Central Railway Announces Major Train Schedule Changes from January 1; Vande Bharat and Mumbai-Pune Trains Affected

Mumbai: Starting January 1, 2026, Central Railway will implement significant changes to the timetable of several trains, including the high-speed Vande Bharat Express and key services between Mumbai and Pune. Commuters are advised to check updated train timings before planning their journey.

What’s Changing and Why?
According to railway authorities, the revised schedule aims to enhance passenger convenience and improve train speeds. The new timetable will adjust departure and arrival times by 5 to 15 minutes for several trains. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and accommodate growing passenger traffic.

Vande Bharat Express Adjustments
The timings of the Vande Bharat trains running on the Mumbai-Pune-Solapur and Mumbai-Sainagar Shirdi routes have been revised by a few minutes. Officials attribute these changes to technical improvements and increasing passenger numbers. Travelers must now adhere to the updated schedule to avoid delays.

Other Affected Trains
Not only Vande Bharat, but major trains like the Intercity Express, Sinhagad Express, and Deccan Queen are expected to see minor timing adjustments. Additionally, platform allocations and timings for long-distance trains arriving in Mumbai in the morning or departing at night have also been revised.

Important Instructions for Passengers
Railway authorities urge passengers to check the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app or the official railway website for the live status of their train before starting their journey. Arriving at the station according to the old schedule may result in missed trains or extended waiting times. Officials emphasize that these changes are intended to increase efficiency and save passengers’ valuable time in the new year.