Western Railway’s (WR) prestigious Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Express completed 50 glorious years, since its maiden run on May 17, 1972.To celebrate this Golden Jubilee celebration, Western Railway organised a commemorative event at Mumbai Central station and flagged off the train in a befitting grand honour.
A special Postal Cover and a VIP album were also released to mark this occasion. Ashok Kumar Mehta, Principal Chief Commissioner, Mumbai CGST was the Chief Guest of the ceremony and Veena R Srinivas, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle was the Guest of Honour. G V L Satyakumar, Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Central Division and other senior railway were also present during this occasion.
According to an official statement issued by Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express made its inaugural journey from Mumbai Central station (then Bombay Central) on May 17, 1972 to the National Capital.
The train completed 50 glorious years in the service of the nation and to mark this occasion, a befitting celebration was organised at Mumbai Central station before the departure of this iconic train. Satyakumar, DRM, Mumbai Central welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and dignitaries present at this momentous occasion.
The Special Postal Cover and VIP album was released by the dignitaries. This was followed by a Flash Mob skit performance by members of the Rotaract Club of HR College. Two of the WR staff who retired from railway service working in this prestigious train an one serving employee shared their memorable experiences. Souvenir tickets and mementos were presented to the travelling passengers. Also, instant photographs were clicked to cherish their journey on this memorable day. It is noteworthy to mention that Shri Qamruzzaman Sarang, 90-year-old, one of the passengers to travel by the maiden trip of Rajdhani Express is also undertaking his journey on this historic day. He was the first person to receive the souvenir ticket from the Chief Guest, Ashok Kumar Mehta.
Thakur stated that the Rajdhani Express offers impeccable services, fastest speed, punctuality and sumptuous catering services. The Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Express covers a distance of 1383 km in 15 hrs 32 min, traversing through seven states. In 1972, Indian Railways introduced the second Rajdhani Express over Indian Railways connecting the national capital, Delhi, to the financial capital, Mumbai. The first Rajdhani Express was introduced between Howrah-Delhi, three years back in 1969.
Important Milestones Of Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Express
17/05/72:151 Dn/152 Up Rajdhani Exp introduced on Mumbai-Delhi Route
This train comprised of Four Chair Car, one AC First Class, Two AC Sleeper coaches and was run twice a week
1975: Frequency increased to three days a week
02/10/81: Number of coaches increased to 18, hauled by two engines called as Double headed Rajdhani
19/11/82: Rajdhani Express started running four days a week
1985: Frequency increased to 5 days a week
01/11/89: Made six days a week and renumbered as 2951/2952
Air brake system introduced first time over Indian Railways and also in Rajdhani Express.
Two diesel engines attached and the train now comprised of Eight Chair Car, one First AC, Five 2 Tier AC coaches with 2 Pantry Cars.
01/07/91: August Kranti Rajdhani Exp (2953/2954) introduced between Mumbai and Delhi
15/05/92: Chair Car coaches replaced with 3AC coaches in Rajdhani Express
02/10/2000: Rajdhani Express started running as daily train
15/12/2003: LHB coaches introduced in Rajdhani Exp
19/07/2021: Tejas Type Sleeper coaches (First on Indian Railways) introduced in 12951/52 Mumbai - New Delhi Rajdhani Exp
Share
Tweet
