Access to the Rajdhani Express will soon become a lot more convenient for those living in central suburbs. A proposal to run another Mumbai-Delhi premier train on the central line is awaiting clearance from the Railway Board.
The proposed train will start from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with halts at Thane, Kalyan, Nasik and Bhusawal before entering Madhya Pradesh. "Once cleared, the train will be a part of the Central Railway's timetable," a senior CR official told DNA.
Authorities are studying the proposed timetable as it will mean detour via MP instead of Gujarat, said sources. Currently, two Rajdhani trains – one from Bombay Central and the other from Bandra Terminus – and August Kranti run Western Railway.
"This will prove to be a boon for thousands of people who have to travel all the way till Mumbai Central along with their luggage. With this diversion, the Rajdhani will barely run 90 kms more," said Madhu Kotian, president of Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh. The train will also benefit people from Bhopal and other metro cities. Rajdhani is known for travel comfort, food served and other amenities.
"We are awaiting final approvals from the Railway Board. We are confident of introducing it soon," said Sunil Udasi, chief PRO of Central Railway. Rajdhani trains are perennially running full, he said. The railways have successfully brought down the travel time by 2-2.5 hours by adding an extra locomotive in the Rajdhani that starts from Bandra Terminus.
HUGE RELIEF
- The proposed train will start from CSMT with halts at Thane, Kalyan, Nasik and Bhusawal, before entering MP
- It will help travellers from central suburbs who now have to travel to the western line
- CR will include it in its timetable after Board nod
