Anticipating overwhelming passenger volume ahead of Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, railway authorities have lined up supplementary services to ease holiday travel toward northern destinations. Regular services linking financial hubs with northern towns routinely face exhaustingly long waiting lists where securing a reserved berth becomes nearly impossible. To alleviate this festive rush, North Central Railway has shared operational plans for an additional passenger service linking Mumbai with Banaras, providing vital connectivity for thousands journeying home during the festival weeks.
Biweekly Frequency and Coach Configuration
According to official details, the service will link Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Banaras twice each week in both directions. The rake has been composed of 22 coaches designed to serve travelers across various travel budgets. Unreserved passengers will have access to 5 general class coaches, while those planning overnight journeys can utilize the 11 sleeper class coaches assigned to the rake. For passengers seeking air-conditioned travel, the train includes 4 third AC coaches, complemented by 2 SLRD coaches that complete the configuration.
Departure Timings and Schedule Across October and November
On its northbound path toward Uttar Pradesh, train number 01051, running from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Banaras, will begin trips on October 14 and continue running through November 19. Departing every Wednesday and Thursday at 12:15 in the afternoon, it is scheduled to pull into Banaras the following evening at 16:05.
For the return trip, train number 01052, originating at Banaras toward Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, will run between October 15 and November 20. Departures are slated for every Thursday and Friday night at 20:30, reaching Lokmanya Tilak Terminus early in the morning at 04:40 on the second day of its run.
En Route Halts Across Key Junctions
The service will provide access to several regional hubs across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Moving through western corridors, intermediate stoppages include Thane, Kalyan Junction, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Jalgaon Junction, and Bhusawal Junction. Passing through central zones, the train calls at Khandwa Junction, Itarsi Junction, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Madan Mahal, Katni Junction, Maihar, and Satna. Moving toward its destination, halts are scheduled at Manikpur Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, and Varanasi Junction in both operational directions.
Verifying Train Schedules Before Boarding
Given that festive specials remain subject to operational revisions based on traffic demands, authorities have urged travelers to verify their booking and departure schedules prior to leaving home. Commuters can call the Indian Railways helpline on 139 to get the latest train updates. Alternatively, the official NTES portal offers digital access to live tracking, revised timings, and intermediate station arrival schedules.
