Central Railway Runs 246 Ganpati Special Trains

Central Railway has announced the operation of 246 Ganpati Special Trains to cater to the increased demand during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The special trains will connect Mumbai and Pune with major Konkan destinations such as Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, Madgaon, and Khed.

The special train plan includes 98 services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), 76 from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), 10 from Pune, and 62 unreserved MEMU specials. Most services will operate between September 11 and September 27, covering the peak travel period for Ganesh Chaturthi.

The reserved trains will run to Sawantwadi Road, Ratnagiri, and Madgaon with a mix of AC, sleeper, and unreserved coaches. Special AC-only services have also been introduced on select routes. Pune will get both AC and regular weekly specials to Ratnagiri.

To cater to short-distance passengers, Central Railway will also run 62 unreserved MEMU specials between Diva-Khed and Diva-Chiplun. These services are expected to ease pressure on regular trains and provide affordable travel for passengers.

Reservations for the special trains will open in phases from August 1. Booking for certain trains will begin on August 1, followed by others on August 2 and August 3. Tickets will be available through all PRS counters and the IRCTC portal, while unreserved tickets can be booked through the UTS system.

Passengers can also use the RailOne app and the NTES platform to check train schedules and running information. Central Railway has advised travellers to book tickets early due to high demand during the festive season.

The additional services are expected to provide significant relief to passengers and reduce waiting lists on regular trains. With Konkan-bound trains witnessing heavy demand every Ganesh festival, the special trains will offer a convenient and affordable travel option for thousands of devotees returning home for the festival.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival in Maharashtra, and the special trains will help to reduce the burden on regular trains. The festival is expected to take place in September, and the special trains will operate during the peak travel period.

In recent years, Central Railway has taken several steps to improve the travel experience for passengers during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The introduction of special trains is a part of these efforts, and it is expected to benefit thousands of passengers.

The special trains will not only provide a convenient travel option but also help to reduce the waiting lists on regular trains. Passengers are advised to book their tickets early to avoid any last-minute rush.

In conclusion, the operation of 246 Ganpati Special Trains by Central Railway is a significant step towards providing a convenient and affordable travel option for passengers during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The special trains will help to reduce the burden on regular trains and provide relief to thousands of devotees returning home for the festival.