Mumbai-Gujarat rail travel is poised for greater convenience with the launch of a new weekly special train service between Bandra Terminus and Palitana. The Western Railway introduced the additional train to meet rising passenger demand on this popular inter-state corridor.
The special service is expected to particularly aid pilgrims heading to Palitana, a major religious site in Gujarat, by providing a direct and comfortable connection. It will also support business travellers and families seeking reliable overnight options.
According to a report in the *Financial Express*, Train No. 09023 (Bandra Terminus-Palitana Weekly Special) will begin operations on May 6, 2026 (Wednesday). It will depart Bandra Terminus at 12:15 pm and reach Palitana at 5:10 am the next day.
The return service, Train No. 09024 (Palitana-Bandra Terminus Weekly Special), will operate on May 8, 2026 (Friday). It will leave Palitana at 5:00 pm and arrive at Bandra Terminus at 7:25 am the following day.
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Key Stations on the Route
The train will halt at multiple important stations in both directions to serve passengers across regions. These include Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Botad, Dhola, Songadh, and Sihor.
This new link comes as a timely relief for travellers on the Mumbai-Gujarat route, where high demand—especially on weekends and during festivals—has often led to long waiting lists and booking difficulties. The additional weekly service is anticipated to ease pressure on existing trains, improve seat availability, and enhance overall connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Officials view the train as a boost for both pilgrimage and commercial travel. By directly connecting major commercial hubs with key religious centres, it strengthens rail networks across the two states and offers a smoother, more efficient travel experience for a diverse range of passengers.
The initiative underscores Western Railway’s efforts to address growing passenger needs and improve accessibility to important destinations in Gujarat. Travellers are advised to check official schedules and book tickets promptly as the service gains popularity.
