PUNE: The push-pull method being used with the Intercity Express, which runs between Pune and Mumbai, does not seem to be successful. The train is not reaching on time at both stations. The Railways claimed it would save half-an-hour of travel time with this technique. But in reality, mostly the train is delayed by 25 to 50 minutes.
For the first time, Central Railway started using the new ‘Push-Pull’ system for Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express. The Railways officials claim this technique is successful in the ghat section. During the Pune-Mumbai journey, ghat section between Khandala and Thakurwadi takes too much time to cross. The Railways started the same facility on this section and claimed it would save 25 to 30 minutes daily.
The system started on a pilot basis with Pune-Mumbai-Pune Intercity Express in May this year. Earlier, travelling by this train between Pune and Mumbai took 3 hours 25 minutes. The train departed from Mumbai at 6.40 am and reached Pune at 9.57 am. Similarly, on its return journey, the train departed at 5.55 pm and arrived in Mumbai at 9.05 pm. After changing the time and using the push-pull method, the train departed from Mumbai at 6.50 pm and reached Pune at 9.30 pm. Similarly, it departed from Pune at 6.25 pm and reached Mumbai at 9.05 pm. Using the technique, the train was supposed to complete the journey in 2 hours 40 minutes. But instead, the train is delayed by 25 to 50 minutes every day.
The Railways, in the last five days from October 31 to November 4, said the train was delayed by 22 to 47 minutes in reaching Pune junction.
“The reason for the delay of the train is the ghat section. When the train departs from Karjat coming from Mumbai and heading towards Pune, it got delayed in ghat area. Similarly, while crossing the Lonavla station and heading towards Mumbai the same happens.”
