[By Devansh Desai Mumbai Samachar Desk]
Mumbai: Western Railway announced revised timings for select suburban and Mail/Express train services on Tuesday, with changes taking effect from January 1, 2026. According to officials, the modifications aim to enhance operational efficiency and passenger convenience.
Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, stated in a press release that the adjustments are designed to improve punctuality across the network, especially for services operating on the Dahanu Road section.
The updated schedule will impact certain local train services traveling in both directions on the Western Railway suburban corridor.
Mail and Express Services Also Modified
Beyond suburban trains, departure times for several Mail and Express services have been advanced. Railway authorities have listed these trains separately in Annexure 3.
Advisory for Commuters
Western Railway confirmed that complete information about the modified schedules can be obtained from Station Masters at respective stations. Travelers are urged to review the changes and adjust their travel plans to prevent any disruption.
Railway officials emphasized that this initiative forms part of their continuous commitment to enhancing service quality and passenger satisfaction.
Revised Suburban Schedule
Western Railway released updated timings for UP and DOWN direction Electric Multiple Unit services from Dahanu Road. The new timetable encompasses services running between Dahanu Road (DRD), Virar (VRD) and Churchgate (CCG), designed to optimize commuter flow during peak and off-peak periods.
The schedule shows the first Dahanu Road departure at 4.35 am, with trains operating at consistent intervals through major stations including Vangaon, Boisar, Palghar, Virar, Vasai Road, Borivali, Andheri, Bandra and Dadar before reaching Churchgate. Certain services terminate at Virar to accommodate local passenger requirements.
The timetable features 12 UP trains with varied termination points both Virar-bound and Churchgate-bound offering commuters enhanced frequency and connectivity during morning and afternoon periods. The final listed Churchgate-bound service is scheduled to arrive at 3.09 pm.
Western Railway also released the afternoon and evening schedule, with services commencing from Dahanu Road at 1.20 pm onwards. Trains run through major stations including Vangaon, Boisar, Palghar, Virar, Vasai Road, Bhayander, Borivali, Andheri, Bandra and Dadar. Multiple services terminate at Virar, while others continue to Dadar and Churchgate, ensuring comprehensive coverage across suburban and mainline routes.
The updated DOWN-direction schedule for services between Churchgate/Virar and Dahanu Road begins January 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, DOWN EMU services depart Churchgate from 5.03 am, traveling through Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivali toward Virar and Dahanu Road. Some trains originate from Virar and Borivali to meet sectional passenger needs.
The revised timetable includes DOWN EMU services starting from Churchgate, Virar and Dadar, stopping at principal stations such as Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Bhayander, Vasai Road and Virar, before continuing through the extended suburban route via Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar and Vangaon to Dahanu Road.
Afternoon departures from Virar begin around 1.20 pm, with regular services continuing until late evening. Churchgate-originating trains also operate during afternoon and night hours for passengers traveling toward Palghar district.
Express Train Modifications
Western Railway indicated that departure times for selected UP and DOWN Mail/Express trains have been adjusted by up to 10 minutes to improve operational efficiency and on-time performance. Officials noted that the revised schedule impacts trains departing from Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Virar and Valsad.