Central Railway’s Mumbai Division on Thursday announced the ‘Train Mahotsav’ celebration of the Deccan Queen Express at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). As per the official statement from the Central Railway, the celebrations will take place on Friday, March 27.
Event highlights
Festivities will begin one hour before departure at 05:10 pm from CSMT. The train will be adorned with floral decorations, symbolising its grandeur. Furthermore, audio-visual presentations will showcase the rich history of the Deccan Queen, India’s first superfast and electrically hauled train since 1930.
Upgradation works
Central Railway also highlighted that the Deccan Queen has undergone significant refurbishment to enhance passenger comfort and preserve its heritage charm in view of ‘Train Mahotsav’.
They further highlighted a few changes made on the train to facilitate the passengers:
- Dining car refurbished with heritage aesthetics, renovated furniture, a ceiling, and flooring for a premium onboard dining experience.
- Lavatories fitted with vinyl, Duro wipe mats, soap and tissue dispensers for improved hygiene.
- AC coach seats upgraded with seat covers; vinyl provided in doorway areas.
- Roof and panel boards redesigned with vibrant themes.
- Air fragrance dispensers installed.
Deccan Queen
The prestigious Deccan Queen was India’s first deluxe train, introduced on June 1, 1930, and connected Mumbai and Pune. It pioneered several firsts: India’s first superfast train, first long-distance electric-hauled passenger train, and one of the first vestibule trains.
Heritage significance of Deccan Queen
While highlighting the heritage significance of the train, Central Railway also said, “It is a train that has bound generations of loyal passengers. With its vibrant history and continuous modernisation, it remains a symbol of Central Railway’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.”
