[UPDATE: Push-pull run approved for two runs for now. May revert to original configuration.]
[UPDATE 2: Technical halt given at Bhusawal for watering and crew change]
The 22221 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express will use a Push-Pull rake tomorrow, 13th February 2019, according to officials from Central Railway.
The move comes soon after RDSO approved use of a Push-Pull configuration on the route. RDSO has also prescribed additional norms for monitoring the Push-Pull arrangement. Two WAP-7s based at Ghaziabad Electric Loco Shed, 30483 and 30227, will be used for tomorrow’s run.
The new rake, with a locomotive on both ends, is expected to perform better than the standard single locomotive hauled rakes used on IR. This will also eliminate the need for attachment of bankers behind the train for the uphill climb between Kasara and Igatpuri.
Since the train will not need to stop at both these stations for banker locomotive attachment/ detachment, time will be saved. Normally, banker locos are attached to push each train uphill from Kasara to Igatpuri.
