Navigating the Festival Rush
Every year, the period between October and November sees an unprecedented demand for train travel as millions head home to celebrate with their families. Regular services are often sold out months in advance, creating a stressful situation for last-minute
travellers. To manage this surge, railway zones like Central Railway and Western Railway introduce hundreds of special services. For the 2026 season, Central Railway alone has announced 418 special train services to connect Mumbai with destinations across the country, aiming to provide a confirmed berth to as many passengers as possible.
Central Railway's Key Routes from CSMT and LTT
Central Railway is leading the charge with a significant number of services originating from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). These trains cater to high-demand corridors, particularly towards North India. Daily special trains will run between CSMT Mumbai and Gorakhpur, completing 64 services between mid-October and mid-November. Additional bi-weekly services have been announced from LTT to Mau and Banaras, providing more options for those travelling to Uttar Pradesh. For passengers heading south, weekly AC specials will operate between CSMT and Chennai Beach, and also between CSMT and Bengaluru.
Services to Maharashtra and Southern States
There's also a strong focus on intra-state and southern routes. A bi-weekly special between CSMT Mumbai and Latur will run 13 trips in each direction from October 13 to November 24, stopping at key stations like Pune, Daund, and Dharashiv. Similarly, a weekly superfast special will connect CSMT with Nagpur. For those travelling along the picturesque Konkan coast, Central Railway will operate weekly special services between LTT and Thiruvananthapuram North, covering major stops in Goa and Kerala. An additional weekly service between LTT and Madgaon has also been announced to handle the tourist and hometown rush towards Goa.
Western Railway Extends Services
Western Railway has also stepped in by extending the operations of key services to clear the extra rush. The weekly special train service between Dadar and Bhusaval has had its trips extended until late November 2026. These trains operate under special fare rules, meaning the ticket prices may be higher than regular services. Passengers are advised to check for announcements from Western Railway for more routes that are often added closer to the peak Diwali period, typically covering destinations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
How to Book and Track These Trains
Booking for these special trains opened on September 27 and 28, 2026, and seats are filling up fast. Tickets can be purchased through all computerised reservation centres, the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), and mobile apps like RailOne. It is crucial to act quickly as these trains are in high demand. Passengers should regularly check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or website for real-time updates on train schedules, platform numbers, and running status. Given that these services are subject to special charges, the fares will be dynamic and higher than usual.
