NASHIK: The maiden Rajdhani Express that will stop at Nashik Road is likely to be flagged off on Republic Day from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai. The Railways recently announced the introduction of this train, which will ply between CSMT and Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi, via Nashik Road and Bhusawal stations.Central Railway officials said trials of the train have been conducted in the ghat section between Kasara and Igatpuri under Mumbai Division, using the push-pull technique. “There will be couple of more full trials before the maiden run of the train on January 26,” a senior railway official said.Union railway minister Piyush Goyal instructed railway officials to complete trails before January 26. “We are getting ready for the event as the day would be most auspicious to flag off the train, given that the model code of conduct for general election will soon be announced,” a Railways official said.Under the push-pull technique one, engine each is attached to the train at the front and rear. While the front engine pulls the train, the rear one pushes it. This is being done to enable the train to climb the steep Kasara ghat section between Igatpuri and Kasara railway stations.Currently additional engine (called banker) is attached at the end of the trains at respective stations to enable trains negotiate the ghat – be it up or down. It typically takes a train more than 20 minutes to complete the ghat stretch. A full-fledged trial run of the train is expected early next week.“The train will have a trail run from CSMT to New Delhi at the scheduled timings and halts. Another trial may happen a week later, and then we will be ready for the event,” an official said.

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