The Pushpak Express (मुंबई छत्रपति शिवाजी टरमिनस वी टी - लखनऊ पुष्पक सुपरफास्ट एक्सप्रेस / مومباي شهاتراباتي شيفاجي تيرمينوس وي طي - لوخنوو بوشباك سوبرفاست إكسبرس) is one of the most important long-distance passenger trains operated by the North Eastern Railway, which is currently headquartered at Gorakhpur with divisions being established at Varanasi, Lucknow and Izzatnagar.
The Pushpak Express runs between Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Lucknow Junction as a Superfast train with nearly 24 coaches. It takes roughly around 24 hours 20 minutes to cover a distance of 1426 kilometres with nearly 15 halts. It passes through three important states Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The train receives a steady mix between electric and diesel engines. It plies with a WCAM-3 locomotive from Kalyan takes charge from Mumbai CST to Igatpuri and vice-versa from where a WAP4 from Bhusawal hauls it from Igatpuri till Jhansi. A WDM2 or WDM3A series locomotive is attached to the train from Jhansi to Lucknow as this route is unelectrified.
The name of the train is part of a directive issued by the Ministry of Railways which emphasized on a whole range of names indicating directions representing places, regions, rivers, mountains, gardens and even Gods. In Hindu mythology, the Pushpak is the flying chariot of Ravana, which resembles the sun. It is the first vimana mentioned in the Hindu mythology. Considering this aspect, the train has been bestowed with the name. The train is mostly known for its punctuality.
One 1A cum 2AC (HA-1), One 2AC, Two 3AC, One Pantry Car, 14 Sleeper Class, One General Ladies and Two SLR coaches.