What is the Central Railway zone and where is its headquarters located?

The Central Railway (CR) is one of the nineteen operational zones of Indian Railways. Its headquarters are situated in Mumbai, specifically at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

What historical distinction does the Central Railway hold regarding passenger rail service in India?

The Central Railway holds the significant distinction of operating the very first passenger railway line in India. This inaugural line ran from Mumbai to Thane and commenced operations on April 16, 1853.

What was the geographical extent of the Central Railway zone prior to April 2003, and what led to its reduction?

Before April 2003, the Central Railway zone encompassed a substantial portion of Madhya Pradesh and a part of southern Uttar Pradesh, making it the largest railway zone in India in terms of area, track mileage, and staff. Subsequently, these areas were reorganized to form the new West Central Railway zone.

What is the reporting mark for the Central Railway zone?

The reporting mark used to identify the Central Railway zone is CR.

What is the operational period of the Central Railway zone?

The Central Railway zone has been in operation since 1951 and continues to operate to the present day.

What are the primary track gauges used by the Central Railway?

The Central Railway primarily operates on a track gauge of 1,676 mm, which is also known as 5 ft 6 in broad-gauge.

What is the status of railway electrification on the Central Railway?

The Central Railway has achieved 100% electrification across all its lines, meaning all tracks within its operational network are electrified.

Which major railway lines are part of the Central Railway zone?

The Central Railway zone includes several key main lines, such as the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line up to Nagpur Junction, the Mumbai–Chennai line up to Wadi Junction, the Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line up to Khandwa Junction, the New Delhi–Chennai line from Itarsi Junction to Ballarshah, the Pune–Miraj–Londa line up to Miraj Junction, and the Mumbai-Diva-Panvel-Roha line.

What are some of the branch lines operated by the Central Railway zone?

The Central Railway zone operates numerous branch lines, including the Vasai Road–Panvel line, the Harbour line, the Trans-Harbour line, the Port line, the Central line (all part of the Mumbai Suburban Railway system), the Panvel-Karjat branch line, the Panvel-JNPT branch line, the Karjat-Khopoli branch line, the Daund-Manmad branch line, the Chalisgaon-Dhule branch line, the Manmad-Secunderabad branch line, the Daund-Baramati branch line, the Puntamba-Shirdi branch line, the Ahmadnagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath branch line (operational up to Amalner Bhandyache), the Lonand-Phaltan branch line, the Miraj-Kolhapur branch line, the Miraj-Kurduwadi branch line, the Kurduwadi-Latur Road branch line, the Jalamb-Khamgaon branch line, the Badnera-Narkhed branch line, the Badnera-Amravati branch line, the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded branch line (operational up to Kalamb), and the Amla-Chhindwara branch line (excluding Chhindwara Jn.).

Describe the proposed Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project and its challenges.

The Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project, also referred to as the '3rd ghat project', has been in planning stages since the British era. Surveys were conducted multiple times, including in 1973, 2000, 2006, and 2014. The project, with an alignment length of 184 km, aims to provide a shorter route for Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. However, it faces a major challenge in constructing an 18.96 km long tunnel through the Malshej Ghat section. The Kalyan-Murbad section, the first phase, is currently under survey.

With which other railway zones does the Central Railway zone connect?

The Central Railway zone connects with other Indian Railways zones at various points. These include connections with the Western Railway Zone at stations like Mahim, Dadar, Vasai Road, Jalgaon Junction, and Bandra; with the Konkan Railway Zone at Roha; with the South Central Railway zone at Balharshah, Latur Road, Wadi Junction, Pimpal Khuti, Akola Junction, Khandwa Junction, and Ankai Junction; with the South East Central Railway zone at Nagpur Junction and Chhindwara Junction; with the South Western Railway zone at Hotgi Junction and Miraj Junction; and with the Western Central Railway zone at Itarsi Junction and Khandwa Junction.

What is the Matheran Hill Railway, and where does it operate?

The Matheran Hill Railway is a narrow-gauge railway constructed in 1907. It connects Neral, located on the Mumbai CSMT-Chennai main line, to the hill station of Matheran in the Western Ghats, east of Mumbai. While originally using steam engines, they have been replaced by diesel locomotives, and the route is recognized for its sharp curves.

How is the Central Railway zone organized in terms of divisions?

The Central Railway zone is organized into five main divisions: Mumbai CR railway division, Solapur railway division, Bhusawal railway division, Pune railway division, and Nagpur CR railway division.

What geographical areas does the Central Railway zone primarily cover?

The Central Railway zone predominantly covers the state of Maharashtra and extends into small parts of southern Madhya Pradesh and northeastern Karnataka.

According to 2008 data, how many railway stations were categorized under the Central Railway zone?

