15 hrs ago
New CSMT–Sawantwadi Express Boosts Mumbai–Konkan Connectivity
A new train now runs every day between Mumbai and Sawantwadi Road in Konkan.
It was started before the Ganeshotsav festival, when many people travel to their family homes.
The train covers about 510 kilometres and stops at several important towns.
Its overnight schedule may help families, students and workers travel more easily.
Officials said the train could bring more tourists to Konkan’s beaches, forts and cultural places.
They also expect local hotels, transport businesses, traders and workers to benefit.
Railway officials said many projects are being carried out to improve Mumbai’s trains.
They said 350 special festival trains are running, with additional trains possible if demand increases.
A new daily CSMT–Sawantwadi Road Express was inaugurated on September 3, 2026, ahead of Ganeshotsav.
The approximately 510-kilometre service links Mumbai with towns in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
It runs between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Sawantwadi Road, stopping at stations including Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Ratnagiri, Kankavli and Kudal.
Officials said the train will help families, students, workers, traders and tourists while supporting regional trade, employment and tourism.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw cited about ₹18,000 crore in Mumbai rail projects, a target of 3,500 daily local services by 2030 and 238 sanctioned AC local rakes.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the service, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participating; reports differ on whether Shinde alone or all three jointly flagged it off.
- What
- A daily CSMT–Sawantwadi Road Express was launched as an additional Mumbai–Konkan rail service.
- Where
- The train operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai and Sawantwadi Road, with halts across Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
- When
- September 3, 2026, ahead of Ganeshotsav.
- Why
- Officials said it would meet passenger demand, improve access to Konkan, and support tourism, trade, employment and regional development.
Key facts
- Service
- Daily CSMT–Sawantwadi Road Express
- Distance
- Approximately 510 kilometres
- Route
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Sawantwadi Road
- Timings
- Departs CSMT at 11:55 p.m. and reaches Sawantwadi Road at 2:15 p.m.; returns at 5:20 p.m. and reaches CSMT at 6:40 a.m.
- Major halts
- Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Roha, Mangaon, Khed, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Rajapur Road, Kankavli, Sindhudurg and Kudal
- Mumbai rail investment
- Around ₹18,000 crore in suburban railway capacity projects are underway
- Festival and local trains
- About 350 special trains are operating for the festive season, while daily local services are targeted to rise from about 3,200 to 3,500 by 2030
Quotes
Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister who inaugurated the Mumbai-Savantwadi Express
“Today is very great news for the residents of Konkan. Today is a day of joy. Even before the arrival of Lord Ganpati, this Mumbai-Sawantwadi train service has started today; we have flagged it off with a green flag.…”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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