Nagpur Pune Vande Bharat Launch Draws Bookings Despite Steep Ticket Fares
The newly launched Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express, flagged off virtually on Sunday, has quickly become a talking point among passengers not for its speed, but for its steep ticket prices. Despite being pitched as a faster and more modern travel option, the fares have raised eyebrows, particularly as they exceed the cost of first-class air-conditioned travel on other trains along the same route.
Bookings for both the Pune-Nagpur and Nagpur-Pune services opened on Sunday morning, and by 8 pm, the trains scheduled for Monday and Tuesday had registered over 30% occupancy. The Pune-Nagpur route recorded 39% overall booking, while the reverse route stood at 34%. Notably, the premium executive chair car class witnessed the highest demand despite costing between ₹3,725 and ₹3,815 per seat. This demand saw more than half the available seats sold within hours.The standard chair car category, priced at ₹2,040 from Pune and ₹2,140 from Nagpur, also attracted significant bookings, though the occupancy remained lower at around one-third of the available capacity. Officials attribute this initial trend to curiosity surrounding the launch and the prestige factor attached to the Vande Bharat brand.
However, the fare structure has stirred criticism. Transport analysts point out that the executive chair car fare on the Nagpur-Pune route exceeds the First AC fare on other trains, while the chair car ticket price is higher than Second AC. The inclusion of catering charges ranging from ₹450 to ₹540 has further fuelled concerns about accessibility and value for money. Passengers have also questioned whether these catering costs are justified given that they are mandatory, even for those unwilling to avail of onboard meals.Railway experts argue that the high fares could impact the sustainability of passenger volumes in the long term. While the government has positioned Vande Bharat services as a premium alternative to road and air travel, critics warn that steep pricing might alienate middle-income travellers. This, they note, could hinder the broader vision of encouraging a modal shift from carbon-heavy private transport to more sustainable public rail networks.
The Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat covers the journey in significantly less time than conventional express trains, contributing to reduced fuel usage for passengers who might otherwise opt for private cars or buses. From an environmental perspective, this aligns with the goal of transitioning towards greener mobility. Yet, the environmental benefits may be diluted if the service remains financially inaccessible to a large section of commuters.Railway officials maintain that the fares are competitive when compared to the convenience, speed, and modern facilities offered. They also suggest that pricing could be revised based on demand patterns in the coming months. For now, the debate underscores the complex balance between operational profitability, public affordability, and the mission of fostering sustainable, inclusive transport systems in Indian cities.
