🚆 Overview & Operational Profile of Train 22221 NZM RAJDHANI
Operated under the supervision of Indian Railways, 22221 NZM RAJDHANI connects C Shivaji Maharaj T and Hazrat Nizamuddin. It serves as a vital transit corridor for thousands of commuters seeking reliable, high-speed rail connectivity.
- Train Category: High-Speed All-AC Central Railway Rajdhani Express (Tejas Smart Sleeper)
- Source Terminal: C Shivaji Maharaj T (
CSMT) - Destination Terminal: Hazrat Nizamuddin (
NZM) - Motive Power: Twin Push-Pull WAP-7 3-Phase Electric Locomotives (6,350 HP each at front and rear). Specifically deployed without banker locomotives to scale the severe 1:37 gradient of Thull Ghat (Kasara to Igatpuri), eliminating a 40-minute halt and ensuring continuous 130 km/h cruising across Central Railway.
- Accommodation Structure: 100% All-Air-Conditioned (Zero Sleeper and Zero Unreserved General coaches)
🌐 Real-Time Railway News, Advisories & Web Grounding
Synthesized from verified media reports, official railway press releases, and real-time updates:
Verified Record: The 22221 / 22222 Mumbai CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, (also known as Central Railway 'CR' Rajdhani Express) is a daily train service of Rajdhani class operated by Central Railway between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Hazrat Nizamuddin. It is India’s Second Fastest Rajdhani Express operated by Indian Railways and also in the list of Top-10 Fastest Trains of Indian Railways.
📡 Recent News Headlines & Travel Advisories:
- 📰 Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Express frequency increased: Check new timings, fares, route details (Official News Feed — 17/9/2019)
- 📰 Push-Pull Rajdhani Express! 22221 CSMT - Hazrat Nizamuddin with KYN WAP-7 Twins (Official News Feed — 2/6/2025)
- 📰 India’s first Push-Pull Rajdhani Express marks 7 years of service – check route, stoppages, timings (Official News Feed — 20/1/2026)
- 📰 India's first pull-push Rajdhani Express to run daily from today. Check timings and stoppages (Official News Feed — 19/1/2021)
- 📰 It took just 5 hours for new Mumbai–Delhi Rajdhani to go houseful (Official News Feed — 21/1/2019)
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📜 Genesis, Inauguration & Locomotive Engineering Feat
- Inaugural Genesis & Operational Milestone: Train 22221 CSMT - Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express was inaugurated on 19 January 2019 by Central Railway as the historic 3rd Rajdhani connecting the financial capital Mumbai with national capital Delhi. It is the FIRST and only Rajdhani operated by Central Railway via Kalyan, Nashik, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Bhopal, Jhansi, and Agra. In October 2021, the train received a prestigious upgrade to ultra-modern Tejas-type Smart Sleeper LHB coaches, featuring intelligent sensor-driven passenger amenities and automatic doors.
- High-Power Locomotive Engineering: Twin Push-Pull WAP-7 3-Phase Electric Locomotives (6,350 HP each at front and rear). Specifically deployed without banker locomotives to scale the severe 1:37 gradient of Thull Ghat (Kasara to Igatpuri), eliminating a 40-minute halt and ensuring continuous 130 km/h cruising across Central Railway.
- Fascinating Railfan Trivia & Records:
- First Rajdhani to negotiate the formidable 1:37 Thull Ghat (Western Ghats) using Push-Pull twin WAP-7 locomotives without attaching banker locos, cutting transit time by 40 minutes.
- Upgraded to Tejas Smart Sleeper LHB rake in October 2021 with airplane-like automatic doors that remain sealed while moving.
- Covers a massive 1,543 km distance in approximately 17 hours 55 minutes, clocking an impressive top operational speed of 130 km/h.
- Connects two of India’s most iconic railway terminals: UNESCO World Heritage CSMT in Mumbai and Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi.
- Features 100% all-air-conditioned passenger accommodation with zero non-AC coaches.
🕒 Route, Verified Timetable & Station Halts Directory
The official schedule, arrival, departure, stoppage durations, and platform allocations for Train 22221 are detailed below:
| # | Station Name | Code | Arr | Dep | Halt | Day | Distance | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C Shivaji Maharaj T | CSMT | Source | 16:00 | 0 min | Day 1 | 0 km | PF 18 |
| 2 | Kalyan Jn | KYN | 16:43 | 16:45 | 2 min | Day 1 | 53 km | PF 4 |
| 3 | Nasik Road | NK | 18:17 | 18:19 | 2 min | Day 1 | 187 km | PF 2 |
| 4 | Jalgaon Jn | JL | 20:43 | 20:45 | 2 min | Day 1 | 420 km | PF 3 |
| 5 | Bhusaval Jn | BSL | 21:15 | 21:17 | 2 min | Day 1 | 444 km | PF 5 |
| 6 | Bhopal Jn | BPL | 01:55 | 02:00 | 5 min | Day 2 | 849 km | PF 2 |
| 7 | Virangana Lakshmibai(Jhanshi) | VGLJ | 05:06 | 05:11 | 5 min | Day 2 | 1140 km | PF 4 |
| 8 | Gwalior Jn | GWL | 06:09 | 06:11 | 2 min | Day 2 | 1237 km | PF 2 |
| 9 | Agra Cantt | AGC | 07:30 | 07:32 | 2 min | Day 2 | 1356 km | PF 3 |
| 10 | Hazrat Nizamuddin | NZM | 09:55 | Terminus | 0 min | Day 2 | 1543 km | PF 5 |
Travel Advisory: Check real-time live train running status and platform updates on Train 22221 Live Status before arriving at the station.
