Gujarat, September 5, 2026: In a major relief for passengers travelling between Gujarat and Mumbai, Western Railway has announced a Palitana–Bandra Terminus Superfast Special Train ahead of the expected rise in passenger demand at Palitana, one of Gujarat’s prominent Jain pilgrimage destinations.
The special service will operate on September 6 and 7, 2026, providing an additional rail connection between Palitana and Bandra Terminus. The move is expected to particularly benefit Jain devotees travelling to Palitana, while also providing additional capacity for other passengers.
New Western Railway Special Train: Key Details
The newly announced service will operate under train numbers 09023 and 09024.
| Train | Route | Date | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09023 | Bandra Terminus – Palitana | Sept. 6, 2026 | 7:25 PM | Sept. 7, 9:25 AM |
| 09024 | Palitana – Bandra Terminus | Sept. 7, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Sept. 8, 9:30 AM |
The Bandra Terminus–Palitana special will leave Mumbai on the evening of September 6 and reach Palitana the following morning. The return service will depart Palitana at 8:00 PM on September 7 and reach Bandra Terminus at 9:30 AM on September 8.
11 Major Stations Included in the Route
The special train will provide connectivity through several important stations in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
According to Western Railway’s announcement reported by Gujarat Samachar, the train will halt at:
- Sihor Gujarat
- Songadh
- Dhola Junction
- Botad Junction
- Ahmedabad Junction
- Anand
- Vadodara
- Surat
- Valsad
- Vapi
- Borivali
These stops make the service particularly useful for passengers from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Vapi and Mumbai travelling towards Palitana.
Special Train Announced Keeping Jain Pilgrims in Mind
Palitana is an important Jain pilgrimage destination and attracts devotees from different parts of Gujarat and other states. Western Railway has introduced the special service considering the anticipated increase in passenger demand around religious activities and festivals. The additional train is expected to provide more convenient travel options for devotees who otherwise may have to depend on existing services or alternative routes.
Western Railway already operates a regular Palitana–Bandra Terminus Superfast Express, with train numbers 22935/22936. Official Western Railway documents list the service as a weekly train.
Special Fare Will Apply
The newly announced service will operate with special fares, according to the railway information reported by Gujarat Samachar. Passengers planning to use the special train should check the applicable fare and seat availability while making their reservation, as the special-service fare structure can differ from regular train services.
Booking Already Starts from September 5
Passengers can book tickets for train numbers 09023 and 09024 from September 5, 2026. Reservations will be available through passenger reservation centres and the official IRCTC booking platform. Travellers are advised to check the latest availability, coach composition, fare and schedule before making their journey because special-train operations can be subject to operational changes.
Why This Train Is Important for Gujarat Passengers
The special train is significant because it creates an additional direct connection between Palitana and Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus, while covering several major Gujarat cities along the route. For passengers from Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad, the additional service could provide another option during a period of increased travel demand. The service also strengthens rail connectivity for Palitana, particularly for pilgrims travelling from Mumbai and different parts of Gujarat.
Western Railway Boosts Festival-Season Rail Connectivity
The Palitana–Bandra special train is part of Western Railway’s broader approach of adding special services during periods when passenger demand is expected to rise. The railway has also announced various additional special services around the 2026 festival season, including services connecting Mumbai with destinations in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Bottom Line
The Palitana–Bandra Terminus Superfast Special will provide an additional rail option on September 6–8, 2026, with services connecting Palitana, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Vapi and Mumbai. For passengers planning to travel during this period, booking opens September 5, making it important to check availability early.
Note: Timings and operational details should be verified on IRCTC/Western Railway before travel.
Also read, Surat to Navi Mumbai in Just 55 Minutes: Air India Express Direct Flight to Start From October 25
Watch Latest News Videos on KRH News: Click Here