Nagpur, India: In preparation for the upcoming Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage, Central Railway has announced the operation of 80 special trains to facilitate the smooth movement of thousands of devotees travelling to the holy towns of Pandharpur and Miraj.

Among these services, four special trains will operate between Nagpur and Miraj under the Train on Demand (TOD) scheme. These trains will be slightly more expensive, with fares set at 1.3 times the normal rate to accommodate the surge in demand.

Schedule for Nagpur–Miraj Special Trains:

• Train No. 01205 (Nagpur to Miraj):
  Departs from Nagpur at 08:50 AM on 4 and 5 July, reaching Miraj at 11:55 PM the next day.

• Train No. 01206 (Miraj to Nagpur):
  Departs from Miraj at 12:25 PM on 6 and 7 July, reaching Nagpur by 12:55 AM the following morning.

These trains will halt at key stations including Ajni, Wardha, Pulgaon, Dhamangaon, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Pandharpur, and several others en route.

Broader Arrangements for Pilgrims:

In addition to the Nagpur-Miraj route, Central Railway will operate a total of 80 Ashadi special trains from various locations across Maharashtra. These include routes from Latur, Bhusaval, Khamgaon, Pune, and New Amravati to Pandharpur, aimed at managing the massive pilgrim traffic during the religious festival.

Booking and Travel Advisory:

Passengers are encouraged to book tickets in advance through authorised counters or the IRCTC website. Railway officials have advised travellers to reach stations early and cooperate with railway staff to ensure smooth boarding and travel.

The Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage, a major event in Maharashtra's religious calendar, attracts lakhs of devotees every year. With this large-scale arrangement, Central Railway aims to ensure a safe and convenient travel experience for all.