Hundreds of Special Trains Announced
To manage the surge in passenger traffic during the Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, both Central and Western Railways have rolled out a significant number of special train services. Central Railway is leading the charge with 418 special services connecting
Mumbai with key destinations across the country. These trains will depart from major terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Pune, heading towards cities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Overall, Indian Railways plans to run hundreds of trips across various zones to ensure passengers can get home for the holidays.
Key Routes from Mumbai
For passengers travelling from Mumbai, several high-demand routes are being catered to. Central Railway will operate daily special services between CSMT and Gorakhpur, totalling 64 trips between mid-October and mid-November. Additional weekly and bi-weekly services have been announced for destinations like Chennai, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Latur, and Kolhapur. For instance, a weekly AC special will run between CSMT and Chennai Beach, while 14 weekly AC services will connect Mumbai with Bengaluru. A bi-weekly service will make 26 trips between CSMT and Latur. Services to Thiruvananthapuram from LTT are also scheduled. These trains will have multiple classes, including AC 3-Tier, Sleeper, and General Second Class, to accommodate different budgets.
Booking Your Tickets: Dates and Platforms
Bookings for most of these festive special trains opened on September 27, 2026. Given the high demand, passengers are strongly advised to book their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be booked through all computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and, more conveniently, via the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in). It is important to note that these special trains will operate with special charges, which may include dynamic fares that fluctuate based on demand. Railway authorities have urged passengers to travel only with valid, confirmed tickets to ensure a smooth journey.
Your New All-in-One App: RailOne
A major update for all Mumbai rail users is the transition to a new, unified mobile application called RailOne. Indian Railways has been phasing out the older Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app, with its services now integrated into RailOne. The UTS app, a long-time staple for local train commuters, was officially discontinued from March 1, 2026. RailOne serves as a 'super app', allowing passengers to book both unreserved local tickets and reserved long-distance tickets on a single platform. If you were a UTS user, your R-Wallet balance is automatically transferred to RailOne when you log in with the same mobile number. The app also offers live train tracking, PNR status checks, and other passenger services.
Making the Most of Digital Services
To encourage the shift to digital platforms and reduce queues at ticket counters, passengers can use the RailOne app to book their unreserved tickets. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. For real-time updates on train schedules, platform numbers, and any potential delays, passengers should use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) portal or app. Planning your journey using these official digital tools can save significant time and help you navigate the festive rush more efficiently. Railway authorities are also focusing on effective crowd management at major stations by deploying additional security personnel to ensure passenger safety.
