Mumbai-Sawantwadi Express flagged off ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026, set to boost Konkan tourism

A new daily MumbaiSawantwadi Express was flagged off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus CSMT on Wednesday offering improved rail connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region ahead of the Ganeshotsav 2026 officials saidMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde flagged off the train from Platform 18 at CSMT Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal joined the event virtuallyAssembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and senior railway officials were also presentBoost to Konkan tourismShinde said the new service would strengthen the connection between Mumbai and Konkan and give a major boost to tourism in the regionHe said the launch ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026 was a major gift for people from Konkan living in Mumbai as thousands of residents travel to their native places during the festivalKonkan is known for its beaches forts religious sites natural beauty and rich cultural heritage Better rail connectivity is expected to make these destinations more accessible to touristsThe new service could also support local hotels transport operators tourism businesses and employment opportunities Shinde saidRailway aims to increase Mumbai local servicesVaishnaw said around Rs 18000 crore worth of projects are under way to increase the capacity of Mumbais suburban railway networkThe city currently has around 3200 Mumbai local train services a day and the Railway Ministry aims to increase this to 3500 services by 2030 through infrastructure upgrades and modern technologyThe minister said 350 special trains are being operated this year to meet increased passenger demand Another 20 special trains can be introduced if requiredSeveral infrastructure projects are also planned or under way at Jogeshwari Dadar Vasai Road and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus238 AC local train rakes plannedVaishnaw said the Railway Board has placed orders for 238 airconditioned local train rakesThe first new Mumbai AC local train is expected to be available in 2027 with all 238 rakes planned to be manufactured and supplied by 2030The railways also plans to introduce automatic doors in every local train to improve passenger safetyGoyal said the MumbaiSawantwadi Express was not merely a train connecting two terminals but a service that would strengthen links between millions of Konkan familiesHe said the daily service would benefit residents of Raigad Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts by providing safer faster and more reliable connectivityImproved transport links could also encourage tourism trade and industry in Konkan and create more employment opportunities for local residentsThe service is also expected to benefit students studying in Mumbai and people working in the city who regularly travel to their families in KonkanKey detailsThe new daily service will run between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus CSMT Mumbai and Sawantwadi RoadThe inaugural special train numbered 01001 will depart from CSMT and reach Sawantwadi Road at around 2 am the following dayThe train will halt atDadar Thane Panvel Pen Roha Mangaon Veer Khed Chiplun Savarda Aravali Road Sangameshwar Road Ratnagiri Adavali Vilavade Rajapur Road Vaibhavwadi Road Nandgaon Road Kankavli Sindhudurg and KudalThe train will comprise one AC First Class coach two AC 2Tier coaches three AC 3Tier coaches four sleeper coaches four general Second Class coaches one Second Class seating coach with a guards brake van and one generator vanThe new daily service is expected to strengthen rail connectivity across Konkan and provide passengers with a more convenient and affordable travel option particularly during the busy Ganeshotsav period