🌄 Scenic Highlights, Heritage & Pilgrimage Spots Along the Route
The transit corridor between C Shivaji Maharaj T and Hazrat Nizamuddin traverses diverse cultural, historical, and geographic landscapes:
- Mumbai CSMT: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Marine Drive & Gateway of India
- Kalyan: Historic railway junction and gateway to Western Ghats & Haji Malang Hills
- Nasik Road: Sacred Godavari riverbanks, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Panchavati & Sula Vineyards
- Jalgaon: The Gold City of Maharashtra and premier gateway to the UNESCO Ajanta Caves
- Bhusaval: Crucial Central Railway locomotive division and India's greatest banana transport hub
- Bhopal: The City of Lakes (Upper & Lower Lake), Taj-ul-Masajid, and gateway to UNESCO Sanchi Stupa
- Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi): The heroic 17th-century Jhansi Fort of Rani Laxmibai and gateway to medieval Orchha on Betwa river
- Gwalior: The majestic hilltop Gwalior Fort ('Pearl of Indian Forts'), Scindia Jai Vilas Palace & Tansen Tomb
- Agra Cantt: The iconic Taj Mahal (Seven Wonders of the World), Agra Fort & UNESCO Fatehpur Sikri
- Hazrat Nizamuddin: The sacred 14th-century Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, Humayun's Tomb & India Gate
💺 Coach Composition & Passenger Classes
Train 22221 (High-Speed All-AC Central Railway Rajdhani Express (Tejas Smart Sleeper)) features passenger accommodations tailored for maximum comfort:
- AC First Class (1A): Premium lockable 4-berth cabins and 2-berth coupés with personalized attendant calling system, Reading LED lights, and plush carpeting.
- AC 2-Tier (2A): Spacious 2-tier curtained bays with broad cushioned berths, universal laptop/mobile charging ports, and reading lights.
- AC 3-Tier (3A): Modern 3-tier air-conditioned sleeper accommodation with fresh sanitized linen sets, individual curtains, and bio-vacuum toilets.
- Tejas Smart Rake Infrastructure: Automatic sensor-activated plug doors, touchless bio-vacuum washroom taps, CCTV surveillance, and real-time GPS passenger info displays.
🎫 Ticket Fare Structure, Dynamic Pricing & Tatkal Rules
- Fare Structure: Dynamic Pricing (Flexi-Fare) applies. As ticket demand surges and seat availability drops past 50%, fares incrementally scale by 10% per 10% booking slab up to 1.5x base fare. Tatkal quota tickets are subject to premium AC Tatkal charges.
- Tatkal Timings: Tatkal booking opens 24 hours prior to train departure from origin: 10:00 AM for AC classes .
- 100% Automatic Refund: In the event of full train cancellation by railway authorities, e-ticket passengers receive an automatic 100% full refund directly to their payment account without having to file an online TDR.
📉 Ticket Cancellation Charges, Refund Calculator & Official Rules
Indian Railways and IRCTC calculate ticket cancellation refunds based on the exact interval between cancellation and the scheduled departure (or charting time):
⏱️ Time-Based Cancellation Deduction Slabs
| Cancellation Window | Deduction Percentage | Minimum Flat Clerkage Charge (Per Passenger) |
|---|---|---|
| More than 48 Hours before departure | Flat Clerkage Fee | 1A / Executive Class: ₹240 + GST<br>2A / First Class: ₹200 + GST<br>3A / CC / 3E: ₹180 + GST<br>Sleeper (SL): ₹120<br>Second Sitting (2S): ₹60 |
| Between 48 Hours and 12 Hours | 25% of base fare | Subject to minimum flat clerkage charge |
| Between 12 Hours and 4 Hours (or chart preparation) | 50% of base fare | Subject to minimum flat clerkage charge |
| Less than 4 Hours / After Charting | 0% Refund (Zero) | No refund admissible on confirmed tickets |
📋 RAC, Waiting List & Automatic Refund Safeguards
- RAC / Waitlisted Tickets: Can be cancelled online up to 30 minutes before scheduled train departure. Only a flat clerkage fee of ₹60 (+GST for AC) is deducted per passenger; the entire balance is 100% refunded.
