As a symbol of legacy and resilience, the iconic Punjab Mail is set to enter its 114th year of uninterrupted service on 1st June 2025. One of the oldest trains in the history of Indian Railways, the Punjab Mail has stood the test of time, faithfully serving generations of passengers for over a century. As it completes 113 remarkable years on the tracks, it continues to be a proud emblem of heritage, connecting people and places with unwavering commitment.
According to Central Railway (CR), the Punjab Mail first steamed out on 1st June 1912 from the Ballard Pier Mole station, which at the time was a hub for GIPR (Great Indian Peninsula Railway) services. The train used to run on fixed mail days from Bombay's Ballard Pier Mole station all the way to Peshawar, covering a distance of 2,496 km in approximately 47 hours. The train’s route ran predominantly over the GIPR track and passed through major cities like Itarsi, Agra, Delhi, and Lahore before terminating at Peshawar Cantonment.In 1914, the service was shifted to originate and terminate at Bombay VT (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai) and became a daily service, covering the 1,541 km Bombay-Delhi GIPR route in 29 hours and 30 minutes. By the early 1920s, this transit time was reduced further to 27 hours and 10 minutes.
However, in 1972, the travel time was extended back to 29 hours with added stoppages. Currently, the Punjab Mail covers a distance of 1,928 km between Mumbai and Firozpur Cantonment in 33 hours and 35 minutes, halting at 52 stations en route, stated an official of CR.
Coaches and Traction Over the Years
According to CR, the train originally consisted of six coaches: three for passengers and three for postal goods and mail. The three passenger coaches carried approximately 288 passengers. In the mid-1930s, third-class coaches were introduced. In 1945, air-conditioned coaches were introduced. In 1968, the train was dieselized up to Jhansi and later extended from Jhansi to New Delhi by 1976, and finally to Firozpur.
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By the late 1970s/early 1980s, dual-current locomotives (WCAM/1) were used to run the train on electric traction up to Igatpuri, with a traction changeover for its further journey.
The conventional coaches of the Punjab Mail were replaced with LHB coaches, and the train started running with LHB coaches from 1st December 2020 onwards. The train is now electric-hauled, and its restaurant car has been replaced by a pantry car.
Currently, the train runs with an occupancy of more than 250% and includes 1st AC First Class cum AC-2 Tier, 2 AC-2 Tier, 6 AC-3 Tier, 6 Sleeper Class, 4 General second class coaches, 1 Generator van and 1 SLR (Second Luggage and Guard van).
