The Paschim Express, one of the iconic long distance trains of Western Railways, celebrated a significant milestone on 24th December 2024.

Starting its journey from Mumbai Central on 24th December 1956, the train completed 68 years of seamless travel between Mumbai and Amritsar, covering a distance of approximately 1,898 kilometers.

This enduring service continues to be a vital link for passengers across eight states, traversing through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.

According to WR, over the decades, the Paschim Express has undergone several transformations, adapting to the growing demands of passengers while maintaining its reputation for comfort and reliability.

Originally numbered as 9156, the train was first recognized as 37 Down (Mumbai to Amritsar) and 38 Up (Amritsar to Mumbai). Later, the train numbers changed to 25 Down and 26 Up, and after the introduction of four-digit train numbers, it became 2925 Down and 2926 Up.

Currently, the Paschim Express runs as train numbers 12925 Down and 12926 Up.

The journey itself, spanning around 32 hours and 45 minutes, is marked by 38 halts at various stations, including major railway junctions such as Mathura and New Delhi. In New Delhi, the train halts for a 25-minute break, offering passengers a brief respite during their long journey.

The train is not only an important travel link but also has a special place in the hearts of Bollywood fans. In a nostalgic reminder, an official revealed that renowned actor Satish Kaushik first arrived in Mumbai by the Paschim Express on 10th August 1979. This piece of cinematic history adds a layer of glamour to the train’s already storied legacy.

"Over the years, the Paschim Express has seen significant improvements, including a major upgrade in 2020 when the train replaced its older coaches with the more modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. This change brought about improved safety, comfort, and speed, ensuring a better travel experience for passengers" said an official.

The 12925 Paschim Express offers a range of travel classes to suit diverse passenger needs, including Sleeper (SL), Third AC (3A), Second AC (2A), and First AC compartments. These options provide comfort at different price points, making the train a preferred choice for a wide range of travelers.

The train departs from Mumbai Central at 11:25 AM, reaching Amritsar Junction at 8:10 PM on the second day. On its return journey, the 12926 Paschim Express departs from Amritsar Junction at 7:20 AM and reaches Mumbai Central by 2:55 PM.

Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railways, praised the Paschim Express as one of the most favored trains on this sector. He noted, “This train is a favorite among passengers, providing an essential travel link across several states. Its journey through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi ensures it serves a diverse group of passengers.”