NEW DELHI: Central Railway (CR) is poised to elevate the speed of the CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat train on the Igatpuri-Manmad line to a remarkable 130 kmph. The segment spanning from Igatpuri to Shirdi, measuring 125 kilometers, presently permits a velocity of up to 110 kmph.

In line with directives from the Railway Board, Central Railways has initiated endeavors aimed at refining the rail tracks, with the objective of bolstering the train's speed, as indicated by officials. Upon implementation, this modification is expected to curtail travel time by an additional 30 minutes. Additionally, it is projected to yield time savings for other trains utilizing the Igatpuri-Bhusawal line, effectuating a reduction in travel duration by half an hour.

Unveiled in February by Prime Minister Modi, the CSMT-Shirdi Sainagar Vande Bharat train operates six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Notably, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

Commencing its journey as Train No. 22223 at 6:20 am from CSMT, the train arrives at Shirdi at 11:40 am on the same day. Conversely, Train No. 22224 embarks from Shirdi at 5:25 pm and arrives at CSMT at 10:50 pm.

In recent days, the Central Railway division of Indian Railways introduced additional halts at Kalyan stations within the CSMT-Shirdi Sainagar Vande Bharat Express itinerary. According to the latest schedule, the CSMT-Shirdi Sainagar Vande Bharat train is slated to reach Thane station at 6:49 am, departing at 6:51 am. The scheduled stop at Kalyan station is at 7:11 am, with departure scheduled for 7:13 am. The Shirdi Sainagar-CSMT train is set to touch down at Thane at 10:06 pm and resume its journey at 10:08 pm. The arrival and departure times at Kalyan station are recorded as 9:45 pm and 9:47 pm, respectively.

This Mumbai-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat service plays a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility to crucial pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra, including Nashik, Trimbakeshwar, Sainagar Shirdi, and Shani Singanapur.

Distinguished by state-of-the-art attributes, Vande Bharat trains boast rapid acceleration, superior travel comfort, onboard infotainment, and a GPS-based passenger information system. The trains also feature automatic doors, retractable footrests, and environmentally-friendly amenities such as zero-discharge vacuum bio-toilets.

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