Konkan Railway has announced the operation of 254 special train services to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ganpati festival. These additional trains are scheduled to run between September 11 and September 27, aiming to facilitate smoother and more comfortable travel for commuters.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a significant festival, is set to commence on September 14 this year, prompting thousands of people to travel to their native places to celebrate with family. The special services are designed to cater to this traditional rush.
Extensive Network for Festival Travel
Of the 254 special trains, 246 will operate in collaboration with Central Railway, covering a wide range of routes. These services will primarily connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai with popular destinations such as Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, Madgaon, and Mangaluru.
Additional routes include:
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Ratnagiri
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Madgaon
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Mangaluru
- Pune to Ratnagiri
- Pune to Sawantwadi
Furthermore, Konkan Railway will operate eight special trains in coordination with Western Railway. These services will originate from various stations including Bandra Terminus in Mumbai, Vadodara, Vishvamitri, Bhusawal, and Valsad.
Booking Information and Passenger Advisory
Bookings for all the announced special trains have already commenced, allowing passengers to secure their seats well in advance of the festival period. Passengers are strongly advised to plan their journeys early to avoid last-minute complications.
Baban Ghatge, Deputy General Manager of Konkan Railway, urged passengers, "I request passengers to go ahead and book tickets on these special trains rather than depending on the regular trains being run by Konkan Railway, so that they can travel comfortably."
For specific train schedules, dates, and timings, passengers can refer to the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or utilize the official Konkan Railway mobile application. These additional services are expected to provide crucial travel options during one of the busiest periods for rail connectivity along the scenic Konkan route.