Meeting the Massive Festive Demand
Every year, the period from Dussehra through Diwali and Chhath Puja sees a massive surge in travel as people journey home to celebrate with their families. To ease the strain on regular services and provide more options for travellers, both Central Railway
(CR) and Western Railway (WR) have announced a significant number of special trains departing from Mumbai's major terminals. Central Railway alone is set to run 418 special services, connecting Mumbai with destinations across the country. Western Railway has also introduced numerous services, primarily focused on high-demand routes to North and East India. These trains will operate throughout October and November 2026, ensuring that passengers have multiple options to plan their travel. The services include a mix of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches to cater to different budgets and preferences.
Central Railway Routes: North and South Bound
Central Railway has announced a comprehensive list of trains departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). For those travelling to North India, there are new bi-weekly services to Banaras and Mau, as well as daily special trains to Gorakhpur, a key destination during Chhath Puja. These trains will pass through major hubs like Nashik, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. For passengers heading south, there are weekly AC special trains from CSMT to Bengaluru and Chennai. A weekly special service will also run between LTT and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, catering to the Konkan route with stops in Madgaon, Mangalore, and Kozhikode. Additionally, services connecting Mumbai to destinations within Maharashtra, such as Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Latur, have also been introduced to handle the intrastate rush.
Western Railway Services to UP and Bihar
Western Railway is focusing its festival specials on the incredibly high-demand corridors to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. New weekly and bi-weekly trains will depart from Mumbai Central (MMCT) and Bandra Terminus (BDTS). Key services include a weekly superfast special from Bandra to Danapur (near Patna) and another to Gorakhpur. From Mumbai Central, special trains will run to Subedarganj (near Prayagraj) and Bhagalpur. Another bi-weekly superfast train from Bandra Terminus will connect Mumbai to Mau in Uttar Pradesh. These services are crucial for the thousands of migrant workers and families who travel back to their hometowns for the festivals. These trains will feature a mix of AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Unreserved coaches to accommodate as many passengers as possible.
How to Book Your Tickets
Booking for these special festival trains opened on September 27th and 28th, 2026, and demand is expected to be very high. Travellers are advised to book their tickets as early as possible. Tickets can be booked through three primary channels: the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app, and at computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at railway stations. It is important to note that these trains operate as 'Special Trains on Special Charges,' which means the fares may be slightly higher than regular train fares. To avoid last-minute hassles, always ensure you have a confirmed ticket before starting your journey and check for any real-time updates on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app.
Essential Tips for Festival Travel
Travelling during the festive season can be chaotic. To ensure a smoother journey, it is recommended to arrive at the station well in advance of your train's departure time, ideally at least 30 to 60 minutes prior. This helps in avoiding the last-minute rush to find your platform and coach. Pack light to make movement through crowded stations easier. Always carry a valid government-issued photo ID, as it is required for verification along with your ticket. Given the rush, be mindful of your luggage and personal belongings. Using the railway's official helpline, 139 (RailMadad), can provide assistance for any travel-related queries or grievances during your journey. Planning ahead is the key to a comfortable and safe trip back home for the celebrations.
