Mumbai CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, with train numbers 22221 and 22222 (also known as Central Railway (CR) Rajdhani Express and Push Pull Rajdhani) is a daily train service of Rajdhani class operated by Central Railway between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
History
Proposal for a new Rajdhani service from inner Maharashtra was in demand for some time, especially since Mumbai Rajdhani and August Kranti Rajdhani serve only the Mumbai area. This demand was further put down by the MP of Nashik Hemant Godse, after which an in-principle approval from the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was given in December 2018.[1]
The challenge to running a Rajdhani service on this route was the Thull Ghat between Kasara and Igatpuri, for which every train would stop at both stations for banker attachment and detachment, an arrangement that wasted a significant amount of time and which remained a barrier for a long time. Trials were conducted by RDSO and Central Railway of using two WAP-7 locomotives with a 20 LHB car rake in a push-pull arrangement.[2] Several changes were made to accommodate the Rajdhani service, including changing the timings of several express and suburban trains and train crew being trained to work till Jalgaon, instead of Igatpuri. Even before the launch, seats for the first service were fully booked in 5 hours.[3]
The Rajdhani service was launched on 19 January 2019 as a bi-weekly service, with much fanfare at Mumbai CSMT, Nashik Road and Jalgaon Junction. Service was increased from bi-weekly to 4 days a week, citing the popularity of the service.
On 19 January 2021, on its 2nd running anniversary, Central Railway and Indian Railways increased 22221/22222 Rajdhani frequency from 4 days a week to daily basis.[4]
22222 Rajdhani leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 16:55 daily and arrives Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus at 11:15 every second day.
CR Rajdhani Express runs with an average speed of 86 km/h.[5][6]
Coach composition
CR Rajdhani Express runs with LHB rolling stock composition as below:
12 AC Three Tier (3A)
5 AC Two Tier (2A)
1 AC First Class (1A)
1 Pantry car (PC)
2 Luggage Brake & Generator car (EOG)
Loco
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Loco
EOG
B12
B11
B10
B9
B8
B7
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1
PC
H1
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
EOG
CR Rajdhani Express is run using three LHB Rakes and the rakes are maintained at Wadi Bunder coaching depot, located besides Sandhurst Road railway station.
