Title - Another Mumbai-Pune superfast likely

MUMBAI: Central Railways plans to introduce one more superfast train for passengers from Mumbai to Pune, via Panvel. The superfast train, from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Shivaji Nagar, will reach Pune in three hours.

"After the huge success of Pragati Express, which is via Panvel, we are considering a new train to cater to the rush," said Central Railway general manager Subodh Jain. If launched, it will be the seventh dedicated train to Pune. Sources said the proposal has been put foward for the railway budget. While Indrayani Express, Inter-city Express and Deccan Express ply between 5.40am and 7.10am, Sinhagad Express, Pragati Express and Deccan Queen run between 2.30pm and 5.10pm. "We are looking at the possibility of introducing a new train in the slot between 10am and 2.30pm," he said.

Another senior official said the railways will have to ensure the proposed train does not clash with the Pune division maintenance corridor. "The train, which will ply to Pune in three hours, can return on the same route by just changing the engine," he stated.

The proposal, which is being forwarded to the Centre, will require an approval from the Railway Board. Officials said the proposal was made after a huge demand made by passengers, especially those from Navi Mumbai.

"Scores of passengers from Panvel and neighbouring areas will immensely benefit from the new train which will be diverted from Diva and go to Panvel before taking another diversion to Karjat," an official said. "It will be yet another connection between the two prominent cities in the state."

With packed MSRTC buses running every 15 minutes and all trains to Pune fully booked daily, there is a huge demand on this section, he added.

Jain added that 15-car trains beyond Kalyan will be delayed due to huge opposition from a local association, which has demanded better infrastructure on platforms before the 15-car services are extended. The railways will now ask MRVC to prepare a proposal to upgrade facilities on platforms between Kalyan and Karjat/Kasara. About a month back, CR planned to extend the 15-car service beyond Kalyan, with halts at stations like Ambernath, Badlapur, Neral, Karjat and at Titwala, Asangaon and Kasara. "We also plan to start air-conditioned dormitories at Kurla and CST stations," Jain added. A 24-berth AC dormitory was started in Thane last year.