Mumbai Metro and Local Train Services to Expand for Ganeshotsav Devotees
Mumbai Metro services will be increased and extended till midnight during Ganeshotsav to facilitate the movement of devotees across Mumbai and its suburbs, Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced on Friday.
Transport authorities have been instructed to ensure safe and smooth travel for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit Ganesh mandals. Metro operators have been directed to reduce the interval between services during peak hours, operate additional trains, and run the last services up to midnight wherever required.
To prevent travel disruptions, the minister directed Central Railway to avoid undertaking regular mega blocks and night blocks on its Main, Harbour, and Trans-Harbour lines from the start of Ganeshotsav until Anant Chaturdashi. The measure was issued in view of the anticipated rise in passenger traffic across the suburban network.
Central Railway has also been asked to operate additional suburban special trains during peak and late-night hours for devotees returning after Ganesh darshan. Additional Railway Protection Force personnel and Maharashtra Security Guards will be deployed at major railway stations to manage crowds and ensure passenger safety.
Lodha said all Metro ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, and digital and QR-based ticketing facilities must remain functional until the departure of the last train. Amenities such as lifts, escalators, drinking water facilities, public toilets, and first-aid centres will also remain available throughout operational hours.
Additional security and crowd management personnel are scheduled to be deployed at busy Metro stations. Authorities have been told to keep commuters updated on train timings and other operational changes through digital display boards, station announcements, and official social media platforms.
Noting the significance of the festival, Lodha stressed that transport agencies must coordinate effectively to provide safe, smooth, and timely journeys for devotees throughout the celebrations.
