Travelling between Mumbai and Gujarat is set to become more convenient with the introduction of a new weekly special train service. The Western Railway has announced this additional service to accommodate
the growing number of passengers on this busy inter-state route.
The initiative aims to reduce travel difficulties, improve connectivity
, and provide a more comfortable journey option for commuters.Service To Begin From May 6
According to a report in Financial Express, the Bandra Terminus-Palitana Weekly Special (Train No 09023) will commence operations on May 6, 2026 (Wednesday). The train will depart from Bandra Terminus at 12:15 pm and is scheduled to reach Palitana at 5:10 am the following day, offering an overnight travel option for passengers.
For the return journey, Train No 09024 (Palitana-Bandra Terminus Weekly Special) will run on May 8, 2026 (Friday). It will depart from Palitana at 5 pm and arrive back at Bandra Terminus at 7:25 am the next day.
| Train No | Train Name | Date Of Service | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09023 | Bandra Terminus-Palitana Weekly Special | May 6, 2026 (Wednesday) | 12:15 hrs | 5:10 hrs (Next Day) |
| 09024 | Palitana-Bandra Terminus Weekly Special | May 8, 2026 (Friday) | 17:00 hrs | 7:25 hrs (Next Day) |
Key Halts Along The Route
During its journey in both directions, the train will stop at several important stations to cater to passengers across multiple regions. These halts include Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Botad, Dhola, Songadh, and Sihor.
The introduction of this special train is expected to bring significant relief to passengers who frequently travel between Mumbai and Gujarat. With demand surging, particularly during weekends and festive periods, securing confirmed tickets has often been difficult. This additional weekly service is likely to ease congestion, reduce waiting lists, and improve overall travel availability.
Boost For Pilgrimage And Business Travel
The service is also expected to benefit pilgrims travelling to Palitana, one of Gujarat’s most prominent religious destinations. By offering a direct and relatively hassle-free route, the train enhances accessibility for devotees. At the same time, business travellers and families will benefit from improved connectivity and the convenience of an overnight journey.
Officials believe the new service will strengthen rail connectivity between key cities and towns across Maharashtra and Gujarat. By bridging major commercial hubs and religious centres, the train is set to serve a wide range of passengers while making inter-city travel smoother and more efficient.
