Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen Completes 95 Years, Enters 96th Year of Iconic Service on June 1

Pune, May 31, 2025: India’s iconic Deccan Queen Express, which has connected Pune and Mumbai since June 1, 1930, will officially enter its 96th year of uninterrupted service tomorrow. Revered as the “Pride of the Western Ghats”, the Deccan Queen continues to captivate generations of travellers with its legacy, punctuality, and scenic route through the Sahyadri mountains.

Launched by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway—the predecessor of today’s Central Railway—the Deccan Queen was the first deluxe train in India dedicated to serving two major cities in Maharashtra. Aptly named “Deccan Queen” or “Dakkan ki Rani”, the train was a symbol of speed, elegance, and innovation.

A Journey Through Time: Deccan Queen’s Legacy

• Inaugural Run: June 1, 1930, with two rakes of seven coaches each—one painted in silver with scarlet mouldings, the other in royal blue with golden lines.
• Manufacturing Heritage: Underframes of the original coaches were made in England, while the bodies were built at the Matunga Workshop in Mumbai.
• First of Its Kind: The Deccan Queen introduced First and Second Class Chair Cars, and was the first Indian train to feature roller bearings and self-generating coaches with a 110V electrical system.

Technological Upgrades Over the Years

• 1966: Original wooden-bodied coaches were replaced with anti-telescopic steel-bodied coaches by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur.
• 1995: Introduction of air brake-equipped rakes for enhanced safety.
• 2021: Addition of a Vistadome coach on August 15, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
• 2022: Complete replacement with modern LHB coaches under Project Utkrisht, featuring:
  • LED lighting
  • Bio-toilets
  • Braille signage
  • Ergonomic seating and safety enhancements

Unique Among Indian Railways: A Dining Car Onboard

One of Deccan Queen’s most celebrated features is its Dining Car—the only operational dining car in India today. It offers:

• Table service with cushioned chairs
• A full pantry with a microwave, deep freezer, toaster
• Tastefully furnished interiors providing a classic railway dining experience

Current Coach Composition (as of 2025)

The Deccan Queen now operates with 16 coaches, including:

• 3 AC Chair Cars
• 9 Second Class Chair Cars
• 1 Vistadome Coach
• 1 Dining Car
• 1 General Second Class cum Guard’s Brake Van
• 1 Generator Car

Why the Deccan Queen Still Matters

Besides being a vital link between Mumbai and Pune for daily commuters and tourists, the Deccan Queen is also a symbol of India’s evolving railway infrastructure, blending heritage with modern convenience. Its punctuality, comfort, and continued service for nearly a century make it an enduring legacy of Indian Railways.

As it begins its 96th year on June 1, 2025, the Deccan Queen stands as a proud testament to India’s engineering innovation, colonial-era railway history, and the ever-evolving rail travel experience in Maharashtra.