As of 2008, the Central Railway zone had a total of 476 stations categorized as follows: 7 A-1 category stations, 20 A category stations, 10 B category stations, 80 C category stations, 45 D category stations, 221 E category stations, and 93 F category stations.

What types of ongoing projects are being undertaken by the Central Railway?

The Central Railway is involved in several types of ongoing projects, including the construction of new railway lines, doubling of existing lines, tripling of lines, quadrupling of lines, and hexupling of lines.

Can you list some of the new railway lines currently under development or planned by the Central Railway?

Several new railway lines are in various stages of planning or construction for the Central Railway. These include the Solapur Jn - Tuljapur - Osmanabad line (survey completed), Nanded - Yavatmal - Wardha line (work in progress), Ashti-Parli Vaijnath line (work in progress, with Ahmednagar-Ashti completed), Phaltan - Baramati (approved), Kolhapur-Vaibhavwadi line (survey in progress), Aurangabad-Shani shingnapur-Ahmednagar line (survey completed), Khamgaon-Jalna (survey completed), Latur-Latur Road-Ahmedpur-Nanded (survey completed), Latur Road-Jalkot-Mukhed-Biloli-Bodhan (announced), and Latur-Ausa-Nilanga-Omerga-Aland-Gulbarga (survey in progress).

Which railway lines on the Central Railway are currently undergoing doubling?

The doubling of the Bhigvan-Gulbarga line has been completed. Doubling is currently in progress on the Pune-Miraj-Londa-Hubli line. Additionally, doubling projects are planned or underway for the Panvel-Karjat and Karjat-Khopoli sections.

What are the current tripling projects on the Central Railway?

The Central Railway is undertaking tripling projects on the Kalyan-Kasara section, the Kalyan-Karjat section, and the Sewagram Jn-Balharshah Jn section.

Which lines are being quadrupled by the Central Railway?

The Central Railway is undertaking quadrupling projects on the Nagpur-Wardha line and the Manmad-Igatpuri line.

What is the extent of the hexupling project on the Central Railway?

The Central Railway is undertaking a hexupling project on the Mumbai CSMT-Kalyan section.

What is the significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in relation to the Central Railway?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus serves as the headquarters for the Central Railway zone. It is also noted as one of India's busiest railway stations and is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Can you name some of the major trains operated by the Central Railway zone?

Some of the major trains operated by the Central Railway include the Mumbai CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin CR Rajdhani Express, the Deccan Queen, the Punjab Mail, the Gitanjali Express, the Mumbai CSMT-Jalna Jan Shatabdi Express, the Howrah–Mumbai CSMT Mail (via Gaya and via Nagpur), the Sharavati Express, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus - Madgaon AC Double Decker Express, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - Nagpur Duronto Express, the Latur Express, the Udyan Express, the Pune - Secunderabad Shatabdi Express, the Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express, the Pune–Nagpur Garib Rath Express, the Siddheshwar Express, the Mumbai CSMT - Madgaon Tejas Express, the Vidarbha Express, the Maharashtra Express, the Panchvati Express, the Pawan Express, the Sahyadri Express, the Mumbai Chennai Mail, the Mumbai CSMT–Howrah Duronto Express, the Konark Express, the Mumbai CSMT–Chennai Express, the Dadar- Tirunelveli Chalukya Express, and the Dadar–Puducherry Chalukya Express.

What types of loco sheds are maintained by the Central Railway?

The Central Railway maintains both Electric Loco Sheds and Diesel Loco Sheds. Specific locations include Electric Loco Sheds at Ajni, Kalyan, Bhusawal, and Daund, and Diesel Loco Sheds at Pune, Kalyan, and Kurla.

What is the purpose of the Matheran Hill Railway, and what is its gauge?

The Matheran Hill Railway serves to connect the Neral station on the main line to the hill station of Matheran. It operates on a narrow-gauge track.

What is the approximate number of stations managed by the Central Railway zone, categorized by importance?

As of 2008, the Central Railway zone managed approximately 476 stations. These were categorized with 7 A-1 stations, 20 A stations, 10 B stations, 80 C stations, 45 D stations, 221 E stations, and 93 F stations.

Which former princely state's railway is mentioned as a predecessor to the Central Railway?

The Scindia State Railway, belonging to the former princely state of Gwalior, is mentioned as one of the predecessor railways that were grouped to form the Central Railway zone.

What is the significance of the Mumbai-Diva-Panvel-Roha line within the Central Railway network?

The Mumbai-Diva-Panvel-Roha line is listed as one of the main lines operated by the Central Railway zone, indicating its importance in connecting key areas within its operational territory.

What is the status of electrification for all lines operated by the Central Railway?

All lines operated by the Central Railway are fully electrified, achieving a 100% electrification rate across its network.

What is the main challenge associated with the proposed Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project?

