A Welcome Relief for Festive Travellers
Every year, millions of people travel from Mumbai and its surrounding regions to their hometowns to celebrate Diwali and Chhath Puja with their families. This exodus places immense pressure on the railway network, leading to long waiting lists and unavailable
tickets. To manage this surge, both Central and Western Railways have announced hundreds of special train services for October and November 2026, providing crucial extra capacity on high-demand routes. These services are essential for connecting families and ensuring celebrations can go on without the stress of uncertain travel.
Central Railway's Key Services from Mumbai
Central Railway (CR) is rolling out 418 special services to connect Mumbai with destinations across the country. Key services originate from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). For those heading to Uttar Pradesh, daily special trains will run between CSMT and Gorakhpur from October 16 to November 16. Additionally, bi-weekly services will connect LTT with Mau and Banaras. For travellers heading south, weekly AC specials will operate between CSMT and Chennai Beach on Wednesdays from mid-October, and similar weekly AC services will connect CSMT with Bengaluru on Saturdays. Other notable routes include bi-weekly services between CSMT and Latur, and weekly superfast specials between CSMT and Nagpur.
Western Railway Focuses on UP and Bihar
Western Railway (WR) has also announced a schedule of special trains, primarily aimed at easing travel to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which see some of the highest passenger traffic during the festive season. These trains will connect Mumbai's Bandra Terminus and Mumbai Central with key cities like Patna, Gorakhpur, Chhapra, and Danapur. These special services will run throughout October and November and will feature a mix of coach classes, including AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper, and General Second Class to cater to different budgets. An extension has also been granted for the Dadar to Bhusaval weekly special train, which will now run until late November 2026.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking for these special festive trains has already begun, with reservations opening on September 27 and 28 for various services. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), the IRCTC Rail Connect app, and at all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at railway stations. It is crucial to book as early as possible, as demand for these trains is exceptionally high. These services operate as 'special trains on special charges', meaning the fares might be 10% to 30% higher than regular trains on the same route. Keep checking the IRCTC portal, as more supplementary trains may be announced closer to the festival dates.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
Securing a ticket is only half the battle; navigating the crowded stations requires some planning. Always double-check your train's schedule and platform number on the NTES app or by calling the railway enquiry number before leaving for the station. Arrive well in advance, as stations like CSMT, LTT, and Bandra Terminus will be extremely busy. Pack light to make moving through crowds easier. If you have an unreserved ticket, you can use the UTS mobile app for booking. For those on a waiting list, monitor the chart preparation status, which is typically done four hours before departure. If tickets remain unconfirmed, exploring split-journey options on ticket discovery tools could offer a viable alternative.
