Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express Starts August 15, Chair Car Service Only (1)
Pune is poised for a significant enhancement in its rail connectivity with the imminent launch of a new Vande Bharat Express service to Ajni (Nagpur) this month. This highly anticipated chair car train is set to drastically reduce travel time between the two major Maharashtra cities by approximately one to one-and-a-half hours compared to existing services. The introduction of this modern, electrified train underscores the nation’s commitment to developing faster, more efficient, and sustainable public transportation networks, aiming to foster regional economic growth and improve commuter experiences for all citizens.
The new Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with one day reserved for essential maintenance, ensuring consistent and reliable service. Its route will include strategic stoppages at key locations such as Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, and Daund Chord Cabin, before reaching Pune. This carefully planned itinerary is designed to maximise accessibility for passengers across various towns and cities along the corridor, facilitating easier travel for business, education, and personal reasons, thereby promoting more equitable access to opportunities.
While the Vande Bharat series is celebrated for its speed and modern amenities, it typically carries a higher fare structure compared to conventional express trains. This premium pricing model reflects the advanced features and enhanced comfort offered by these services, including rapid acceleration, onboard Wi-Fi, comfortable seating with mobile charging points, and state-of-the-art bio-vacuum toilets that contribute to environmental sustainability. The smoother ride, coupled with improved safety measures like CCTV cameras and fire detection systems, aims to provide a superior travel experience, though the balance between cost and accessibility remains a pertinent discussion point for a diverse populace.
The launch of the Pune-Ajni Vande Bharat service follows a high-level review meeting, which assessed operational readiness and technical aspects, ensuring a seamless rollout. This new addition will expand Pune’s existing Vande Bharat network, which currently includes services to Solapur, Kolhapur, and Hubballi. Furthermore, preparations are also underway for two additional Vande Bharat Express trains on other national routes: Belagavi-Bengaluru City and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Amritsar Junction, indicating a broader push for modernising rail travel across the country.
The expansion of the Vande Bharat network plays a crucial role in India’s vision for sustainable and eco-friendly urban development. As an all-electric train, it significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to diesel locomotives, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for the cities it connects. By providing faster and more comfortable travel options, these trains encourage a shift from road to rail, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing the overall carbon footprint. This strategic investment in high-speed, environmentally conscious rail infrastructure is vital for building future-ready cities that are both economically vibrant and ecologically responsible.
