Veraval to Bandra Terminus:To manage the rising passenger demand during the peak travel season, Western Railway has announced the operation of a special train service between Veraval to Bandra Terminus. The decision comes as part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to provide additional travel options and reduce congestion on regular long-distance routes connecting Gujarat with Mumbai.
The special train will run for a limited period with special fares, catering mainly to passengers traveling from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat to Maharashtra’s financial capital. According to Western Railway officials, the service has been introduced after observing heavy booking pressure and overcrowding on existing trains along this corridor.
Booking to Begin From January 22
Ticket reservations for the Veraval to Bandra Terminus special train will open from January 22. Passengers can book tickets through all computerized reservation centers across the country as well as on the official IRCTC website. Railway authorities have advised travelers to book early, as seats are expected to fill quickly due to high demand.
The special service will operate with two train numbers. Train number 09017 will run from Bandra Terminus to Veraval, while the return service, train number 09018, will operate from Veraval to Bandra Terminus.
Special Train to Run From January 25 to February 22
Western Railway’s Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Atul Kumar Tripathi, stated that the special train has been scheduled keeping in mind the surge in passenger traffic during late January and February. The service will run between January 25 and February 22, offering travelers additional connectivity during this busy period.
Train number 09017, running from Bandra Terminus to Veraval, will operate on select Sundays during this window. The return train, number 09018, will run on Mondays, ensuring convenient travel options in both directions.
Departure and Arrival Timings From Bandra Terminus
The special train from Veraval to Bandra Terminus and vice versa has been scheduled to offer overnight travel, allowing passengers to save time and travel comfortably.
Train number 09017 will depart from Bandra Terminus at 2:40 PM every Sunday and will reach Veraval at 8:05 AM the following morning. This train will operate on January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, and February 22.
The timing has been carefully planned to allow passengers to board the train conveniently in Mumbai during the afternoon and reach Veraval early the next day.
Return Journey Timings From Veraval
For passengers traveling in the opposite direction, train number 09018 will operate from Veraval to Bandra Terminus on Mondays. The train will depart Veraval at 11:05 AM and arrive at Bandra Terminus at 4:55 AM the following day.
This return service will run on January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, and February 23. The overnight journey is expected to be particularly convenient for working professionals and long-distance travelers heading to Mumbai.
Stoppages Along the Route
The special Veraval to Bandra Terminus train will halt at several key stations across Gujarat and Maharashtra, ensuring accessibility for passengers from multiple regions. In both directions, the train will stop at:
- Keshod
- Junagadh
- Jetalsar
- Gondal
- Rajkot
- Surendranagar Junction
- Ahmedabad
- Anand
- Vadodara
- Surat
- Vapi
- Borivali
These strategically chosen stoppages are expected to benefit travelers from major cities and towns across the Saurashtra region, central Gujarat, and southern Gujarat.
Coach Composition and Travel Classes
The special train will be equipped with a mix of travel classes to cater to passengers from different economic backgrounds. The rake will include Second AC (2A), Third AC (3A), Sleeper Class, and General Class coaches.
Railway officials have stated that the coach composition has been finalized after reviewing booking trends on the route, ensuring adequate availability across all categories. Passengers are encouraged to check seat availability and fares while booking through official channels.
Special Fare Structure
As this is a special service, the train will operate with special fares applicable as per Indian Railways’ regulations. While fares may differ slightly from regular trains on the same route, officials have emphasized that the pricing remains reasonable and competitive, given the additional convenience provided.
Also read: Vadodara Metro Route: वडोदरा मेट्रो परियोजना का पूरा विवरण, रूट, स्टेशन और तकनीकी जानकारी
Why the Special Train Was Introduced
The route between Veraval to Bandra Terminus is among the busiest long-distance corridors in Western India, particularly during festive periods, holidays, and wedding seasons. Veraval, being a key coastal town and a gateway to the Somnath pilgrimage site, witnesses heavy passenger movement throughout the year.
Mumbai, on the other hand, attracts a large number of travelers for business, employment, and education. The special train is expected to significantly reduce waiting lists and overcrowding on existing services.
Passenger Advisory
Western Railway has urged passengers to rely only on official sources for booking and travel information. Travelers are advised to check train schedules, halt timings, and coach positions before commencing their journey. Valid identity proof is mandatory during travel, and passengers should follow all railway safety and cleanliness guidelines.
With the introduction of this special service, Western Railway aims to ensure smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel for thousands of passengers during the upcoming weeks.
