The Ganpati Festival, celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm in Mumbai, heralds the arrival of Lord Ganesha and draws millions of devotees to the city. Known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi, this vibrant Hindu festival spans ten days, beginning on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 03:01 PM, and culminating in the grand immersion (Visarjan) of Ganesha idols on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. During this time, homes and public spaces are adorned with colorful idols of Ganesha, as devotees engage in heartfelt prayers, and joyous singing to honor the beloved deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. As the city transforms into a bustling hub of activity, the influx of travelers—both local and from afar—creates a significant demand for transportation services, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joyous celebrations. Join us as we explore the essence of this magnificent festival and the special arrangements for 202 special trains to accommodate the high volume of visitors eager to experience the magic of Ganpati!

List of Special Trains for Ganpati Festival 2024

Here are the special trains scheduled for the Ganpati Festival 2024:

1. Mumbai CSMT - Sawantwadi Road - Mumbai CSMT Special (Daily)

• Train No. 01151/01152
• Departure: Mumbai CSMT at 00:20 hrs (01/09/2024 to 18/09/2024)
• Arrival: Sawantwadi Road at 14:20 hrs
• Return: Sawantwadi Road at 15:10 hrs, arriving Mumbai CSMT at 03:45 hrs the next day.
• Halt Stations: Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Roha, Mangaon, and more.
• Composition: 20 Coaches (2 AC, 12 Sleeper, 4 General, 2 SLR)

2. Mumbai CSMT - Ratnagiri - Mumbai CSMT Special (Daily)

• Train No. 01153/01154
• Departure: Mumbai CSMT at 11:30 hrs
• Arrival: Ratnagiri at 20:10 hrs
• Return: Ratnagiri at 04:00 hrs, arriving Mumbai CSMT at 13:30 hrs.
• Halt Stations: Dadar, Thane, Panvel, and more.
• Composition: 20 Coaches (2 AC, 12 Sleeper, 4 General, 2 SLR)

3. Lokmanya Tilak (T) - Kudal - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Special (Daily)

• Train No. 01167/01168
• Departure: Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 21:00 hrs
• Arrival: Kudal at 09:30 hrs the next day.
• Return: Kudal at 12:00 hrs, arriving Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 00:40 hrs the next day.
• Halt Stations: Thane, Panvel, Roha, and more.
• Composition: 20 Coaches (2 AC, 12 Sleeper, 4 General, 2 SLR)

4. Lokmanya Tilak (T) - Sawantwadi Road - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Special (Daily)

• Train No. 01171/01172
• Departure: Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 08:20 hrs
• Arrival: Sawantwadi Road at 21:00 hrs.
• Return: Sawantwadi Road at 22:20 hrs, arriving Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 10:40 hrs the next day.
• Halt Stations: Thane, Panvel, Roha, and more.
• Composition: 20 Coaches (2 AC, 12 Sleeper, 4 General, 2 SLR)

5. Diva Jn. - Chiplun - Diva Jn. MEMU Special

• Train No. 01155/01156
• Departure: Diva Jn. at 07:15 hrs
• Arrival: Chiplun at 14:00 hrs.
• Return: Chiplun at 15:30 hrs, arriving Diva Jn. at 22:50 hrs.
• Halt Stations: Nilje, Taloja Panchanand, Panvel, and more.
• Composition: 12 Car MEMU.

6. Lokmanya Tilak (T) - Kudal - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Special (Tri-Weekly)

• Train No. 01185/01186
• Departure: Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 00:45 hrs (Mon, Wed, Sat)
• Arrival: Kudal at 12:30 hrs.
• Return: Kudal at 16:30 hrs, arriving Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 04:50 hrs the next day.
• Halt Stations: Thane, Panvel, Roha, and more.
• Composition: 20 Coaches (2 AC, 12 Sleeper, 4 General, 2 SLR)

7. Lokmanya Tilak (T) - Kudal - Lokmanya Tilak (T) Special (Weekly)

• Train No. 01165/01166
• Departure: Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 00:45 hrs (Tue)
• Arrival: Kudal at 12:30 hrs.
• Return: Kudal at 16:30 hrs, arriving Lokmanya Tilak (T) at 04:50 hrs the next day.
• Halt Stations: Thane, Panvel, Roha, and more.
• Composition: 21 LHB Coaches (1 First AC, 5 2-Tier AC, 12 3-Tier AC, Pantry Car, 2 Generator Cars)

For detailed halts and timings of the above 202 trains, please visit Indian Railways Enquiry or download the NTES App.

Booking Date and Information:

Bookings for all Ganpati special Trains will open from 21/07/2024 at all Passenger Reservation Systems (PRS), internet and IRCTC website

Booking your tickets in advance is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Here’s how you can secure your seats:

• Booking Process: Tickets for special trains for the Ganpati Festival can be booked through the official Indian Railways website, mobile app, or at railway stations.
• Special Booking Counters: During the festival season, additional booking counters may be set up at major railway stations for convenience.
• Early Booking Tips: To ensure you get a seat, it's advisable to book your tickets as soon as they become available, especially for popular routes.

For a comprehensive guide on booking train tickets online, check out our detailed blog post "Book Train Tickets Online - A Step-by-Step Guide with Yatri." This guide, available on our website, simplifies the process of booking train tickets and ensures a smooth journey during the Ganpati Festival.

Importance of Special Trains

To accommodate the surge in travelers during the Ganpati Festival, special trains are introduced. These trains serve several important purposes:

• Catering to Increased Demand: The influx of devotees necessitates additional transportation options to ensure everyone can participate in the festivities.
• Convenient and Efficient Travel: Special trains provide a direct and hassle-free way to reach key destinations in Mumbai, reducing travel time and stress.
• Reducing Overcrowding: By offering more trains, the railway authorities can alleviate the pressure on regular services, ensuring a more comfortable journey for all passengers.

Amenities and Facilities

Traveling by special trains during the Ganpati Festival comes with several amenities:

• Special Amenities: Trains may feature additional coaches to accommodate the increased number of passengers
• Reserved Coaches: Some trains will have reserved coaches for women, senior citizens, and families, ensuring a comfortable journey.
• Catering Services: Many special trains will offer catering services, including pantry cars serving snacks and meals, making your journey more enjoyable.

Safety and Security Measures

The safety of passengers is a top priority during the festival. Here are some measures in place:

• Safety Protocols: Enhanced security checks will be conducted at railway stations and on trains to ensure passenger safety.
• Luggage Restrictions: Travelers are advised to check for any restrictions on luggage size and items allowed on board to avoid inconvenience.
• Emergency Contacts: Passengers should keep emergency contact numbers handy, including helpline numbers for the railway authorities.

Tips for Hassle-free Travel during Ganesh festival

To make your journey as smooth as possible, consider the following tips

• Plan Ahead: Research train schedules and plan your journey in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Packing Essentials: Bring along essentials like water, snacks, a light jacket, and any personal items you may need during the journey.
• Follow Guide-lines: Adhere to the rules and regulations set by railway authorities to ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience.

As the Ganpati Festival approaches, planning your travel with special trains becomes imperative. With increased services, convenient routes, and essential amenities, these special trains are designed to enhance your festival experience. Remember to book early and prepare for a memorable celebration. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous Ganpati Festival 2024!