Kashi Mahakal Express Flagged Off with Lord Shiva as Its First Passenger

The much-anticipated Kashi Mahakal Express has officially launched, and notably, a symbolic seat has been reserved for Lord Shiva himself. Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged it off on 16 February from Varanasi. Additionally, this train conveniently connects three major Jyotirlingas: Kashi (Varanasi), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), and Omkareshwar (near Indore).

As a result, pilgrims and devotees of Lord Shiva can start booking tickets from 20 February onward. Therefore, before you plan your journey, here’s everything you need to know about routes, features, and booking procedures.

Kashi Mahakal Train Timings and Routes

The fully air-conditioned Mahakal Express runs as a superfast train, connecting Varanasi and Indore through two distinct routes:

  • Via Prayagraj (once a week): 1,102 km

  • Via Lucknow (twice a week): 1,131 km

Sample timings

  • Via Lucknow: The train departs Varanasi at 2:45 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and reaches Indore the next day at 9:40 AM (Train no. 82401).

    Return: It leaves Indore at 10:55 AM and arrives in Varanasi at 6:00 AM (Train no. 82402).

    Via Prayagraj: The train departs Varanasi on Sunday at 3:15 PM (Train no. 82403) and arrives in Indore on Monday at 9:40 AM. The return journey leaves Indore on Monday at 10:55 AM (Train no. 82404).

    The train stops at Bina, Jhansi, Ujjain, Kanpur, Sultanpur, Sant Hirdaram Nagar, and several other stations in both directions.

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Booking Rules for Reserving a Seat in Mahakal Express

Unfortunately, passengers cannot book Kashi Mahakal Express train tickets at regular reservation counters. Instead, they must reserve seats directly through IRCTC’s website or via its Rail Connect App. Moreover, they can take advantage of IRCTC’s 120-day advance booking facility to secure seats on the Mahakal Express. Additionally, passengers can book tickets for the current day starting four hours after the first chart is prepared.

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Facilities and Features of Kashi Express

Given below are the facilities onboard the Kashi Mahakal train:

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  • Enjoy high-quality vegetarian food throughout your journey.

  • Additionally, complimentary bedrolls and systematic housekeeping services are provided for passenger comfort.

  • Moreover, high security is ensured with two dedicated private guards in every coach, along with CCTV cameras for constant monitoring.

  • Furthermore, exclusive tour packages are offered for passengers covering religious and tourism sites in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

  • Relax to light devotional music during your ride.

  • Also, modular bio-toilets are available for hygiene and convenience.

  • In addition, tea and coffee vending machines ensure refreshments are always accessible.

  • To enhance safety, a fire and smoke detection and suppressant system is installed.

  • Benefit from a dynamic fare structure tailored to your travel plans.

  • Finally, an automatic full refund is provided in case of ticket cancellation, giving peace of mind.

Read: Train Journeys