Central Railway to Celebrate ‘Deccan Queen’ Heritage with Grand Train Mahotsav at Mumbai CSMT
Central Railway to Celebrate ‘Deccan Queen’ Heritage with Grand Train Mahotsav at Mumbai CSMT
Mumbai, March 26, 2026: Central Railway has announced a special Train Mahotsav to celebrate the iconic Deccan Queen Express at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on March 27, 2026.
The celebrations will begin an hour before the train’s scheduled departure at 5:10 pm from CSMT. As part of the festivities, the historic train will be decorated with flowers, highlighting its grandeur and legacy. Visitors and passengers will also get to experience audio-visual presentations depicting the rich history of the Deccan Queen, which has been a landmark in Indian rail travel since 1930.
As part of the Mahotsav, the train has undergone extensive refurbishment aimed at enhancing passenger comfort while preserving its heritage appeal. The dining car has been upgraded with heritage-themed interiors, including renovated furniture, ceiling, and flooring to offer a premium onboard experience. Lavatories have been modernized with improved hygiene fittings such as vinyl flooring, duro wipe mats, and dispensers for soap and tissues.
Additionally, AC coaches now feature upgraded seating with new covers, while doorway areas have been fitted with vinyl flooring. The train’s interiors have also been refreshed with redesigned roof panels and vibrant themes, along with the installation of air fragrance systems to improve the onboard ambience.
First introduced on June 1, 1930, the Deccan Queen was India’s first deluxe train connecting Mumbai and Pune. It holds several milestones, including being the country’s first superfast train and the first long-distance electric-hauled passenger train. It was also among the earliest trains to feature vestibule coaches, a dedicated ladies-only coach, and a dining car.
Over the decades, the train has evolved technologically, transitioning from vacuum brake systems to modern German technology-based LHB coaches, ensuring improved safety and comfort for passengers.
Often regarded as more than just a train, the Deccan Queen continues to be a symbol of heritage and innovation, connecting generations of passengers. Central Railway has invited rail enthusiasts, passengers, and the general public to participate in this celebration of legacy, nostalgia, and progress.
