A Major Boost for Festive Travel
To ease the immense pressure on the railway network during the 2026 festive season, which includes Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has rolled out a substantial number of special train services. Central Railway has taken the lead by
announcing 418 special services originating from key hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. These trains are crucial for connecting the metropolitan region with high-demand destinations across the country, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as southern states. This move is designed to offer a more seamless and comfortable journey for the millions of people who travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families, alleviating some of the stress associated with last-minute travel plans.
Central Railway's Network Expansion
Central Railway's plan is comprehensive, with services departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). A significant focus is on the corridor to North India, with 64 daily services announced between CSMT and Gorakhpur from mid-October to mid-November. Additional bi-weekly services will connect LTT with cities like Mau and Banaras. The south is also well-covered, with weekly AC special trains scheduled for Chennai and Bengaluru. Services within Maharashtra are also being bolstered, including weekly superfast trains to Nagpur and bi-weekly trains to Latur, ensuring better connectivity within the state. There are even new weekly services connecting Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala via the Konkan route.
Key Routes and Destinations
The destinations for these special services have been chosen based on traditionally high-demand corridors during the festival season. For passengers heading north from Mumbai, key special trains will travel to Gorakhpur, Banaras, and Mau. Those travelling south will have dedicated weekly AC services to Chennai Beach and SMVT Bengaluru. The Mumbai-Gorakhpur special (01079/01080) will be a daily service, making important stops at Thane, Kalyan, Nashik, Bhopal, Kanpur, and Lucknow. The CSMT-Chennai special (01015/01016) will halt at Pune, Solapur, and Renigunta, among other stations. Similarly, the CSMT-Bengaluru weekly special (01013/01014) will connect passengers to Hubballi, Dharwad, and Belagavi. Travellers should note that these are special services and may have different fare structures.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings for these much-anticipated festive special trains opened on September 27, 2026. Passengers are strongly advised to book their tickets well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and potential disappointment. Tickets can be booked through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in), the RailOne mobile application, or at any computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter. Given the high demand, seats on these special trains are expected to fill up quickly. Railway authorities have urged travellers to use official channels for booking and to be wary of unauthorised agents or touts. For the most accurate and real-time information on train schedules, platform numbers, and any potential delays, passengers should refer to the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or website.
