New Mumbai-Palitana, Gujarat Special Train Announced, Check Schedule And Stops

For the thousands of passengers who travel between Mumbai and Gujarat's Saurashtra region every week, good news has just arrived. and it couldn't have come at a better time. Indian Railways has announced a brand-new weekly special train connecting Bandra Terminus to Palitana, one of Jainism's most sacred pilgrimage destinations. Whether you are travelling for work, family, or faith, this train is designed to make the journey easier.

The Train That's Been Long Overdue

The Mumbai-Gujarat corridor is one of the busiest passenger routes in the country. Thousands of Gujarati families settled in Mumbai travel back home for weekends, weddings and festivals. Pilgrims heading to Palitana, the revered hilltop temple town in Bhavnagar district, have often struggled to find direct, convenient rail connections.

This new service changes that.

Train No. 09023, the Bandra Terminus–Palitana Weekly Special, begins operations on May 6, 2026 (Wednesday). It departs Bandra Terminus at 12:15 pm and arrives in Palitana at 5:10 am the following morning – a smooth overnight journey that saves you a hotel night and gets you there refreshed.

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The return service, Train No. 09024, runs on May 8, 2026 (Friday), departing Palitana at 5:00 pm and arriving back at Bandra Terminus at 7:25 am the next day – perfectly timed for a weekend trip.

All The Stops Along The Way

What makes this train particularly useful is its thoughtfully planned route. It does not just serve the two endpoints; it connects communities across the entire Mumbai–Gujarat belt.

Key halts include Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Botad, Dhola, Songadh and Sihor – covering everything from Mumbai's northern suburbs to Gujarat's commercial heartland and deep into Saurashtra.

For passengers in Surat or Vadodara, especially, this is a direct, no-fuss connection to Palitana without needing to change trains.

Why This Matters Beyond The Timetable

Palitana is no ordinary destination. It is home to over 900 Jain temples atop Shatrunjaya Hill and attracts pilgrims from across India and the world. A direct train from Mumbai, India's financial capital, to this spiritual landmark is more than a transport upgrade. It reflects the deep cultural and religious ties that bind Mumbai's Gujarati community to its roots.

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For families, for pilgrims, for anyone who has ever stood on a crowded platform hoping for a better way home – this train is for you.