Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 6: Western Railway has announced a series of special train services to cater to the surge in passenger traffic during the Ganesh festival 2026, providing additional connectivity from Mumbai and Gujarat to destinations in Maharashtra's Konkan region and Karnataka.
The special services were approved by the Railway Board and announced by the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager (CPTM) of Western Railway. The trains will operate under the 'Train on Demand' (TOD) category and tickets will be available at special fares.
The additional services have been introduced to ease travel for passengers returning to their hometowns during the festive season, when demand for Konkan-bound trains witnesses a significant rise.
Among the key services, Train No. 09013 will operate as a weekly service from Mumbai Central to Thokur every Tuesday, departing at 10.45 am and reaching Thokur at 8.50 am the following day. The return service, Train No. 09014, will leave Thokur every Wednesday at 11 am and arrive at Mumbai Central on Thursday at 7.40 am.
Western Railway has also introduced a four-day-a-week service between Mumbai Central and Sawantwadi Road. Train No. 09019 will depart Mumbai Central on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10.45 am, while the return service, Train No. 09020, will operate from Sawantwadi Road on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Another weekly special train, Train No. 09035, will run from Bandra Terminus to Ratnagiri every Thursday, departing at 2.20 pm. The return service, Train No. 09036, will leave Ratnagiri every Friday at 1.30 am.
To facilitate travel from Gujarat, additional special trains will operate from Vadodara, Vishvamitri, Udhna and Valsad to Ratnagiri, offering direct connectivity to the Konkan region during the festival.
The special trains will halt at several major stations, including Borivali, Vasai Road, Panvel, Roha, Mangaon, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Kudal and Thivim.
Western Railway said double-ended electric locomotives will be deployed for trains originating from Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus to eliminate delays caused by engine reversals at Vasai Road.
Station managers have been directed to display complete train schedules on notice boards and make regular public announcements. Passengers can also access schedules and booking information through the Integrated Coaching Management System (ICMS) and the National Train Enquiry System (NTES).