Deccan Queen Returns With Restored Dining Car

The Deccan Queen Express, a nearly 96-year-old train, has returned to service with a refreshed heritage look after Central Railway restored its famous dining car and upgraded several passenger facilities.

The train, known as the 'Queen of the Deccan', operates daily between Pune and Mumbai, offering travellers a unique blend of nostalgia and comfort. The restored dining car, which can accommodate up to 32 passengers at a time, features comfortable sofas, carpeting, traditional Warli artwork, and interiors designed to recreate the charm of the Deccan Queen's early years.

Passengers travelling in general, second seating, AC chair car, and Vistadome coaches can use the dining car without a separate reservation, paying only a nominal service charge ranging from ₹5 to ₹70. The menu includes popular railway favourites such as bread and butter, cheese toast, cutlets, sandwiches, omelettes, and other light snacks.

Apart from the dining coach, Central Railway has also upgraded the train's interiors, including renovated washrooms, redesigned coach interiors, and refurbished AC chair car seats. The improvements aim to make the journey more comfortable while preserving the train's heritage.

The Deccan Queen is recognised as the only train in India with a dedicated dining car where passengers can enjoy freshly prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting while the train is in motion. Train number 12124 departs Pune at 7.15 am and reaches Mumbai CSMT at 10.25 am, while train number 12123 leaves Mumbai CSMT at 5.10 pm and arrives in Pune at 8.25 pm.

The Deccan Queen's rich history dates back to 1929, and it remains one of the most popular services on the Mumbai-Pune route. The train's restoration is a testament to Central Railway's efforts to preserve India's rail heritage while providing improved comfort and amenities to passengers.

The refurbished Deccan Queen is expected to continue offering a unique and memorable rail travel experience to passengers travelling between Mumbai and Pune. With its restored heritage dining car and upgraded coaches, the train is set to remain a popular choice among commuters and tourists alike.

The upgrade is also expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region, as the Deccan Queen is a major attraction for visitors to Mumbai and Pune. The train's unique blend of nostalgia, comfort, and heritage is likely to continue drawing passengers from all over India and abroad.

In conclusion, the return of the Deccan Queen with its restored heritage dining car and upgraded coaches is a significant development for rail travel in India. The train's unique blend of nostalgia, comfort, and heritage is set to continue offering a memorable experience to passengers travelling between Mumbai and Pune.