Travelled in this train from Panvel to Pune. Here are my tips for this train:
1)Speed: Pragati Express gets high priority all the way from Panvel to Pune. You wont find this train stopping for single line crossings from Panvel to Karjat.
2)Crowd:...
more... Most of the crowd in this train is from Navi Mumbai since this is only intercity train from Navi Mumbai to Pune in the evening. I was travelling on a 2S ticket, so didn't find any crowd there. In general coach, there is a large amount of crowd.
3)Catering: There is no pantry car in this train, but catering is available for light snacks and beverages. On station catering is also available at Panvel, Karjat and Lonavala. You will easily find vada pav and samosa on this train.
4)Cleaning: The train was really clean and well maintained. 2S and General coaches are newer LHB coaches. CC in this train was a really old coach, probably old coach from Pune-SC Shatabdi.
Overall: A highly patronised, highly punctual train, and a very good intercity for people of Navi Mumbai travelling to Pune