To ensure a smooth journey for thousands of devotees heading to the Konkan region, Central Railway has announced an extensive plan to operate **246 special train services** for the 2026 Ganpati Festival. With the festival set to commence on September 14, 2026, these additional services are designed to manage the heavy passenger rush during the peak season. The operations will run from **September 11 to September 27, 2026**, covering major routes connecting Mumbai, Pune, and Diva to key destinations such as Ratnagiri, Sawantwadi Road, Madgaon, Khed, and Chiplun.
Key details of the special services include:
- A total of **124 pairs of trains** will be operational.
- The fleet consists of **184 reserved trains** (AC, sleeper, and general) and **62 unreserved MEMU special trains**.
- Services will depart from key hubs: **98 from CSMT**, **76 from LTT**, **10 from Pune**, and **62 unreserved MEMU specials from Diva**
- Bookings for reserved services open in phases starting **August 1, 2026**.
Booking Schedule and Ticketing Information
The reservation process is being rolled out in a phased manner to manage the high demand. Passengers can book their tickets for reserved services at all **Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters** or through the official **IRCTC website**. Meanwhile, the **62 unreserved MEMU trains** will have tickets available via the **Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)** at standard charges.
Dr. Swapnil Nila, CPRO of Central Railway, noted that the booking schedule is as follows:
- August 1, 2026: Trains 01153, 01445, 01167, and 01447
- August 2, 2026: Trains 01165 and 01185
- August 3, 2026: Trains 01103, 01129, 01151, 01171, and 01131
Planning Your Journey
As the festival period witness significant footfall, passengers are strongly advised to plan their travel well in advance. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific routes, timings, and scheduled stoppages, travelers should check the **National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app** or visit the official website at **www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in**. By staying updated through these official channels, passengers can ensure a hassle-free festive travel experience to their hometowns in the Konkan region.