PUNE: The Central Railway has decided to resume the operations of Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen and Deccan Express trains this week.
“After relaxations of the Covid-induced restrictions in the state, the demand for these trains has increased.
So, the services are being resumed.
Both these trains were suspended because of lack of passengers,” an official with the Pune railway division said.
Pune railway division public relations officer Manoj Jhawar told TOI, “Only those having reserved tickets can travel in these two trains.
Those on waiting list will not be allowed to travel.
Both the trains will run as Covid specials.
The Deccan Express will run with train number-01007/01008 and the Deccan Queen’s number will be 02123/02124.” The Deccan Express will have a state-of-the-art Vistadome coach.
“It will provide 180° view with rotating seats for passengers.
The air-conditioned coach will have a glass dome roof, a single lookout window and a special observation lounge enabling a panoramic view, LED lights and a GPS-based information system.
Passengers in this coach will get an attractive view of the ghat section, especially during the monsoon,” another official said.
“The Deccan Express will start from Mumbai on June 26 at 7am and reach Pune at 11.05am.
From Pune, the train will depart at 3.15pm and reach Mumbai at 7.05pm.
The Deccan Queen will start from Mumbai at 5.10pm on June 25 and reach Pune at 8.30pm.
On June 26, the train will start from Pune at 7.15am and reach Mumbai at 10.35am,” the official said.
In the absence of any inter-city trains from Pune to Mumbai, many passengers were being forced to commute either by buses, cabs or private vehicles — a very costly affair.
The railways had suspended the operations of the Deccan Queen on May 14 because of low passenger traffic.
Earlier, the operations of other inter-city trains were stopped because of the same reason.
Many commuters claimed that the resumption of the two trains would give them a huge relief.
“I was waiting for the Pune-Mumbai trains to start.
Even with reserved tickets, commuting in trains is cheaper than travelling in a bus or a cab.
Taking personal vehicle is out of the question, considering the distance and the high fuel prices,” a daily commuter said.
The railway officials stated that the other inter-city trains would be resumed slowly.