Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express completes 50 golden years

90-year-old Kamaruzzaman Sarang, one of the passengers who traveled by the first train service of Rajdhani Express, is also traveling by this train on this historic day.

The prestigious Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express of Western Railway has completed 50 glorious years since its maiden journey on 17th May, 1972. To commemorate this Golden Jubilee Celebrations, a solemn program was organized by Western Railway at Mumbai Central Station and the train was flagged off with great enthusiasm and festivities. A special postal cover and a VIP album were also released to mark the occasion. Principal Chief Commissioner, Mumbai CGST Ashok Kumar Mehta was the Chief Guest for the function and Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle Smt. Veena R. Srinivas was the special guest. On this occasion, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Division G. V. L. Satyakumar and other senior railway officials were present.

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express made its inaugural journey to the national capital from Mumbai Central station (then Bombay Central) on May 17, 1972. This train has completed 50 glorious years in the service of the nation and on this occasion a dignified program was organized at Mumbai Central Station before the departure of this prestigious train.

Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Central Division G. V. L. Satyakumar welcomed the chief guest, special guest and guests present on this important occasion. Special postal cover and VIP album released by the dignitaries. After this the Rotaract Club of H.R. Flash mob skits were performed by the members of the college. Two retired Western Railway employees and a current employee working in this prestigious train shared their memorable experiences. Commemorative stamps and mementos were presented to the passengers. Also instant photographs were taken to cherish their visit on this memorable day. It is noteworthy that 90-year-old Kamaruzzaman Sarang, one of the passengers traveling by the first train service of Rajdhani Express, is traveling by this train on this historic day as well. The Chief Guest Ashok Kumar Mehta was the first to present him the special Sovereign Ticket issued by Western Railway for the occasion.

Thakur informed that Rajdhani Express offers excellent services, fast speed, punctuality and excellent catering services. Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Express covers a distance of 1383 kms in 15 hrs 32 mins passing through seven states. In the year 1972, Indian Railways started the country’s second Rajdhani Express connecting the national capital Delhi with the financial capital Mumbai. The country’s first Rajdhani Express was introduced three years ago in 1969 between Howrah-Delhi.

Important Events and Achievements of Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express

17/05/72 : 151 Dn/152 Up Rajdhani Express started on Mumbai-Delhi route. The train had four chair cars, one AC first class, two AC sleeper coaches and ran twice a week. 1975: The frequency of the train was increased to three days a week. On 02/10/81 the number of coaches was increased to 18, it was run by two engines, called double headed Rajdhani. Rajdhani Express started running four days a week on 19/11/82. In 1985, the frequency of trains increased to 5 days a week. On 01/11/89 it started running six days a week and the train number was changed to 2951/2952. Air brake system was introduced for the first time on Indian Railways and also in Rajdhani Express. Two diesel locomotives were added and now eight chair cars, one first AC, five AC two tier coaches and two pantry cars have been added to the train.

Starting of August Kranti Rajdhani Express (2953/2954) between Mumbai and Hazrat Nizamuddin on 01/07/91. Chair car coaches were replaced with 3 AC coaches in Rajdhani Express on 15/05/92.

Rajdhani Express operating as daily train on 02/10/2000. Introduction of LHB coaches in Rajdhani Express on 15/12/2003. 19/07/2021: Tejas type smart sleeper coach (first time in Indian Railways) introduced in 12951/52 Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.