Wardha, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Puntamba, and Daund are among the numerous new locations that the route brings Vande Bharat service to.
Mumbai, August 11, 2025: Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone in railway connectivity with the launch of India’s longest Vande Bharat Express service, linking Pune and Nagpur in a record travel time of just 12 hours. The high-speed semi-bullet train, flagged off amid grand celebrations, is expected to not only reduce travel time between two major cities but also enhance economic opportunities and tourism across the central and western parts of the state.
A Landmark in Indian Railways’ Journey
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed, comfort, and modern facilities, has been rapidly expanding across India since its debut. However, the Pune-Nagpur route stands out for multiple reasons — it is the longest Vande Bharat service so far, covering an extensive route and introducing the premium service to several new districts for the first time.
Railway officials confirmed that the train will pass through key stations such as Daund, Puntamba, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Shegaon, Akola, and Wardha, before finally reaching Nagpur. This route will cater to passengers from both urban and rural regions, improving accessibility and creating a faster travel alternative compared to conventional express trains.
Reduced Travel Time and Increased Efficiency
Earlier, the journey between Pune and Nagpur by rail often took anywhere between 15 to 18 hours, depending on the train and schedule. With the new Vande Bharat Express, passengers can now complete the trip in just 12 hours, making it a game-changer for business travelers, students, and tourists.
The train is designed to run at an average speed of 130 km/h, with the potential to reach up to 160 km/h on certain stretches where track conditions permit. Officials have also highlighted that the improved signaling systems and upgraded tracks along this route have been crucial in enabling such high-speed operations.
State-of-the-Art Passenger Amenities
The Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express provides travelers with a first-rate journey that includes:
Fully air-conditioned coaches equipped with automatic doors
Ergonomic seating for enhanced comfort during long journeys
Wi-Fi and infotainment systems for onboard entertainment and connectivity
CCTV surveillance for enhanced passenger safety
Bio-vacuum toilets ensuring hygiene and water conservation
The Executive Chair Car provides a luxurious travel experience, while the Chair Car coaches maintain affordability without compromising comfort.
Boost to Regional Economy and Tourism
Maharashtra’s economy stands to benefit from this new service. Cities like Shegaon, home to the famous Gajanan Maharaj Temple, and Akola, known for its cotton industry, will now see increased footfall due to better connectivity. Faster passenger and cargo transportation will also aid Jalgaon and Bhusaval, important hubs in the banana trade.
Tourism boards are already planning promotional campaigns to encourage domestic travelers to explore destinations along the route. From the vineyards of Nashik’s nearby areas to the spiritual sites in Shegaon and the cultural hubs of Pune and Nagpur, the train is expected to open up new travel itineraries for both solo travelers and families.
Political and Public Reception
The launch event was attended by senior railway officials, state ministers, and local leaders. In his speech, the Union Railway Minister praised the Indian Railways’ vision to connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with world-class train services.The Chief Minister of Maharashtra further emphasized how the new route supports the state’s objectives for infrastructure development.
Passengers on the inaugural run expressed excitement, with many noting that this train would make frequent visits to family and business trips much easier. Social media platforms were abuzz with videos and photos of the sleek blue-and-white train, with hashtags like #VandeBharatMaharashtra trending nationwide.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to speed and comfort, the Vande Bharat Express is an eco-friendly choice compared to conventional diesel locomotives. Being fully electrified, it reduces carbon emissions significantly. The train’s regenerative braking system also helps save energy, contributing to Indian Railways’ goal of becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030.
Operational Schedule and Ticket Pricing
The Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with one day reserved for maintenance. The train will depart Pune early morning and reach Nagpur by evening, while the return journey will follow the same 12-hour schedule.
Ticket prices for the Chair Car class are expected to be competitive with premium express trains, while Executive Class fares will cater to business travelers seeking maximum comfort. Online booking through the IRCTC portal is already open, and officials report a surge in reservations for the initial weeks.
Challenges and Preparations
Before its launch, the route underwent extensive testing and safety checks. One of the challenges was upgrading certain track sections to handle higher speeds. Railway engineers also ensured that all stations along the route were equipped with platforms matching the Vande Bharat’s height for seamless boarding.
Some critics have raised concerns over ticket affordability for rural passengers, but railway authorities have stated that the benefits in terms of speed, comfort, and reduced travel fatigue outweigh the slightly higher fares.
Future Expansion Plans
The success of the Pune-Nagpur service is likely to pave the way for more Vande Bharat trains across Maharashtra. There are already talks of extending similar high-speed services to connect Mumbai with Nagpur and Mumbai with Goa. These expansions would further boost regional connectivity and economic integration.
Conclusion
The launch of Maharashtra’s longest Vande Bharat Express marks a new chapter in Indian Railways’ modernization efforts. Connecting Pune and Nagpur in just 12 hours while opening up travel to cities like Wardha, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Puntamba, and Daund, the train is more thanIt serves as a vital link between communities, economies, and cultures and is more than just a means of transportation.
With its speed, comfort, and efficiency, the Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express stands as a shining example of how India is reimagining its railway network for the 21st century. For Maharashtra, expediting progress is more important than merely reducing travel time.
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