Preparations have started for running Mahakal Express, the third private train of the country, three days a week. This private train is planned to run between Indore-Lucknow-Varanasi and Indore-Allahabad-Varanasi. However, it is not clear yet on which route this train will run. The train will be Humsafar Category and operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Railways is preparing to run this train in the second fortnight of February. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had announced to start this train to connect two Jyotirlingas, Ujjain and Varanasi, during their stay in Indore-Ujjain. Sources confirmed that the train from Indore can be operated on Thursday, Saturday and Wednesday, while from Varanasi can be operated on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. This will be the first private train to run overnight.
Therefore, preparations are being made to install Humsafar Coaches in Mahakal Express. The Ministry of Railways has planned to run 150 private trains on 100 routes across the country. It also includes Indore-Varanasi train. Apart from this, there is plan to run similar private trains on Indore-Delhi and Indore-Patna route.

IRCTC Lucknow Official Ashwini Srivastava said that the schedule of the train has not been released yet. The train is to be operated by IRCTC Lucknow. Such a time has been sought from the railway that the train depart from the originating station in both directions at 2:00 PM in the afternoon and reach the destination by 8:00 AM next day. Railway Board have to take further decision on this matter.