🚆 India’s First Push Pull Rajdhani Express — From Bi Weekly to Daily Service

Balasahana Suresh
📍 What Is the Push‑Pull Rajdhani Express?

The CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (Train Nos 22221/22222) was introduced on 19 January 2019 as the first long‑distance passenger train in India to operate using push‑pull technology. In this setup, two locomotives are attached — one at the front and one at the rear — working together to pull and push the train, improving acceleration, stability, and operational efficiency.

Push‑pull operation helps eliminate the need for banker engines on steep ghat sections, reduces journey time, and improves ride smoothness — all key advantages in modern rail operations.

📈 Service Evolution: From Limited Runs to Daily Connectivity

🗓️ Started as Bi‑Weekly

  • Initially launched as a bi‑weekly service, the train quickly proved extremely popular with passengers traveling between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin.
📅 Increased Frequency Over Time

  • Due to strong demand, the service was increased to four days a week from 13 September 2019.
  • On its second anniversary, 19 January 2021, indian Railways upgraded the train to a daily service, making it one of the most frequent Rajdhani services on this major route.
This progression — bi‑weekly → four‑times‑a‑week → daily — reflects both passenger popularity and indian Railways’ confidence in the push‑pull technology.

⏱️ Current Schedule & Operations

As of the latest update:

  • 22221 CSMT → Hazrat Nizamuddin: Departs 4:00 pm daily, arrives 9:55 am the next day.
  • 22222 Hazrat Nizamuddin → CSMT: Departs 4:55 pm daily, arrives 11:15 am the following day.
This daily operation provides consistent, high‑priority connectivity between two of India’s most important cities.

🚀 Why Push‑Pull Matters

The push‑pull configuration with locomotives at both ends offers several advantages over conventional single‑loco trains:

  • Better acceleration and deceleration throughout the journey.
  • Reduced overall travel time, especially on gradients.
  • Improved operational efficiency — no need to add or remove banker engines on steep sections.
  • Greater stability and comfort for passengers at higher speeds.
This technology data-aligns with indian Railways’ Mission Raftar initiative to enhance speed and improve service performance on key long‑distance routes.

🎉 7th Anniversary & Significance

On 19 January 2026, the Central Railway marked the seventh anniversary of this iconic Rajdhani Express, celebrating its contribution to faster, more efficient rail travel between mumbai and Delhi. The event included festivities at CSMT with staff, railfans, and passengers.

Railway officials note that the train’s popularity and operational success have made it a flagship service, showcasing indian Railways’ adoption of advanced technology and service improvements.

🧭 Route & Stoppages

On its journey between Mumbai and Delhi, the Rajdhani Express makes important stops at major stations including:

  • Kalyan
  • Nashik Road
  • Jalgaon
  • Bhusaval
  • Bhopal
  • Vishakhapattanam Lakshmibai Jhansi
  • Gwalior
  • Agra Cantt
Passengers enjoy AC First, AC 2‑Tier, and AC 3‑Tier accommodations, as well as onboard catering.

🧠 In Summary

  • The Mumbai–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express was launched as a bi‑weekly push‑pull train on 19 January 2019.
  • Due to high demand, it moved to four days weekly, and then to daily service from 19 January 2021.
  • It remains India’s first long‑distance passenger train with push‑pull technology, illustrating indian Railways’ commitment to faster, more efficient rail travel.
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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