- 100% Automatic Refund on Railway Cancellations: If Indian Railways cancels the train due to fog, flooding, or technical maintenance, e-ticket passengers receive a 100% automated refund directly into their original payment method without needing to file an online TDR.
- When to File an Online TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt):
- Train delayed by more than 3 hours and passenger chooses not to travel.
- Air conditioning failure in AC coaches (difference of fare refunded).
- Route diversion where the passenger opts out of the journey.
✈️ Flight vs Train (22221 NZM RAJDHANI): Transit Time, Baggage, Comfort & Fare Comparison
Deciding whether to take a domestic flight or board Train 22221 NZM RAJDHANI on this corridor? Here is an objective, head-to-head comparison:
| Evaluation Factor | 🚆 Train (22221 NZM RAJDHANI) | ✈️ Domestic Airplane / Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-Door Travel Time | Downtown station to downtown station overnight; zero daytime productivity lost | Commute to airport (1.5h) + Security/Boarding (2h) + Flight (2h) + Baggage claim (45m) = ~6.5 to 7 Hours |
| Free Baggage Allowance | 40 kg to 50 kg free (up to 70 kg in First AC) with zero weighing scale anxiety | Strict 15 kg check-in limit; exorbitant excess baggage penalty of ₹500 to ₹600 per kg |
| Sleeping Comfort & Space | Full 6-foot horizontal sleeping berth, fresh linen, blankets, and freedom to walk | Cramped 29-30 inch economy pitch; sleeping upright in a narrow seat causes physical strain |
| Fare Predictability | Reasonable, transparent pricing (3A: ₹2,000–₹2,500; 2A: ₹3,000–₹3,500) | Astronomical last-minute surge pricing often skyrocketing between ₹8,000 and ₹16,000+ |
| Weather & Fog Resilience | Electric locomotives with FOG PASS navigation operate steadily through zero visibility | Heavy winter ground fogs frequently ground flights or cause multi-hour runway holds |
Bottom Line: For travelers with family, business gear, or leisure baggage who value uninterrupted horizontal sleep and budget certainty, Train 22221 remains the superior, hassle-free option.
🍽️ Food, Onboard Pantry Menu & IRCTC E-Catering Services
Comprehensive IRCTC onboard pantry service with optional/included multi-course hot catering: welcome drinks, evening high tea snacks, delicious dinner (North Indian/Continental choices), early morning bed tea, and hot breakfast prior to arrival at destination.
Passengers can also pre-order hygienic meals from authorized restaurant chains via IRCTC e-catering for berth-side delivery at major junction halts.
🍲 Regional Station Delicacies Along the Route
- Mumbai CSMT: Authentic Mumbai Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji & Bun Maska
- Kalyan: Local Batata Vada & cutting chai
- Nasik Road: Famous Nasik Makhmalabad Chivda & spicy Misal Pav
- Jalgaon: Khandeshi Shev Bhaji & Bharit
- Bhusaval: World-famous sweet Bhusaval Bananas & Khandeshi Dal Gandhori
- Bhopal: Traditional Bhopal Poha Jalebi, rich Biryani & Sulemani Chai
- Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi): Traditional Bundelkhandi Kalakand & Bedmi Poori
- Gwalior: Authentic Morena Gajak, crispy Gwalior Kachori & Bahadura ke Ladoo
- Agra Cantt: World-famous authentic Agra Petha (Paan, Angoori, Kesar) & Bedai with Aloo Sabzi
- Hazrat Nizamuddin: Legendary Old Delhi Mughlai Kebabs, Nihari, Biryani & Shahi Tukda
⚡ Travel Experience, Speed, Cleanliness & Passenger Pro-Tips
- Speed & Punctuality: Cruising at operational speeds up to 130 km/h, this service enjoys high punctuality with priority clearance.
- Onboard Cleanliness: Maintained via On-Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS), with regular sanitization of bio-toilets and common vestibules.
- Device Charging & Assistance: Every bay features electrical charging sockets. For immediate onboard grievances or security concerns, dial the 24x7 RailMadad passenger helpline at 139.
🔄 Alternate Confirmed Seats via Trayago Split Journey
When berths on Train 22221 are completely booked and waitlists are high, passengers can leverage Trayago Split Journey Intelligence. The smart routing engine automatically detects available seats across intermediate junction hubs, combining two connecting trains to guarantee you reach your destination comfortably.
🔗 Official Railway Resources & Inbound Commuter Resources
- 🎫 Official E-Ticket Booking: IRCTC Official E-Ticketing System
- 📡 Live Running Status: Track Train 22221 Live
- 🔍 Check PNR Confirmation: Check PNR Status
- 🛡️ RailMadad Passenger Helpline 139: RailMadad Grievance Portal
- 🗺️ Corridor Trains Directory: Search All Trains between C Shivaji Maharaj T and Hazrat Nizamuddin