Mumbai: Namo Express Flagged Off From CSMT Amid Chants Of Ganpati Bappa Morya, Taking Devotees To Konkan For Ganeshotsav; Video

Mumbai: Amid resounding chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, a special ‘Namo Express’ train departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Sunday, carrying thousands of devotees to Konkan for Ganeshotsav. The service was made possible through the efforts of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who personally flagged off the train and extended his best wishes to the passengers.

For years, Minister Lodha has facilitated this seasonal travel service for citizens of the Malabar Hill constituency, ensuring hassle-free access to their hometowns in Konkan during the festive period. Preparations for this year’s service began a month in advance, with BJP workers coordinating the arrangements.

गणपती बाप्पा मोरयाच्या जयघोषात ‘नमो एक्सप्रेस’ कोकणाकडे रवाना@BJP4Mumbai#गणेशोत्सव२०२५ #NamoExpress #GaneshUtsav #Konkan #Mumbai #MPLodha pic.twitter.com/60a1WsPgw0

— Mangal Prabhat Lodha (@MPLodha) August 25, 2025

"नमो एक्सप्रेस", कोकणवासीयांसाठी गणेशोत्सव विशेष ट्रेन!
प्रसार माध्यमांशी संवाद साधताना...#NamoExpress #गणेशोत्सव२०२५ #Konkan #GaneshUtsav #Press #MPLodha pic.twitter.com/bCOqmZiujm

— Mangal Prabhat Lodha (@MPLodha) August 25, 2025

Significantly, devotees from other political parties and citizens also availed themselves of this facility, travelling at highly subsidized fares. Around 2,000 passengers benefited from the initiative, which included complimentary breakfast and water on board.

Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha's Statement

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Minister Lodha said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, Ganeshotsav has been declared a State Festival. The enthusiasm among devotees this year is higher than ever. To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, the ‘Namo Express’ has been organized so that no one is left struggling for tickets.”

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📍 नमो एक्सप्रेस | छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज टर्मिनस

सर्व भाविकांना प्रवासाच्या सुखद आणि मंगलमय शुभेच्छा!

दरवर्षीप्रमाणे यंदाही मलबार हिल मतदार संघातील कोकणवासीयांच्या सोईसाठी, छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज टर्मिनस ते सावंतवाडी अशी ‘नमो एक्स्प्रेस’ या विशेष ट्रेनचे आयोजन मुख्यमंत्री मा.… pic.twitter.com/b3e10HThSP

— Mangal Prabhat Lodha (@MPLodha) August 25, 2025

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The special train left CSMT at 11:10 am and will halt directly at Khed, followed by Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Rajapur, Vaibhavwadi, Kankavli, Sindhudurg, Kudal, and concluding its journey at Sawantwadi.

Securing tickets for Konkan-bound travel during Ganeshotsav is often a daunting challenge, with many devotees forced to drop their plans despite their strong desire to visit. The introduction of the ‘Namo Express’ has brought significant relief to these travelers, who hailed the initiative as a much-needed gesture of support.