With Ganesh Chaturthi just days away, Indian Railways is gearing up to support millions heading to Maharashtra’s coastal Konkan region. To accommodate the expected surge in passengers, the Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) have announced the deployment of 262 special trains starting August 27, 2025, aiming to ensure a smoother travel experience during the festival period.
The announcement comes as a relief to travellers planning to head home or visit popular Konkan towns such as Ratnagiri, Sawantwadi, Kudal, and Pernem. With Maharashtra officially recognising Ganeshotsav as the Rajya Utsav or State Festival, this 10-day celebration draws lakhs of devotees and holidaymakers to the coast, resulting in a dramatic spike in travel demand.
Central Railway Leads with 192 Special Services
The Central Railway is taking the lead, scheduling 192 special services to key towns across the Konkan stretch. These trains will depart from Mumbai’s major termini—Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Dadar, Panvel, Thane—as well as from Pune. The routes have been carefully curated to cater to the most sought-after destinations.
Here is a breakdown of CR’s planned services:
- 40 trains between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Sawantwadi Road
- 36 trains between LTT and Kudal
- 24 trains each between LTT–Ratnagiri and Panvel–Kudal
- 20 trains between Panvel and Sawantwadi Road
- 18 trains between Dadar and Ratnagiri
- 8 trains each from Thane to Kudal and Sawantwadi Road
- 8 trains between LTT and Pernem
- 6 trains between Pune and Sawantwadi Road
This expansive coverage ensures that even remote towns receive direct rail connectivity, offering respite to those weary of road congestion or limited bus availability during the festive period.
Western Railway to Run 70 Festival Specials
Not to be left behind, the Western Railway has also rolled out 70 special trains, primarily connecting Mumbai and southern Gujarat to Goa and southern Konkan.
These include:
- 26 trains between Bandra Terminus and Madgaon
- 22 trains between Valsad and Sawantwadi Road
- 22 trains between Valsad and Kudal
The routes cater to a significant commuter base from Mumbai’s western suburbs and Gujarat, many of whom travel annually for the festival.
Fares, Bookings & Travel Advisory
To make travel accessible, railway authorities have introduced special fares on these festival trains. Bookings are now live via the IRCTC website and computerised reservation centres across the country. Passengers can also track live schedules and halts using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app.
Officials have urged travellers to book early and avoid last-minute rush, as these trains are expected to witness high occupancy. Many of the special services will include additional halts, based on real-time demand patterns.
In a statement, Central Railway officials noted: “The services have been planned keeping in mind the seasonal rush towards the Konkan region and will be operated with additional halts based on demand. Bookings for these trains have already begun.”
A Journey That’s Part of the Celebration
For many, the train journey is not just a means of reaching home—it is an integral part of the Ganesh Chaturthi experience. The rhythmic clatter of wheels, the aroma of home-packed modaks, and the hum of devotional songs turning coaches into moving shrines—all contribute to the unique atmosphere that only Indian trains can offer.
With this comprehensive rollout of special services, Indian Railways is once again proving to be a lifeline for festive India, ensuring that families can reunite, traditions can be honoured, and communities can celebrate without the hindrance of travel woes.
As the sacred festival approaches, the deployment of 262 Ganesh Chaturthi special trains will provide a much-needed cushion against the annual surge in travel demand. With discounted fares, widespread connectivity, and strategic scheduling, these trains will enable thousands to reach their destinations in time to usher in Lord Ganesha with pomp and devotion.
Passengers are encouraged to plan meticulously and stay updated with the latest information to ensure a seamless travel experience. As ever, the journey itself remains as cherished as the destination—especially when Indian Railways continues to uphold its legacy of connecting people to their roots during India’s most beloved festivals.
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