Maharashtra Vande Bharat To Halt At Shegaon From August 10
The high-speed Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express will introduce a halt at Shegaon from 10 August, marking a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity along Maharashtra’s growing premium rail network. The decision follows persistent advocacy for improved access to the Sant Gajanan Maharaj pilgrimage town, a key religious and cultural hub in Vidarbha.
Indian Railways officials confirmed that the stop at Shegaon, located in Buldhana district, will ease travel for thousands of devotees who visit the temple town each year. The move also aligns with the national objective of expanding the reach of semi-high-speed trains to strategic regional destinations, blending modern transport efficiency with socio-cultural priorities.According to railway department sources, the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, covering the 884 km stretch in just 10 hours. From Nagpur, the train will depart at 9:50 am, reaching Shegaon around 1:20 pm before proceeding via Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar and Daund to Pune. The return service will reach Shegaon at approximately 2:45 pm en route to Nagpur.
Transport analysts note that the addition of Shegaon as a stop reflects a balancing act between maintaining the high-speed service ethos and meeting community demands for equitable access. “Strategic halts like this enhance public acceptance of premium services while strengthening regional economic flows,” said an infrastructure expert familiar with railway planning.The Vande Bharat Express, a flagship indigenous trainset, has been positioned as a catalyst for modernising domestic rail travel with features such as faster acceleration, reduced travel time, and passenger-friendly amenities. While the train’s focus is on efficiency and comfort, railway planners have been under increasing pressure to ensure that such services do not bypass towns with significant social or economic importance.
Shegaon, often referred to as the “Pandhari of Vidarbha,” attracts visitors nationwide, particularly during religious festivals, contributing to the local economy through tourism-related services. The addition of the halt is expected to not only support pilgrimage traffic but also encourage sustainable travel alternatives by offering a faster, cleaner mode of transport over long road journeys.Although the introduction of the Shegaon stop may slightly extend travel time, railway officials emphasise that the broader benefits ranging from socio-economic upliftment to cultural preservation justify the decision. By integrating high-speed rail access with regional needs, the move is seen as part of a larger push towards inclusive infrastructure development in India’s evolving transport landscape.The inaugural service with the Shegaon halt is scheduled for 10 August, and officials have indicated that public response will be closely monitored to assess the long-term impact on ridership patterns.
