I have being travelling by panchavati express quite frequently from NAshik to Mumbai and I would just like to warn all those who want to do so. The list of inconvieniences is long and here are a few of them.
1- Getting a reservation is difficult and must be made well in advance especially if it is a Monday.
2- The train arrives on platform 3 and so you have to carry your luggage all the way up and down 2 flight of stairs.
3-Getting into the train is a big exercise as people just pounce on it as soon as it arrives. The doors are so small and the train stops for a very short time. to add to the troubles the sign boards showing coach positions have been missing for over a year now!
4- Having a reservation does not carry any priveleges as the train is so crowded that people are standing even in reserved coaches.
5- The pantry car has been removed so expect to have stomach trouble if you eat on the train from the vendors.
The moral is that if you dont need to reach Mumbai early then travel by Janashatabdi Exp which is far more comfortable and better.