Pune: Deccan Queen Turns 96, Punjab Mail Celebrates 114 Years, Two Icons of Indian Railways Honoured on June 1

Pune, June 1, 2025 — Indian Railways marked a historic milestone on June 1 as two of its most iconic trains celebrated their anniversaries. The legendary Deccan Queen completed 96 years of service, while the Punjab Mail celebrated its 114th birthday. These trains are not only lifelines of connectivity but also carry deep emotional and historical significance.

Deccan Queen: The Pride of Maharashtra Turns 96

Launched on 1 June 1930 by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR), the Deccan Queen — fondly known as the Queen of the Deccan — became India’s first deluxe train. Connecting Mumbai and Pune, it symbolized a new era of speed, comfort, and connectivity for the Deccan region.

Originally called the Blue Bird Baby, the train was designed to reflect Pune’s cultural prestige and has since evolved into a beloved mode of daily commute for thousands. It began its journey between Kalyan and Pune and now operates between CSMT Mumbai and Pune Junction, making daily trips with modern upgrades and added amenities.

The 96th birthday of the iconic Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Pune Railway Station, under the leadership of Mrs. Harsha Shah, President of the Railway Pravasi Group.

The event, organised by Mrs. Harsha Shah, witnessed the presence of several key officials including Station Director Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Station Manager Mr. Ravindra Dhumal, and PRO of Pune Division.

The celebration featured a cake-cutting ceremony, a vibrant band performance, and a felicitation of the train driver. The event was a tribute to the Deccan Queen’s legacy and its role in connecting Pune and Mumbai for nearly a century.

Notable members of the Railway Pravasi Group, including Advocate Ashutosh Ranade, Senior AGP Adv. Sanjay Rairikar, Mr. Ganpat Mehta, and Mr. Sudhir Shah, contributed to the smooth organisation and success of the programme.

President Mrs. Harsha Shah expressed her gratitude to all those who joined in honouring the legendary train that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of commuters.

Key Milestones in Deccan Queen’s Glorious History:

• 1930: Inception with WCP 1/2 DC engines and first-class-only coaches.
• 1949: First-class removed; second class upgraded.
• 1955: Introduction of third-class coaches, later reclassified as second class.
• 1966: Replacement of original rakes with anti-telescopic steel coaches.
• 1995: Dining car upgraded with modern kitchen facilities.
• 2021: Introduction of Vistadome coaches for scenic ghat views.
• Present Day: Equipped with LHB coaches, 17-car rake, and modern features like chair cars, roller bearing coaches, and a signature peacock-blue livery.

The Deccan Queen holds the honour of being India’s first train to have a dining car. Today, it continues to offer a restaurant-style experience, with cushioned chairs, microwave ovens, and deep freezers onboard.

Punjab Mail: A Legacy of 114 Years

Alongside the Deccan Queen, the Punjab Mail celebrated its 114th anniversary, further cementing its legacy as one of the oldest continuously running trains in India. Launched in 1911, the train has played a vital role in connecting northern India with Maharashtra, serving as a key transport link for over a century.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Both trains are more than just modes of transportation — they are woven into the cultural and economic fabric of India. The Deccan Queen, in particular, is the only train in the world whose birthday is celebrated every year, reflecting the emotional bond it shares with generations of commuters and railway enthusiasts.

Railway officials, heritage lovers, and daily passengers alike gathered to commemorate the milestone anniversaries at Mumbai and Pune stations, honouring these steel marvels that continue to stand the test of time.