Central Railway Celebrates 7 Years of CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani

Central Railway marked the seventh anniversary of the CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on January 19, 2023. The celebration brought together passengers, rail enthusiasts, train staff, and other personnel, highlighting the train’s significant impact on travel between Mumbai and Delhi.

The CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express commenced its service on January 19, 2019, connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi. Initially, the service featured one First AC coach, three AC 2-tier coaches, eight AC 3-tier coaches, and a pantry car. Due to strong demand, within a month, the configuration expanded to include an additional First AC coach, five AC 2-tier coaches, and twelve AC 3-tier coaches.

Service Expansion and Frequency

Originally operating twice a week, the frequency of the CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express increased to four times a week starting from September 13, 2019. By its second anniversary on January 19, 2021, the train transitioned to daily service, reinforcing its status as a vital link between the two major cities.

The train operates using Push-Pull technology, making it the first in India to do so under the “Mission Raftar” initiative. This innovative design features an engine at both the front and rear of the train, eliminating the need for banker engines on steep gradients. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly reduces travel time.

Timings and Connectivity

Currently, the train departs from CSMT Mumbai at 16:00 hours and arrives at Hazrat Nizamuddin at 09:55 the following morning. In addition to its main route, the train stops at several key stations, including Kalyan, Nashik Road, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Bhopal, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, Gwalior, and Agra Cantt.

On its return journey, the train leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 16:55 and arrives back at CSMT Mumbai at 11:15 the next day. This schedule provides critical connectivity for passengers from Mumbai and the surrounding regions, including Nashik, Jalgaon, and Bhusaval, facilitating faster travel to the national capital.

The CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express exemplifies the progress of Indian Railways by offering speed, comfort, and reliability. As Central Railway continues to celebrate this milestone, the train stands as a testament to operational excellence and the ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger services.