Indian Railways: Two Push-Pull Patna, Mumbai Bound Non-AC Trains To Be Flagged Off Shortly; To Ensure Faster Service For General Passengers

With the general passengers in mind, Indian Railways will soon press into service two non-air conditioned trains, with each coach equipped with modern amenities and hauled by push-pull locomotives for Patna and Mumbai destinations.

In a push–pull train, two locomotives at both ends of a train are used at the same time, being controlled by one driver.

The train moves faster in push-pull method and detention time at stations is reduced, improving turnaround time.

Since Mumbai and Patna bound trains are always in heavy demand, these two destinations are being considered, said a senior railway official and added there is also possibility of running one in south, but a final decision is yet to be taken on destination.  

Each non-AC push-pull train will have 22 coaches, of which 12 will be sleeper, eight unreserved and two luggage vans with a total 1,834 berths and seats.

Manufactured at ICF, the first push-pull train will be rolled out on 23 October and travel to Igatpuri section in Central zone for trial run, while the second one will roll out on 30 October and its trial run will be conducted between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in Western zone.

Since both locomotives will be of 5,500 HP capacity each, the 22-coach train is expected to haul faster.

"Our aim is to provide good travel experience and faster mode of service with lesser cost to common passengers," maintains a senior railway official.

These two push-pull  trains are expected to provide better passenger amenities and ensure higher speed like the Vande Bharat trains.

The two locos are being manufactured at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works in West Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore each and modern LHB coaches are being manufactured at ICF Chennai.

Like Vande Bharat train, which is fully AC service, the pull-push train will be non-AC service for common passengers.

There was a demand for a train with upgraded amenities and speed like Vande Bharat trains for common passengers, since the latter’s fare is on the higher side.

Pull-push electric locos can also be used to haul AC coaches depending upon the passenger demand.

The push-pull train, with 22 coaches, is estimated to cost nearly Rs 60 crore.