The Great Festive Exodus
Every year, the period leading up to Diwali and Chhath Puja sees one of the largest movements of people from Mumbai. Millions travel back to their hometowns, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and across Maharashtra, to celebrate with family.
This triggers an immense surge in demand for train and bus tickets, leading to long waiting lists and crowded platforms. To manage this predictable chaos, Indian Railways and state transport bodies announce special services to ease the burden and help more people secure a confirmed seat for their journey home. For travellers, staying updated on these announcements is the key to a smoother, less stressful trip.
All Aboard the Festive Special Trains
Both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) have rolled out an extensive schedule of special trains for the 2026 festival season. Central Railway has announced a massive 418 special services connecting Mumbai and Pune to destinations across the country. These trains will run between October and November. Key services from Mumbai include daily special trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Gorakhpur, a high-demand route. Additionally, there are weekly AC special services from CSMT to Chennai and Bengaluru, as well as superfast specials to Nagpur and bi-weekly services to Latur. Western Railway is also running numerous festival specials from its major terminals like Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus. These trains primarily cater to the heavy rush towards destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including Danapur, Gorakhpur, Bhagalpur, and Chhapra. Special services to Kerala have also been announced from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). Bookings for most of these special trains opened in the last week of September.
How to Book Your Special Train Ticket
Securing a ticket on these special trains requires quick action. Bookings can be made through all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and on the official IRCTC website and mobile app. It is crucial to note that these trains often run as 'Special on Special Fare' services, which means the fares may be 10% to 30% higher than the regular fares for the same route. Given the demand, tickets are exhausted within minutes of the booking window opening. Travellers are advised to keep their personal and payment details ready beforehand. For real-time information on train schedules, platform numbers, and potential delays, the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app is an indispensable tool. Railway authorities strongly advise passengers to book their tickets early and travel only with a valid, confirmed ticket to avoid any last-minute issues.
Extra Buses on the Roads
While the railways form the backbone of festive travel, road transport plays a vital role. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) typically announces a significant number of extra bus services to handle the Diwali and Chhath rush. For the recent Ganpati festival, for instance, MSRTC operated over 5,000 additional services. While the specific schedule for Diwali 2026 is awaited, travellers can expect similar arrangements. These special buses usually connect Mumbai with major cities and towns within Maharashtra and neighbouring states. It is highly recommended to frequently check the official MSRTC website and its social media channels for the latest announcements on special bus routes and booking dates. Private bus aggregators also increase their service frequency during this period, offering another viable option for many routes.
Essential Tips for a Smoother Journey
A little planning goes a long way in making your festive travel hassle-free. First and foremost, book as early as possible. Prices for flights and even dynamic bus fares can triple as the festival dates approach. If your dates are flexible, consider travelling a few days before the peak rush or even on the main day of Diwali, which can sometimes be less crowded. Travel during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late nights, to avoid the worst of the station and road congestion. When travelling, pack light but keep essentials handy. Be vigilant about your luggage and personal belongings in crowded areas. Finally, use technology to your advantage—keep track of your train or bus status using official apps and be prepared with a backup plan in case of unforeseen delays or cancellations.
