Diwali gift for Mumbai - Delhi passengers; Here's what you need to know about the new Rajdhani Express

Railway ministry on Monday gave Diwali gift to passengers travelling between Mumbai to Delhi route by launching a new special Rajdhani Express.

The ministry said, "Both the cities are important business centers of the country. Hence, there is a greater need for effective & efficient transport connectivity between the two cities."

It added, "The new service is planned to be commenced as a tri-weekly special service with only one rake and shall provide faster rail connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai and great convenience to passengers."

Special Rajdhani Express train comprises of one first AC, two 2AC and twelve 3ACs and one pantry car. It would be hauled by two locomotives (2 WAP5 locomotives (5,400 HP each) for better acceleration, deceleration and higher speed.  This train would run at a maximum speed of 130 kmph. 

This special Rajdhani express is different from the current Mumbai Rajdhani as it will save around 2 hours in journey time - which would be from the existing time of about 15 hours.

Fares: 

Fares in or the new service would be 20% more than the base fares for existing Mumbai Rajdhani without any flexi fare.

The fare for Special Rajdhani in 3rd AC will be around Rs 500-600 cheaper (i.e.19% cheaper) than maximum flexi fare of 3rd AC in Mumbai Rajdhani.

The fare for special Rajdhani in 2nd AC will be around Rs 700-800 cheaper (19% cheaper) than maximum flexi fare of 2nd AC in Mumbai Rajdhani.

Catering services

Board catering on this train is being organised by railway PSU namely Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The catering services will be optional as per the existing menu and tariff of Rajdhani trains. 

The passengers shall have the choice to opt out of the catering services. There will be provision for evening tea and dinner.

Travelling times: 

On October 16, the Rajhdhani Express train no 04006 will commence its journey from H. Nizamuddin at 4.15 pm and will be reaching at Bandra Terminus at 6.10 am on the next day.

The days of run ex Nizamuddin are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday of every week. 

Booking of train no 09003 Bandra Terminus - Nizamuddin Tri-Weekly AC Superfast Rajdhani Special is open with immediate effect at all PRS centers and IRCTC website.

From Bandra Terminas, the new train will start at 4.05 pm and reach Nizamuddin at 6.00 am of  next day. Days of Ex Bandra Terminus selected on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of every week. 

However, this train is introduced on a experimental basis for three months from Oct 16, 2017 to Jan 17, 2018 to gauge the response of the travelling public to a concept of flat increase in fare against existing flexi-fare, all berths being available for booking o n the date of opening, facility for optional catering and early arrival into Mumbai/Delhi before rush hours.