August 1, 2025: Central Railway (CR) has announced the introduction of 44 additional special train services to cater to the surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ganpati festival, bringing the total number of special trains to 296. This expanded schedule aims to provide smoother and more accessible travel for devotees, reinforcing CR’s commitment to public convenience and efficient management of seasonal migration.
Among the new services are eight bi-weekly special trains between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Sawantwadi Road, operating on Thursdays and Sundays from August 28 to September 7, 2025. These trains will make four trips in each direction, halting at key stations such as Thane, Panvel, and Ratnagiri — offering vital connectivity along the Konkan corridor.
In addition, 36 daily unreserved MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) specials will run between Diva and Khed from August 22 to September 8, 2025, completing 18 trips each way. These services cater to short-distance travellers with high-frequency, affordable options.
Further, the existing Diva–Chiplun–Diva MEMU daily services have been extended by two additional trips, increasing the total to 40 and extending their operation until September 10, 2025.
Reserved ticket bookings for Ganpati Special train (01131) will open on August 3, 2025, through all computerised reservation centres and the IRCTC website. For unreserved coaches, tickets can be purchased via the UTS system at standard superfast Mail/Express rates.
This initiative not only supports cultural and religious travel but also helps ease congestion on roads, lowers emissions, and promotes sustainable intercity transport. By strategically scaling capacity, Central Railway plays a key role in ensuring safe, organised, and eco-conscious travel during one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated festivals.
Source: Urban Acres
