeys without having to account for new timetables. Passengers can continue to rely on the existing schedule for departures, arrivals, and intermediate halts. For precise details, travelers are always advised to check the official NTES app or the Indian Railways enquiry portal before their journey.
How to Book Your Tickets
Reservations for the extended trips on these special trains opened on July 5, 2026. Families planning to travel can book their tickets through all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and on the official IRCTC website. For those opting for unreserved travel in general second-class coaches, tickets can be purchased using the UTS mobile app or at station booking counters. Given the high demand, especially during peak travel periods, passengers are strongly encouraged to book their tickets well in advance to secure confirmed seats and ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
