29 June,2026 06:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CR said the services have been planned to provide safer and comfortable travel during festival. Representational Pic/File
Central Railway will operate 54 special trains to Pandharpur and Miraj in Maharashtra to facilitate the travel of devotees attending the Ashadi Fair 2026, which will be held from July 22 to July 29, an official statement said on Monday.
The additional services have been introduced to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic during one of Maharashtra's biggest religious gatherings.
Central Railway has announced several reserved special trains connecting major cities with Pandharpur and Miraj.
Four special services will operate between Nagpur and Miraj, the statement said.
The trains will run on 23 and 24 July from Nagpur and return from Miraj on 24 and 25 July.
It said that the services will halt at major stations including Ajni, Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Manmad, Ahilyanagar, Daund, Kurduwadi, Pandharpur and Sangola before reaching Miraj.
Four special trains will run between New Amravati and Pandharpur.
The outbound services will depart on 21 and 24 July, while return services from Pandharpur will operate on 22 and 25 July.
The trains will stop at key stations including Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Manmad, Ahilyanagar, Daund and Kurduwadi.
Passengers travelling from Khamgaon will also benefit from four special services.
The trains will leave Khamgaon on 21 and 23 July, with return journeys from Pandharpur on 22 and 24 July.
Central Railway will operate eight special services between Latur and Pandharpur.
The trains will run on July 24, 27, 28 and 29, with same-day return services from Pandharpur.
These services are expected to provide convenient travel for devotees from the Marathwada region.
Most of the special trains will comprise:
- Two AC 3-tier coaches
- Ten Sleeper Class coaches
- Four General Second Class coaches
- Two Second Seating-cum-Guard Brake Vans
The Ashadi pilgrimage attracts lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states every year.
Central Railway said the additional services have been planned to provide safer and more comfortable travel during the festival and to reduce congestion on regular trains.
Passengers have been advised to book reserved tickets well in advance and check train timings before commencing their journey.
