Central Railway runs 262 special trains for Ganpati Festival rush

Central Railway is operating 262 special train trips to clear the heavy passenger rush during the 2026 Ganpati Festival. Passengers can travel smoothly with 200 reserved services and 62 unreserved services starting from September 9, 2026, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, 2026. The special festival window continues until September 25, 2026, offering much-needed relief for travellers heading towards the Konkan region. Out of the 200 reserved trips, 112 trips will run to Sawantwadi Road, 64 to Ratnagiri, and 24 to Madgaon, featuring AC, Sleeper, and General coaches. Data up to September 1-2, 2026, shows that Central Railway has already registered over 117,682 bookings for these reserved services. Additionally, Konkan Railway is chipping in with 381 Ganpati Special services, including 184 mixed specials and 62 fully unreserved services.

Crowd Management and Passenger Safety

Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, stated that comprehensive crowd control arrangements are in place at major boarding stations. Railways are increasing active ticket counters, setting up dedicated waiting areas, and deploying extra Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel along with ticket-checking staff. To enhance passenger comfort, Central Railway is collaborating with NGOs to provide drinking water, food, and restroom facilities at select stations.

Travel Advisory for Festival Passengers

With the 60-day advance booking window now closed for peak travel dates, stations are expected to see heavy footfall. Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at railway stations at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure to avoid last-minute congestion and ensure a hassle-free boarding experience.