Pune: In view of the upcoming Diwali festival, a special weekly Mumbai-Latur Express train will be operated from October 19 to November 9, 2024.

This special train will provide much-needed additional connectivity during the festive rush, and it has been confirmed that Pune will be one of the designated stops.

The Mumbai-Latur Special Express will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai every Saturday at 12:30 AM.

The train will reach Latur at 11:40 AM on the same day, allowing passengers a comfortable journey to their destination in time for the festivities. The return service will depart from Latur at 4:30 PM and is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai at 4:10 AM the following morning.

During its journey, the Mumbai-Latur Special will halt at several major stations, including Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Uruli, Daund, Bhigwan, Jeur, Kem, Kurduwadi, Barshi Town, Osmanabad, and Harangul.

These stops have been included to facilitate passengers traveling to various parts of Maharashtra during the Diwali season.

The Diwali season witnesses a large number of people returning to their hometowns to celebrate, significantly increasing the demand for transportation.

While state-run and private bus services are often fully booked during this time, trains have become the primary option for many due to their affordability and comfort.

Railway authorities have introduced this special service to accommodate the surge in demand during Diwali and ensure smoother travel for passengers. Travelers are advised to book their tickets in advance due to the expected high demand for the special train.