Mumbai–Pune Mail (started as Bombay–Poona Mail) or Poona Mail was a luxurious train on Mumbai–Pune section by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. It was the first intercity train started between Mumbai and Pune. This train and the famous Deccan Queen Express used to serve Mumbai Pune commuters for many years. Started as Mail in 1863, it was 303 Poona Mail in 1964. Got extension to Miraj past GC as 303 Bombay Mail in 1971 & become 303 Mahalaxmi Express during 1974 with final extension to Kolhapur. During Poona–Bangalore MG era, this connects 902 MG Poona Mail (Poona–Bangalore till 1971), 304 MG Bombay Mail (Miraj–Bangalore 1971–1974) & 304 MG Mahalaxmi Express (Miraj–Bangalore 1974 onwards till Miraj–Bangalore GC) by Section Carriage Interchanged at Poona & later at Miraj.

Timetable

It used to leave Pune at 7 am and Lonavala at 8:15 am and reach Mumbai by 11:10 am. The return train used to leave Mumbai at 2:45 pm and Lonavala at 5:55 pm and reach Pune by 7 pm. Later the departure time was changed to 5:55 pm from Mumbai.

Coaches and operation, 1907

Coaches

In the year 1907 the train was operated with seven coaches with a total weight of 240 t. Seats for 50 first, 95 second and 320 third class passengers were provided. The restaurant car had another 32 seats. The train crew of 8 man included

guard Guard or guards may refer to: Professional occupations * Bodyguard, who protects an individual from personal assault * Crossing guard, who stops traffic so pedestrians can cross the street * Lifeguard, who rescues people from drowning * Prison ...

, conductor, car attendant, refreshment manager and

waiters Waiting staff (British English), waitstaff (North American English), waiters (male) / waitresses (female), or servers (North American English), are those who work at a restaurant, a diner, or a bar and sometimes in private homes, attending ...

. The livery of the train was dark red-brown on the lower part and cream for the upper part. Each car was long and wide. The chairs could be turned around in order that the passengers were always looking in the travel direction. The cars had electric lighting powered by axle driven generators. 3rd class passengers did not have reserved seats. Punkah fans were provided only in 1st and 2nd class. The cars were fitted with vacuum brake and passenger alarm signal.

Train composition

The train was composed in the following way: * Locomotive * Combination car with baggage compartment, guard compartment, 3rd class seating with compartments for Indian women and 3rd class refreshment bar * 3rd class chair car * 2nd class car with chair seating as well as two compartments and a cloakroom * Composite car containing 1st and 2nd chair class and 1st class compartments *

Dining car A dining car (American English) or a restaurant car (British English), also a diner, is a railroad passenger car that serves meals in the manner of a full-service, sit-down restaurant. It is distinct from other railroad food service cars that ...

* 1st class parlor car with smoking room and ladies's

boudoir A boudoir (; ) is a woman's private sitting room or salon in a furnished residence, usually between the dining room and the bedroom, but can also refer to a woman's private bedroom. The term derives from the French verb ''bouder'' (to sulk ...

* Combination car with baggage, post office and guard facilities and 3rd class chair compartment for Europeans.

Traction

The train was pulled by a 4-6-0 steam engine from Mumbai to the beginning of the 1:37-inclined

Bhor Ghat Bhor Ghat is a mountain pass located between and for railway and between Khopoli and Khandala on the road route in Maharashtra, India, on the crest of the Western Ghats. History In February 1781, Bhorghat was the site of a battle between th ...

mountain pass. At Karjat, the power was changed to two 0-4-0T engines, which brought the train up the Ghat. At Lonavala, the power was changed again to one single 4-coupled engine for the rest of the long journey to Pune.

References