With the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Western Railway has introduced two special-fare trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic.
The title clash is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm IST on May 31 at the world's largest cricket stadium, prompting increased travel demand from fans looking to attend the match.
Special trains announced to meet demand
A Western Railway official said Train No. 09021 Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad AC Superfast Special will depart from Mumbai Central at 6.20 am on Sunday and reach Ahmedabad at 12.40 pm.
For the return journey, Train No. 09044 Ahmedabad-Bandra Terminus Special will leave Ahmedabad at 3.50 am on June 1 and arrive at Bandra Terminus at 12.15 pm the same day.
According to the official, bookings opened on Saturday through PRS counters and the IRCTC website.
Tickets witnessing strong demand
Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said the special services were introduced in response to heightened demand surrounding the IPL final.
"Seeing the demands for IPL finals, we started these special trains. Today booking started and tickets are selling out fast, have almost reached 100% capacity. We always keep assessing the demands and accordingly we run special trains, just like for holidays and festival seasons," he said.
Timings aligned with match schedule
The Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad AC Superfast Special has been scheduled to allow passengers sufficient time to reach the venue and experience the pre-match atmosphere before the start of the final.
The special services are aimed at easing travel for cricket fans heading to Ahmedabad as RCB and GT prepare to contest the IPL 2026 title.
