Mumbai's railway authorities have announced special suburban services to ensure safe and convenient travel for revelers on New Year's Eve. Both Central Railway and Western Railway will operate additional trains during the midnight hours of December 31st to accommodate passengers celebrating the arrival of the new year.
Central Railway's Midnight Specials
Central Railway will operate a total of four special suburban services to facilitate movement on its key routes. These services are strategically timed for the post-midnight period when regular services may be limited.
On the main line, a special train will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 1.30 am and is scheduled to arrive at Kalyan at 3.00 am. For passengers traveling in the opposite direction, a train will leave Kalyan at 1.30 am and reach CSMT by 3.00 am.
Harbour Line Connectivity
Similar arrangements have been made for the Harbour line. A special service will commence from CSMT station at 1.30 am, terminating at Panvel at 2.50 am. Conversely, a train will depart from Panvel at 1.30 am and arrive at CSMT at 2.50 am.
A crucial point for commuters is that all these special trains will halt at every station along their respective routes, ensuring accessibility for passengers boarding from intermediate stops.
Western Railway's Extended Schedule
Western Railway is complementing these efforts by running eight special trains on the busy Churchgate-Virar corridor. This will provide ample options for passengers on the western suburbs route.
The schedule from Churchgate is as follows:
- 1.15 am
- 2.00 am
- 2.30 am
- 3.25 am
From Virar, the special trains will depart at:
- 12.15 am
- 12.45 am
- 1.40 am
- 3.05 am
This initiative by the railway authorities is a significant step towards managing the large crowds expected on New Year's Eve and promoting safe travel. It aims to prevent overcrowding and offer a reliable transit option for Mumbaikars returning home after celebrations across the city.
