Deccan Queen saves 40 minutes in trial with push-pull technique

MUMBAI: After the success of running Rajdhani Express with Push-Pull mode, CR has now plans to use this method for plying of prestigious intercity train "Deccan Queen". A trial was conducted with the push-pull technique which helped save 40 minutes between both the cities.
In push and pull technique, locomotives are attached at the front as well as rear. This technique is tried only in trains which have LHB coaches. The present Deccan Queen runs with conventional coaches. Even though trial may be successful, this technique cannot be implemented till Deccan Queen gets LBH coaches.
CR’s chief public relations officer Sunil Udasi said “The train clocked 2 hours 35 minutes flat between Mumbai and Pune. As of now, Deccan Queen takes 3 hours 15 minutes to cover the distance of 192 km including the Bhor ghat section where bankers are attached at Karjat and detached at Lonavala to climb one of the steepest gradient (1 in 37 gradient).
He further said that running Deccan Queen with Push-Pull engines will save the timings in the ghat section and in fact the train was able to run the stretch of Lonavala-Pune section at 110 KMPH saving a good 15 minutes.
In Push and Pull technique, the engines at the rear and front will ensure faster acceleration and deceleration. Also, braking will be powerful and hence swift. Another advantage of an engine at the rear will ensure that train can be pulled out of the station quickly. “Thus platform will not be occupied for longer time.