India’s first Push-Pull Rajdhani Express marks 7 years of service – check route, stoppages, timings

India’s first push-pull train, Rajdhani Express: India’s first Rajdhani Express to run on push-pull technology has completed seven years of service. Launched on January 19, 2019 as a bi-weekly service, the train received an overwhelming response from the passengers. Within just eight months, its frequency was increased to four days a week from September 13, 2019. However, from its second anniversary on January 19, 2021, the service was upgraded to a daily operation.

The Push-Pull mode involves running the train with one engine at the front and one in the rear thereby eliminating the need to attach-detach bankers in the ghat section, saving precious time and thereby reducing journey time. This premium train is being maintained and operated by the Central Railway (CR) zone.

The country’s first push-pull train is the Rajdhani Express operating between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Hazrat Nizamuddin. Initially, train numbers 22221/22222, the CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, operated with one First AC coach, three AC 2-Tier coaches, eight AC 3-Tier coaches, and one pantry car. Later, within less than a month of its launch it was augmented to One First AC, Five AC 2-Tier, 12 AC 3-Tier and one pantry car.

Presently, this train leaves Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai at 16:00 hrs daily and arrives Hazrat Nizamuddin at 09:55 hrs, the next day. In the return direction, it leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 16:55 hrs daily and arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai at 11:15 hrs, the next day.

During its journey between CSMT and Hazrat Nizamuddin, this Rajdhani Express stops at eight stations. These are: Kalyan, Nashik Road, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Bhopal, V Lakshmibai JHS, Gwalior and Agra Cantt.

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. ... Read More