In a tribute to one of Indian Railways’ most iconic trains, Central Railway organised a Train Mahotsav for the Punjab Mail (Train No. 12137/12138) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, on Monday. The event, held to mark the train’s 114 years, saw participation from passengers, railway officials, rail enthusiasts and members of the public.
The celebrations began an hour before the scheduled departure at 7.35 pm. The Punjab Mail rake was decked out with heritage-themed vinyl wrapping and screen-printed designs on the exterior, while the interiors reflected the train’s heritage. An audio-visual presentation on the Punjab Mail’s history was held, highlighting its role as one of the oldest and most prestigious trains of Indian Railways.
The Wadi Bunder Integrated Coaching Depot, home to the Punjab Mail and maintainer of over 600 coaches, played a key role in the refurbishment. As part of the Train Mahotsav, the coaches received a makeover combining modern upgrades with heritage elements.
Salient features
Interior enhancement (first AC): Premium vinyl wrapping on coupes and aisle panels featuring traditional motifs, trees, houses and geometric patterns in vibrant blue, red and yellow tones.
Exterior branding: Heritage-themed vinyl wrapping on the first AC–second AC composite coach and pantry car.
Cultural integration: Screen prints showcasing the Punjab Mail’s 1912 legacy, the Maharashtra–Punjab connect, and its association with the freedom struggle, including visuals of CSMT, the Gateway of India, and the Golden Temple.
Heritage touch: Waterproof canvas prints and display frames inside AC coaches turned interiors into a display space, with framed pictures of vintage trains, luxury compartments of British India and historic timetables.
Passenger comfort: New curtains in all AC coaches, improved seating and refined fittings with fresh paint touch-ups.
Hygiene and lavatory upgrades: Auto air fresheners, seat cover dispensers, better soap dispensers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring repairs, scraper mats, non-slip flooring and patterned tiles in lavatories.
Common areas: Vinyl wrapping in gangways, doorways and lavatories for durability and aesthetics.
Safety and signage: Upgraded passenger information displays, heritage-themed boards and prominently placed fire extinguishers.
Coach identification: Bright new signage and decorative elements on the red rakes.
The historic Punjab Mail, originally called the Punjab Limited, began its maiden run on June 1, 1912, from Ballard Pier Mole Station in Mumbai to Peshawar (then in undivided India) under the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR). It was primarily a “Postal Special” for British officers, mail and government dispatches, covering nearly 2,500 km. Over the decades, it witnessed the freedom struggle, carried freedom fighters and political leaders, and played a role during the 1947 Partition when its route was truncated to Firozpur Cantonment after Peshawar went to Pakistan.
From steam locomotives and wooden coaches to diesel and electric traction (now hauled by WAP-7/WAP-4) and modern LHB coaches, the Punjab Mail has evolved over time. Today, it continues to connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus with Firozpur Cantonment, serving thousands of passengers daily.
“Punjab Mail is more than just a train — it is a living legacy that has connected regions, people and histories across generations,” a press release stated. The Train Mahotsav is part of Central Railway’s efforts to preserve heritage while improving passenger amenities, the Railways said.
The event was attended by Central Railway General Manager Prateek Goswami, Mumbai Division`s Divisional Railway Manager Hiresh Mina, Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer Subodh Kumar Sagar, principal heads of departments, senior officers, staff from headquarters and Mumbai Division, media persons, rail enthusiasts and passengers.
