01 January,2026 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Twenty-nine trains have undergone postponement at originating or terminating stations to improve on-time performance. Representational pic
Western Railway's (WR's) new timetable for long-distance mail, express, and MEMU (mainline electric multiple unit)/DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit) trains came into effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking a transformative moment for Mumbai's railway infrastructure and connectivity. The changes introduced reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the metropolis's ever-growing transportation needs while significantly improving punctuality and passenger convenience
The Mumbai Central Division has emerged as a major beneficiary of these reforms, with substantial improvements across multiple operational parameters. The division has successfully accelerated 29 trains, collectively saving passengers 157 minutes every day. This acceleration is split between eight departing trains saving 72 minutes and 20 arriving trains saving 85 minutes, demonstrating a concerted effort to optimise travel times in both directions.
Terminal changes at Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus reflect pragmatic infrastructure management. Due to platform blocking for construction work, trains 12925/12926 and 12903/12904 have been rerouted from Mumbai Central to Bandra Terminus. Similarly, train 22209/22210 now terminates at Nizamuddin instead of New Delhi, streamlining operations. Officials said these adjustments, while necessitated by infrastructure development, have been implemented with minimal disruption to passengers.
The punctuality drive has resulted in careful schedule adjustments.
Twenty-nine trains have undergone postponement at originating or terminating stations to improve on-time performance, including 15 upward and 14 downward trains, with adjustments ranging from 2 to 15 minutes. Notably, train 22949 from Bandra Terminus to Delhi has been postponed by 145 minutes, allowing for more realistic scheduling and improved reliability.
Conversely, preponement measures have been applied to numerous services. Seven upward trains now depart earlier, with timings adjusted between 2 to 5 minutes, while nine downward trains leave ahead of their previous schedules, with adjustments spanning 5 to 30 minutes. Officials said these changes reflect data-driven scheduling based on actual operational patterns and passenger demand.
Additional halts have been strategically provided to enhance connectivity. The Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express (20901/20902) now stops at Valsad, Navsari, and Anand stations, improving accessibility for passengers in these important commercial centres. The Bandra Terminus-Surat Intercity Express (12935/12936) has added a halt at Umargam station, serving the industrial corridor more effectively.
The Mumbai Division has also implemented 46 trains with adjusted timings specifically to accommodate new services and suburban network changes. The Railways said this intricate choreography of train movements demonstrates the complexity of managing one of the world's busiest railway networks while continuously improving service quality.
Freight and passenger train segregation has been better managed through the utilisation of the sixth line at various stations, allowing for smoother operations and reduced conflicts between different types of rail traffic. This infrastructure optimisation is crucial for maintaining punctuality in a network that handles millions of passengers daily.
Speed improvements are particularly noteworthy. Key services like the 19020 Haridwar-Bandra Terminus Express have been speeded up by 24 minutes, while the 22901 Bandra Terminus-Udaipur service has gained 10 minutes. Officials said even incremental improvements of 1-5 minutes across multiple services add up to significant time savings for regular commuters.
The extension of services has expanded Mumbai's connectivity footprint. Train 59040 from Vapi to Virar has been extended to Mumbai Central, providing better integration with the suburban network. The 12465/12466 Indore-Jodhpur Express now extends to Bhagat Ki Kothi, 14707/14708 Dadar-Lalgarh to Hanumanagarh, and 12490/12489 Dadar-Bikaner to Shriganganagar, offering passengers more destination options.
From an operational perspective, officials said meticulous planning went into managing platform assignments, crossing points, and avoiding conflicts between trains. Adjustments made for the new JU-HDP 20495 service alone required modifications to 21 other train schedules, showcasing the intricate interdependencies in railway operations.
Looking ahead, these improvements position Mumbai's railway network for sustained growth and enhanced passenger satisfaction. The focus on punctuality, combined with strategic speed improvements and expanded connectivity, addresses the core challenges faced by daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike. As WR continues to modernise its infrastructure and operations, Mumbai stands to benefit from world-class railway services that match the city's status as India's financial capital.
According to the Railways, the success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by passenger satisfaction and sustained punctuality improvements. Early indicators suggest that the careful planning and comprehensive approach adopted by WR is likely to deliver meaningful benefits to millions of passengers who depend on these services daily.