The primary challenge for the Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project is the construction of a significant tunnel, measuring 18.96 kilometers, through the Malshej Ghat section.

Which specific railway division of the Central Railway is responsible for the Mumbai CSMT-Dadar-Kurla-Ghatkopar-Thane section?

The Mumbai CSMT-Dadar-Kurla-Ghatkopar-Thane section, including the Central line and Harbour Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, falls under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai CR railway division.

What is the role of the 'Glenogle' bungalow in relation to the Central Railway?

'Glenogle' is the official residence of the Central Railway General Manager and is noted as a Grade II-B heritage bungalow, formerly serving as the GIPR agent's residence.

What is the current status of the Phaltan - Baramati new line project on the Central Railway?

The Phaltan - Baramati new line project has been approved, but work has not yet commenced.

Which specific section of the Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project is currently under survey?

The Kalyan-Murbad section, which constitutes the first phase of the Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project, is currently under the survey stage.

What is the total number of railway zones in Indian Railways, according to the provided text?

According to the provided text, there are 19 zones in Indian Railways, and the Central Railway is one of them.

What is the significance of the date April 16, 1853, in the context of the Central Railway?

April 16, 1853, is significant because it marks the date when the first passenger railway line in India, operated by the precursor to the Central Railway, opened between Mumbai and Thane.

What are the main lines that connect Mumbai to other major cities within the Central Railway zone?

The Central Railway zone operates key lines connecting Mumbai to other major cities, including the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line, the Mumbai–Chennai line, and the Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line.

What is the status of the Pune-Miraj-Londa-Hubli line regarding doubling?

The doubling of the Pune-Miraj-Londa-Hubli line is currently in progress.

Which specific railway station is mentioned as the headquarters of the Central Railway?

The headquarters of the Central Railway is located at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai.

What is the purpose of the 'Reporting mark' for a railway zone?

A reporting mark, such as CR for Central Railway, is a unique identifier used for the railway zone, often for operational and administrative purposes.

What is the current operational status of the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded branch line?

As of June 2025, the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded branch line is operational only up to Kalamb.

What is the current operational status of the Ahmadnagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath branch line?

As of May 2025, the Ahmadnagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath branch line is operational up to Amalner Bhandyache.

What is the gauge of the Matheran Hill Railway?

The Matheran Hill Railway operates on a narrow-gauge track.

What is the total track mileage electrification status for the Central Railway?

All lines of the Central Railway are 100% electrified, meaning its entire track network is electrified.

Which major railway junction is mentioned as a connection point between the Central Railway and the South Central Railway zone?

Balharshah Junction is mentioned as a connection point between the Central Railway and the South Central Railway zone.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides a list of related articles or topics that a reader might find relevant or interesting, such as other railway organizations, associations, or specific railway systems like the Mumbai Suburban Railway.

Central Railway Zone Wiki: Rails of the Deccan: Unveiling the Central Railway Network

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Overview

Operational Hub

The Central Railway (CR) stands as one of the nineteen operational zones of Indian Railways. Its administrative headquarters are strategically located at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Legacy and Formation

Established on November 5, 1951, Central Railway was formed by consolidating several pre-existing government-owned railway systems. It proudly operates the very first passenger railway line in India, which commenced service between Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853.

Network Specifications

The network primarily utilizes a broad-gauge track system, measuring 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in). Notably, Central Railway boasts 100% electrification across all its lines, reflecting a commitment to modern and efficient operations.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of a Zone

The Central Railway zone was officially constituted on November 5, 1951. This significant restructuring brought together multiple government-owned railways, including the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, the Scindia State Railway, the Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway, the Dholpur State Railway, and the Wardha Coal State Railway.

Territorial Evolution

Historically, Central Railway encompassed substantial portions of Madhya Pradesh and southern Uttar Pradesh, making it the largest zone by area, track mileage, and workforce. However, in April 2003, a reorganization led to the formation of the West Central Railway zone, which assumed responsibility for these territories.

Heritage Residence

The official residence of the Central Railway General Manager, 'Glenogle', is a Grade II-B heritage bungalow. Situated adjacent to the Maharashtra Chief Minister's official residence in Malabar Hill, Mumbai, it stands as a testament to the railway's rich past.

Key Routes and Lines

Major Arteries

Central Railway manages several critical railway corridors that form the backbone of India's rail network:

Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line (extending up to Nagpur Junction)
Mumbai–Chennai line (extending up to Wadi Junction)
Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line (extending up to Khandwa Junction)
New Delhi–Chennai line (from Itarsi Junction to Ballarshah)
Pune–Miraj–Londa line (extending up to Miraj Junction)

Branch Lines and Projects

The zone also oversees numerous branch lines connecting various regions. A significant ongoing project is the Kalyan-Ahmednagar railway project, intended to shorten routes to Marathwada and Telangana, with the initial Kalyan-Murbad section currently under survey.

