12 September,2026 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Rane greets passengers after flagging off `Shiv Sena Express` in Dadar. PIC/X
A special train carrying Ganesh devotees from Mumbai to Konkan departed from Dadar on Saturday ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, according to Shiv Sena leader Nilesh N Rane.
In a post on X, Rane said the special "Shiv Sena Express" departed Dadar around noon on Saturday and was headed towards Kudal in Konkan. The train was flagged off with a green flag in the presence of Shiv Sena office-bearers, party workers and residents from the Konkan region, he said.
"Ganpati Bappa Morya!! Shiv Sena Express departs for Konkan carrying Ganesh devotees from Konkan!" Rane said in the post.
According to Rane, arrangements for the special train were made for Konkani people travelling from Mumbai to their native villages for Ganeshotsav. He said a similar arrangement had been made last year as well, with the aim of facilitating a free and safe journey for devotees travelling to Konkan for the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on September 14 this year, with devotees across Maharashtra preparing to welcome Lord Ganesha. The festival sees a significant annual movement of people from Mumbai to their native places in the Konkan region, where Ganeshotsav is traditionally celebrated with families and communities.
The departure of the special train comes amid preparations for the festival, as large numbers of devotees are expected to travel from Mumbai to different parts of Konkan over the coming days.
Rane also shared pictures from the flag-off ceremony and extended his wishes to those travelling to Konkan for the celebrations.
"May your journey be pleasant!" he said.
Mumbai's Maha Mumbai Metro will extend its services till 12.30 am on Metro Lines 2A, 7, 9 and 2B during Ganeshotsav 2026, allowing devotees and passengers to travel late into the night during the festival.
The additional services will be available from September 14 to September 25, 2026, according to the Maharashtra Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Under the Mumbai Metro Ganeshotsav special services schedule, the last Metro from Andheri West and Dahisar East on Line 2A, Gundavali and Kashigaon on Lines 7 and 9, and Maharashtra Nagar-Mandale and Chembur on Line 2B will depart at 12.30 am, instead of the usual 11 pm.
The Metro operator will also run 10 to 15 additional services on Lines 2A, 7, 9 and 2B as part of Mumbai Metro Ganeshotsav special services.
On weekdays, Line 2A will operate 299 services, an increase of 10 services, while Lines 7 and 9 will operate 290 services, 14 more than the regular schedule. Line 2B will operate 180 services, an increase of 15.
On Saturdays, Line 2A will run 241 services (+10), Lines 7 and 9 will run 237 services (+14), while Line 2B will operate 180 services (+15).
On Sundays, Line 2A will operate 223 services (+10), Lines 7 and 9 will run 219 services (+14), and Line 2B will operate 180 services (+15).
The extended operating hours and additional services are aimed at facilitating the movement of passengers visiting Ganesh mandals and other festival venues during the 12-day Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations.
