For many in Maharashtra, the arrival of February signals more than just a change in weather—it marks the beginning of the great seasonal migration. Whether it’s heading home for the vibrant celebrations of Holi or planning that long-awaited family summer vacation, the demand for rail travel reaches a fever pitch.
In a move that brings a sigh of relief to thousands of commuters, Central Railway (CR) has officially announced the extension of 34 special train services. With a staggering 1,448 additional trips planned between March and July 2026, the national transporter is gearing up to ensure that “waitlist” doesn’t have to mean “cancelled plans.”
A Tiered Strategy: Holi, Specials, and Summer
Central Railway isn’t just adding trains; they are implementing a structured three-phase rollout to match the specific surges of the 2026 calendar.
- Holi Specials (March 1 – March 31): Targeted at the festive rush, with 328 trips scheduled to help families reunite for the festival of colors.
- Spring Specials (April 1 – April 14): A bridge period consisting of 148 trips to maintain connectivity as schools begin to close.
- Summer Specials (April 15 – July 15): The heaviest hitters of the season, featuring 972 trips designed for the peak vacation months.
Key Routes and Train Details
The extensions cover a wide geographical area, focusing on the busiest corridors connecting Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, and even extending into Andhra Pradesh.
Weekly Special Highlights
- Solapur – Mumbai (LTT) Specials (01435/01436): A vital link for business and family travel. These will complete 20 trips each in both directions, running as Holi specials in March and transitioning to Summer specials through July.
- Solapur – Anakapalle Specials (01477/01478): Connecting Maharashtra to Andhra Pradesh, these services will offer 19 trips each to handle the inter-state rush.
- Inter-City Links: Popular weekly routes like Bikaner–Sainagar Shirdi (04715/04716) and Ajmer–Daund (09625/09626) have also been extended through March to accommodate pilgrims and tourists alike.
Daily Special Reliability
For those who rely on daily connectivity, Central Railway has extended several high-frequency routes until July 15, 2026:
- Pune – Kolhapur (01023/01024): 137 trips in each direction.
- Hadapsar – Harangul (01487/01488): 137 trips in each direction.
- Badnera – Nashik (01211/01212): Providing much-needed relief on the North Maharashtra corridor.
What Passengers Need to Know: Booking and Logistics
The most important date for your diary is February 16, 2026. This is when bookings for the majority of these extended services (including 01435, 01436, and several others) officially open.
How to Book
- Digital Platforms: Tickets are available on the IRCTC website and the RailOne app.
- Physical Counters: All computerized reservation centers across India will be open for bookings within the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP).
- Unreserved Travel: For the budget-conscious traveler, unreserved coach tickets can be secured through the UTS system at stations.
Pro Tip: “The timings, halts, and coach compositions of these trains remain unchanged from their previous runs,” says a Central Railway spokesperson. “This consistency helps passengers who are already familiar with these specific services to plan with confidence.”
The Human Side of the Rail: Why This Matters
Beyond the steel tracks and the timetables, these extensions are about the stories of the people on board. It’s about the student in Pune finally catching a train home to see their parents in Solapur. It’s about the family in Mumbai being able to afford a trip to the cool hills of Nashik or the temples of Shirdi without the stress of exorbitant last-minute airfares.
By adding over 1,400 trips, Central Railway is doing more than managing “passenger rush”—they are facilitating the cultural and social fabric of Maharashtra. In a city like Mumbai, where the railway is often called the “lifeline,” these special trains are the extra pulse beats needed to keep the heart of the state healthy during its busiest months.
Quick Checklist for 2026 Travelers
- Check the Number: Ensure you are looking at the specific “0” series special train numbers.
- Monitor ARP: Bookings open exactly as per the Advanced Reservation Period; set your alarms for the morning of Feb 16.
- Verify Halts: Double-check your specific station on the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app before heading out.
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