1.13 Lakh Book Mumbai-Konkan Special Trains for Ganeshotsav

Mumbai, August 28, 2026, witnessed a massive surge in bookings for special trains to Konkan, with 1,13,428 passengers securing tickets, generating ₹7.77 crore in revenue for the Railways.

The strong demand has led to several trains filling up quickly, with many passengers now relying on waiting-list tickets. To manage the festival rush, the Railways has planned additional services, including 200 special reserved trips and 62 unreserved trips between August 27 and September 26.

Central Railway will operate the majority of these services, with 1,10,523 passengers having booked tickets so far, generating ₹6.23 crore in revenue. Western Railway will operate 54 reserved special trips between September 7 and September 26, with 2,905 passengers having booked tickets, generating ₹1.54 crore.

The heavy demand has prompted the Railways to make additional arrangements, including attaching extra coaches to some trains depending on passenger demand. This could improve the chances of waiting-list tickets getting confirmed. Passengers who are unable to secure reserved tickets will have the option of travelling on unreserved special services.

A senior Central Railway official stated that unreserved special trains have been planned to provide an alternative to passengers who fail to get confirmed reservations. The Railways is also preparing for heavy crowds at stations and along the Konkan route, with additional arrangements for security, cleanliness, and ticket checking during the peak period.

The Ganesh festival is one of Maharashtra's biggest annual travel periods, with many Konkan residents working in Mumbai returning to their hometowns. Regular trains often see reservations filling up rapidly during this period, making special services crucial for managing the additional demand.

The Railways has also opened temporary reservation counters at select locations to facilitate bookings. Railway Protection Force personnel and other railway staff will be deployed in larger numbers at busy stations to manage crowds and ensure orderly boarding.

The festival rush is expected to continue until September 26, with the Railways working to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience for all passengers. With the additional services and arrangements in place, passengers can look forward to a hassle-free journey to their destinations.

The success of the special train services is a testament to the Railways' efforts to cater to the needs of passengers during peak travel periods. As the festival season continues, the Railways is likely to play a vital role in facilitating travel for thousands of people across the region.

In conclusion, the Ganeshotsav festival has sparked a significant travel rush, with the Railways earning ₹7.77 crore in revenue from special train bookings. With additional services and arrangements in place, passengers can expect a convenient and comfortable travel experience to their destinations.

The festival is a significant event in Maharashtra, with many people travelling to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. The Railways' efforts to manage the festival rush are crucial in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. As the festival season continues, the Railways is likely to remain a vital part of the travel plans for thousands of people across the region.

The success of the special train services is a positive indication of the Railways' ability to cater to the needs of passengers during peak travel periods. With the festival rush expected to continue until September 26, the Railways will continue to play a vital role in facilitating travel for thousands of people across the region.

In the end, the Ganeshotsav festival is a celebration of faith, family, and community, and the Railways' efforts to manage the festival rush are a testament to their commitment to providing a convenient and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.