Why Were These Trains Introduced?
The introduction of these 418 special train services by Central Railway is a direct response to the massive surge in travel demand anticipated for the 2026 festive season. The period covering Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja traditionally sees a huge
number of people travelling from Mumbai and its surrounding areas to their hometowns across the country. These services, primarily operating through October and November 2026, are designed to ease the passenger load on regular trains, which often run at full capacity with long waiting lists during this time. By adding extra trains, the railway aims to provide more confirmed berths, reduce overcrowding, and ensure a smoother, more convenient travel experience for families and individuals heading home for the holidays.
Connecting Mumbai to North India
A significant portion of the special services is dedicated to connecting Mumbai with high-demand destinations in North India, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. To cater to the Chhath Puja rush, Central Railway will run 64 daily special services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Gorakhpur (Train Nos. 01079/01080) from mid-October to mid-November. Another 64 daily services will operate between Hadapsar (Pune) and Gorakhpur. Additional bi-weekly trains will also connect Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) with Banaras and Mau, providing further options for passengers travelling to eastern Uttar Pradesh. These trains will consist of a mix of AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches to accommodate various passenger needs.
Boosting Connectivity to South India
The festive plan also enhances connectivity to southern states. Central Railway has announced weekly AC special services from CSMT to Chennai Beach (Train Nos. 01015/01016) and SMVT Bengaluru (Train Nos. 01013/01014). The Mumbai-Bengaluru service will make seven trips in each direction between October and November 2026, stopping at key stations like Pune, Satara, Miraj, and Hubballi. For passengers heading towards Kerala, 12 weekly special services will run between LTT and Thiruvananthapuram North, covering major stops along the Konkan coast, including Madgaon, Mangaluru Junction, and Ernakulam. An additional 14 weekly services will operate between LTT and Madgaon, specifically catering to travellers to Goa.
Strengthening Intra-Maharashtra Routes
Recognising the travel demand within Maharashtra, Central Railway has bolstered services to several key cities. A total of 26 bi-weekly services will run between CSMT and Latur (Train Nos. 01105/01106) from October 13 to November 24. The important Mumbai-Nagpur corridor will see 12 weekly superfast special services operating between CSMT and Nagpur (Train Nos. 02139/02140) on weekends. Furthermore, 12 weekly specials will connect CSMT with Kolhapur, stopping at Pune, Satara, and Sangli. These services, originating from major Mumbai terminals like CSMT and LTT, are supplemented by services from Pune, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the state.
Booking and Travel Information
Bookings for these special trains opened in late September 2026 and are available via the IRCTC website, the RailOne mobile app, and all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. It is important to note that these trains are designated as 'special trains on special charges,' which means the fares may be higher than on regular services, often with a 10% to 30% surcharge depending on the class of travel. Given the high demand, passengers are advised to book their tickets well in advance. For real-time information on train schedules, timings, and platform details, travellers should consult the official Indian Railways enquiry portal or the NTES app.