Key branch lines include:

Vasai Road–Panvel line
Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
Trans-Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
Port line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
Panvel-Karjat branch line
Panvel-JNPT branch line
Daund-Manmad branch line
Chalisgaon-Dhule branch line
Puntamba-Shirdi branch line
Lonand-Phaltan branch line
Miraj-Kolhapur branch line
Badnera-Narkhed branch line
Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded branch line
Amla-Chhindwara branch line

Administrative Divisions

Divisional Structure

Central Railway is operationally structured into five distinct divisions, each managing a significant segment of the network:

Mumbai CR railway division
Solapur railway division
Bhusawal railway division
Pune railway division
Nagpur CR railway division

Station Categorization

As of 2008, the zone managed a total of 476 stations across these divisions, categorized by commercial importance. This included 7 'A-1' category stations, 20 'A' category stations, and numerous others across categories B, C, D, E, and F.

Organizational Reach

Geographic Footprint

The Central Railway's operational domain predominantly covers the state of Maharashtra. It also extends its reach into small parts of southern Madhya Pradesh and northeastern Karnataka, serving a diverse and populous region.

Inter-Zone Connectivity

Central Railway interfaces with several other Indian Railway zones at key points, facilitating seamless national network connectivity. These include Western Railway, Konkan Railway, South Central Railway, South East Central Railway, South Western Railway, and West Central Railway.

Notable Services

Premier Expresses

Central Railway operates a wide array of prestigious and high-demand train services, connecting major cities and regions. Some of the prominent services include:

Mumbai CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin CR Rajdhani Express
Deccan Queen (Mumbai CSMT–Pune Jn.)
Gitanjali Express (Mumbai CSMT–Howrah Jn.)
Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - Nagpur Duronto Express

Diverse Fleet

The fleet includes various types of passenger trains, from high-speed Vande Bharat and Shatabdi expresses to popular intercity services and suburban commuter trains that form the lifeline of Mumbai's urban transport. The zone also manages extensive MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services.

Additional notable trains:

Punjab Mail (Mumbai CSMT–Firozpur Cantt.)
Sharavati Express (Dadar–Mysuru Jn.)
Lokmanya Tilak Terminus - Madgaon AC Double Decker Express
Latur Express (Mumbai CSMT–Latur)
Udyan Express (Mumbai CSMT–KSR Bengaluru City)
Pune - Secunderabad Shatabdi Express
Vidarbha Express (Mumbai CSMT–Gondia Jn.)
Maharashtra Express (Kolhapur SCSMT–Gondia Jn.)
Panchvati Express (Mumbai CSMT–Manmad)
Pawan Express (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Jaynagar)
Sahyadri Express (Mumbai CSMT–Kolhapur SCSMT)
Mumbai Chennai Mail (Mumbai CSMT–Chennai Central)
Konark Express (Mumbai CSMT–Bhubaneswar New)

Locomotive Depots

Electric Sheds

Central Railway maintains several key Electric Loco Sheds essential for its electrified network:

Electric Loco Shed, Ajni
Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan
Electric Loco Shed, Bhusawal
Electric Loco Shed, Daund

Diesel Sheds

Supporting its diesel traction operations, the zone operates the following Diesel Loco Sheds:

Diesel Loco Shed, Pune
Diesel Loco Shed, Kalyan
Diesel Loco Shed, Kurla

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Central Railway zone Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding transportation infrastructure, railway operations, or logistical planning. Always refer to official Indian Railways documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Rails of the Deccan

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏢 Operational Hub

🗓️ Legacy and Formation

📏 Network Specifications

Historical Trajectory 📜

🏗️ Genesis of a Zone

🗺️ Territorial Evolution

🏛️ Heritage Residence

Key Routes and Lines 🛤️

↔️ Major Arteries

🔗 Branch Lines and Projects

Administrative Divisions 🏢

📍 Divisional Structure

📊 Station Categorization

Organizational Reach 🗺️

🌍 Geographic Footprint

🔗 Inter-Zone Connectivity

Notable Services 🚆

👑 Premier Expresses

⚡ Diverse Fleet

Locomotive Depots 🔧

⚡ Electric Sheds

⛽ Diesel Sheds

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Operational Hub

Legacy and Formation

Network Specifications

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of a Zone

Territorial Evolution

Heritage Residence

Key Routes and Lines

Major Arteries

Branch Lines and Projects

Administrative Divisions

Divisional Structure

Station Categorization

Organizational Reach

Geographic Footprint

Inter-Zone Connectivity

Notable Services

Premier Expresses

Diverse Fleet

Locomotive Depots

Electric Sheds

Diesel Sheds

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice