2 special trains to run for Coldplay concerts between Mumbai and Ahmedabad | Check timings & route

Western Railways has announced the operation of two special trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26, designed to accommodate the large number of Coldplay concert attendees traveling between the two cities. The concerts will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26, following the band's performances at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21. The special trains aim to alleviate the burden on regular train services, which are expected to be overcrowded due to the high demand.

The two special trains will depart from Bandra Terminus at 6:15 AM on both January 25 and 26, reaching Ahmedabad at 2:00 PM and 1:00 PM, respectively. For the return journey, the trains will leave Ahmedabad the next morning at 1:40 AM, arriving in Bandra Terminus at 8:40 AM. These trains will halt at several stations in both directions, including Borivali, Vapi, Udhna, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, and Gertapur, providing convenient boarding and disembarking points for passengers along the route.

These special trains are categorized as "winter specials" by the Railway Board, but they are specifically being operated to handle the increased passenger traffic expected due to the Coldplay concerts. The addition of these trains comes amid a significant rise in airfares between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which has left many concertgoers looking for alternative modes of transportation. The trains are expected to offer an essential alternative to air travel, providing a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities.

In addition to the special trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, Western Railways has also arranged for special suburban local trains for the Coldplay concerts in Navi Mumbai. These Full Tariff Rate (FTR) suburban locals will operate between Goregaon and Nerul stations on January 18, 19, and 21. The locals will depart Goregaon at 2:00 PM and reach Nerul at 3:23 PM, with return trains leaving Nerul at 11:04 PM and arriving in Goregaon at 12:30 AM. On January 21, the suburban local will depart Goregaon at 2:50 PM and reach Nerul at 6:18 PM. The return trip will leave Nerul at 10:50 PM, arriving at Goregaon at 12:15 AM.

These suburban locals will only make stops at Bandra, Andheri, Wadala Road, Chembur, and Jainagar stations. They are exclusively reserved for concert attendees and will provide direct access to DY Patil Stadium for the concerts. This arrangement is designed to ensure smooth and efficient transportation for those attending the concerts in Navi Mumbai. Tickets for the special trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad are available for booking through Book My Show. However, it remains unclear whether only concert ticket holders will be allowed to travel on these special trains or if the general public can also board them.

The operation of these special trains follows the precedent set during major events, such as the cricket World Cup, where additional trains were introduced to manage the surge in passenger traffic. Indian Railways has regularly provided extra services to accommodate large-scale events, ensuring that fans and attendees can travel efficiently and safely. The special trains for Coldplay’s concerts are part of ongoing efforts by the railways to provide adequate transport solutions during high-demand periods.