Deccan Queen’s Iconic Dining Car Gets a Heritage Makeover, Bringing Back the Charm of Rail Travel
Pune, July 12: One of the most iconic train journeys between Pune and Mumbai has become even more special. The historic Deccan Queen Express has introduced its newly refurbished heritage-themed dining car, giving passengers a chance to enjoy a nostalgic railway dining experience while travelling through the scenic Western Ghats.
Known as the “Queen of the Deccan,” the Deccan Queen is one of India’s most celebrated trains. It is also widely regarded as the country’s only train with a dedicated dining car where passengers can sit down and enjoy their meals in a restaurant-style setting during the journey.
As part of the train’s heritage makeover, Central Railway has renovated the dining coach to reflect the train’s rich history while improving passenger comfort. The refurbished coach now features comfortable sofas, carpeting, traditional Warli artwork and interiors inspired by the Deccan Queen’s legacy. The dining car can accommodate up to 32 passengers at a time.
The upgrade is part of a broader refurbishment of the train, which also includes improved washrooms, redesigned coach interiors and upgraded seating in the AC Chair Car coaches.
A Journey That Began in 1930
The Deccan Queen began operations in 1930 with just seven coaches and quickly became one of the most prestigious trains in the country.
Over the decades, the train has seen several upgrades. Integral coaches were introduced in 1966, followed by air-brake equipped rakes in 1995. In August 2021, a Vistadome coach was added, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque Western Ghats. Later, in June 2022, modern LHB coaches were introduced under Project Utkrisht.
Today, the Deccan Queen operates with a 16-coach rake that includes the Vistadome coach, modern passenger amenities and its signature dining car.
No Separate Reservation Needed
Passengers travelling in any class, including General, Second Seating (2S), AC Chair Car or the Vistadome coach, can visit the dining car without making a separate reservation.
A nominal service charge ranging from ₹5 to ₹70 is applicable depending on the service availed.
What’s on the Menu?
The dining car continues to serve several of its classic favourites, including bread and butter, cheese toast, cutlets, sandwiches and omelettes. Combined with the heritage interiors and views outside the window, the dining experience remains one of the biggest attractions of travelling on the Deccan Queen.
Deccan Queen Timings
Train No. 12124 (Pune to Mumbai CSMT):
Departs Pune at 7:15 am and reaches Mumbai CSMT at 10:25 am.
Train No. 12123 (Mumbai CSMT to Pune):
Departs Mumbai CSMT at 5:10 pm and arrives in Pune at 8:25 pm.
