Nearly 100 Years Old, This Iconic Train Had India’s First Women-Only Coach

For generations of travellers, the journey between Mumbai and Pune has been more than just a train ride. One train, in particular, has become part of the route’s identity. The Deccan Queen, known for its speed, comfort and long history, has been connecting the two cities for nearly a century. Introduced in 1930, the train was originally launched to serve visitors travelling to Pune for the races. Over the years, it evolved into one of Indian Railways’ most recognisable trains. (Image: Instagram/@m.indicator.official)

The train gets its name from Pune, which is popularly known as the “Queen of the Deccan”. When the service was introduced, it was designed to connect Mumbai (then Bombay) with Pune, an important city on the Deccan Plateau. The name has since become closely associated with the train itself. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The train made its first run on June 1, 1930, making it one of India’s oldest named train services still in operation. It was introduced as a special weekend service between Bombay and Poona, primarily for people travelling to the city’s horse-racing events. The service later became a regular part of the Mumbai-Pune railway route. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The Deccan Queen has also been associated with the electrification of the Mumbai-Pune route. In its early years, the service operated with electric locomotives as the railway network around Mumbai was being electrified. This helped establish it as a fast and modern train for its time. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The Deccan Queen also has an important place in the history of women’s travel on Indian Railways. It is widely credited with introducing India’s first women-only coach in 1930. The coach was intended to provide women passengers with a more comfortable and secure travel option, particularly at a time when women travelling alone by train was less common than it is today. The move added another first to the long list of milestones associated with the Deccan Queen. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

One of the most memorable parts of the journey is the climb through the Western Ghats. The train travels through the Bhor Ghat section between Mumbai and Pune, passing through a landscape of hills, valleys, tunnels and waterfalls during the monsoon. For many passengers, the changing scenery is as much a part of the Deccan Queen experience as the train itself. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The Deccan Queen has long been associated with onboard dining. It became particularly famous for having a dining car, something that added to its reputation as a premium train service. Although railway services and coaches have changed over the decades, the train’s connection with food and dining remains part of its nostalgic appeal. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)