The Ministry of Railways has approved the Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, a modern, high‑speed service linking Vidarbha and Western Maharashtra. The train is expected to start operations later this month, with regular service six days a week, offering faster, more sustainable travel options across the region.
The train—numbered 26102/26101—is scheduled to depart Ajni (Nagpur) at 10:40 AM, reaching Pune at 9:10 PM. The return leg departs Pune at 6:10 AM and arrives in Ajni at 5:50 PM. Key commercial stops include Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar and Daund. The train will run every day except Mondays from Ajni and Tuesdays from Pune. Two dedicated rakes are allocated, with primary maintenance at Nagpur. Regional transport experts observe that this corridor—spanning nearly 880 km—is served by congested alternatives such as buses and conventional mail or express trains, which are subject to fare hikes during festive peaks. In contrast, the Vande Bharat Express is expected to reduce travel time significantly while offering superior onboard amenities—modern toilets, Wi-Fi, comfort seating and catering.
Officials revealed that once redevelopment at the Nagpur junction is complete, the service may be upgraded to originate from Nagpur rather than Ajni, elevating the station’s status as a suburban operational hub. This shift supports efforts to decentralise operations and reduce congestion at the main Nagpur terminal. Commuters familiar with the route have welcomed the addition. Online forums show long-standing public demand for faster rail connectivity between Nagpur and Pune, citing the economic and cultural ties across Vidarbha and Maharashtra. Transport economists believe that the train’s overnight schedule and sleeper format will especially benefit professionals, students, and families travelling at lower fares compared to flights or private transport.
This project is part of a broader rail modernisation drive, complementing the roll‑out of Vande Bharat routes from Pune to Belagavi, Secunderabad, Vadodara, and Shegaon. It reflects the government’s ambition to expand efficient, semi-luxury mobility options across diverse geographies. From a sustainability standpoint, doubling fast premium rail options in this corridor can shift commuters from road travel to cleaner electric rail, thereby reducing emissions. The dedicated rakes operating 6 days a week also improve asset utilisation and contribute to operational equity across regions. Overall, the Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express represents a landmark addition to Maharashtra’s rail connectivity—bridging distant communities, enhancing travel convenience, and supporting eco‑friendly urban development.
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