Mumbai: ‘No Services Cancelled,’ Central Railway Responds To MNS Over Dadar–Ratnagiri Train Changes

A meeting between Central Railway officials and representatives of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Mumbai has provided clarity on recent concerns regarding changes in train operations, especially those affecting passengers travelling to the Konkan region. During the discussion, railway authorities outlined the operational factors behind several recent decisions. The talks aimed to address confusion among commuters and political representatives, with officials explaining how adjustments were made to maintain efficiency across the network. The dialogue highlighted the challenges of managing high passenger volumes while ensuring smooth functioning of services within Mumbai’s heavily used suburban railway system.

Central Railway officials explained that the Dadar–Ratnagiri train was shifted in 2021 after services resumed following the pandemic. The train now originates from Diva instead of Dadar due to congestion and scheduling difficulties within the Mumbai suburban network. Authorities noted that when the train passes through Diva, it requires access to specific tracks during peak evening hours. This movement takes approximately 11 to 12 minutes and creates a bottleneck, disrupting the punctuality of several suburban services. The change in origin was implemented to reduce delays and ensure smoother operations for daily commuters.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Regarding his meeting with MNS leaders, Dr Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, says, Today at Central Railway, a meeting was held with MNS representatives. During the meeting, the railway presented three main factual… pic.twitter.com/iSM6Hos4mW

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2026

The Dadar–Gorakhpur train was also discussed during the meeting. Earlier, this service operated from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus but was later shifted to Dadar after infrastructure improvements at LTT. To accommodate the train at Dadar, the number of coaches was reduced. However, officials clarified that there has been no change in the frequency or stoppages of the train. Previously operated based on demand, the service has now been regularised to offer greater consistency and predictability for passengers. Authorities emphasised that these adjustments were made to optimise available infrastructure without affecting overall service availability.

Central Railway highlighted that connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region has significantly improved in recent years. Several new services to destinations such as Madgaon have been introduced, while existing ones have been expanded to cater to growing demand. At present, more than 20 trains operate daily between Mumbai and the Konkan region, along with additional services passing through various stations. The number of special trains during festive seasons and peak travel periods has also increased considerably, providing passengers with more travel options and helping manage seasonal surges in demand.

Officials further assured that no train services in the region have been cancelled in recent years. Instead, efforts have focused on managing capacity, improving punctuality and enhancing connectivity. The railway administration reiterated its commitment to balancing operational efficiency with passenger needs in one of the busiest rail networks in the country. The meeting took place amid rising concerns among commuters, with authorities attempting to address issues through dialogue while continuing to streamline services and minimise disruptions across the network.