By Krishna Dua 
Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express Unveiled | Runs from Aug 11
The long-awaited Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express has officially been inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in connecting two of Maharashtra’s most important cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the new service on Sunday, August 10, alongside the launch of two other Vande Bharat trains on different routes, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s railway infrastructure. This new express is a game-changer for professionals, students, and tourists who frequently travel between the Vidarbha and Western Maharashtra regions.
The launch of the Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat is particularly noteworthy as it is the state’s 12th such service and, at 881 kilometers, one of the longest Vande Bharat routes in the country. The semi-high-speed train is poised to transform the travel experience by drastically reducing journey time and offering a new standard of comfort and convenience that was previously unavailable on this busy corridor. While the route has been served by several other trains, the Vande Bharat is the first to provide a fast, same-day, chair-car journey between the two cities, which were previously connected primarily by slower, overnight services.
Inauguration and Service Details
The inaugural ceremony was a grand affair, held virtually from Nagpur Railway Station with key dignitaries present, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The special inaugural run from Nagpur to Pune was organized for school children and select guests, giving them a first-hand look at the state-of-the-art train. The move was designed to provide a memorable experience and build excitement for the new service among the public. To ensure a smooth and safe launch, authorities implemented rigorous security checks at Nagpur station, including anti-sabotage sweeps and the deployment of advanced surveillance systems.
Regular commercial services for the Pune–Ajni (Nagpur) route will commence on Monday, August 11, from Pune, and on Tuesday, August 12, from Ajni. The train will operate six days a week, providing a vital link for daily commuters and travelers.
Detailed Schedule and Stops
The Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express has a meticulously planned schedule to cater to passengers’ needs for same-day travel.
- Train No. 26101 (Pune–Ajni Vande Bharat Express):
- Departs from Pune at 6:25 AM.
- Arrives at Ajni (Nagpur) at 6:25 PM.
- The service will run every day except for Tuesdays.
- Intermediate stops include Daund Chord Line, Ahmednagar, Kopargaon, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Shegaon, Akola, Badnera, and Wardha.
- Train No. 26102 (Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express):
- Departs from Ajni (Nagpur) at 9:50 AM.
- Arrives at Pune at 9:50 PM.
- The service will run every day except for Mondays.
- The return journey follows the same stops in reverse order.
With a total travel time of approximately 12 hours and 10 halts, the Vande Bharat Express is the fastest rail option available on this route. Its average speed of around 73 km/h makes it the most efficient choice for travelers prioritizing speed and modern amenities over an overnight journey.
Fares and On-Board Experience
The new express features eight coaches with a total seating capacity of 590 passengers. This includes seven coaches of the AC Chair Car (CC) and one exclusive Executive Chair Car (EC). The fares are competitively priced, with the Chair Car estimated at around ₹1,500 and the Executive Chair Car at around ₹3,000. These fares are inclusive of catering charges, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey. The on-board catering service is a key feature, with the menu and quality being a frequent point of discussion among passengers on other Vande Bharat routes.
The Vande Bharat experience goes beyond just the speed. Passengers can look forward to a host of world-class amenities designed for long-distance comfort. The coaches feature automatic sliding doors, large panoramic windows for scenic views, and ergonomically designed reclining seats. Every seat is equipped with a mobile charging socket. The train also includes bio-vacuum toilets, direct and diffused LED lighting, and an ambient lighting system that automatically adjusts based on occupancy. Safety is a top priority, with fire detection and suppression systems, CCTV surveillance in all coaches, and emergency communication systems. These features collectively provide a superior travel experience compared to conventional trains.
Passenger Impact and Future Prospects
The launch has been met with a wave of positive responses from the public, particularly those who regularly commute or have family in the other city. Aniket Pawar, a software professional from Wardha working in Pune, noted that the new service would provide “a huge relief” during festive seasons and holidays when bus and flight prices skyrocket. Another commuter, Akshay Wankhede, emphasized the importance of having a reliable, same-day travel option, allowing passengers to plan their journeys without relying on expensive and often unpredictable private buses.
The introduction of this Vande Bharat Express is expected to boost not only trade and commerce but also tourism between the two regions. It provides a convenient option for weekend getaways and business trips, fostering greater economic and social mobility. The Vande Bharat program is part of a larger national vision to expand India’s semi-high-speed rail network. The Indian Railways is currently operating over 70 such services, with plans to expand the network to over 200 trains by 2028. While the current service on the Pune-Nagpur route is a chair car, there has been an ongoing discussion about introducing a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat for longer overnight journeys, a development that would further solidify its place as a preferred mode of travel on this corridor.