Railway travellers in Maharashtra have something exciting to look forward to. The Ministry of Railways has officially given the green light to the much-awaited Pune-Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express. The game-changing train service promises to significantly reduce travel time while connecting the state’s major cities.
The Railway Ministry Approved The New Route
The Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express has received formal approval from the Ministry of Railways, marking a major milestone for Maharashtra’s railway connectivity. The train operations are currently being planned by the Central Railway Board, and the services are anticipated to begin next month.
Currently, the ministry is performing technical evaluations and on-site route inspections through its engineering department and senior officials. This approach ensures that the new service will meet all safety and operational standards before its launch.
High-Level Meeting Seals The Deal
The train proposal received approval during a high-level virtual meeting presided over by the Railway Board Principal Secretary Satish Kumar. This meeting wasn’t just about one train; it was a comprehensive review of multiple railway projects under the Central and Western Railway zones. The meeting covered various important projects:
- Vande Bharat Express trains
- Amrit Bharat Express trains
- Station renovation projects across both zones
Official Confirmation From Central Railway
Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, Mumbai, provided official confirmation about the project. He stated that discussions on launching the Pune-Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express have been initiated by the Ministry of Railways. Following the route survey and technical evaluation by senior officials, the train schedule will soon be finalized.
This official statement gives travelers confidence that the project is moving forward with proper planning and execution.
Meeting Growing Passenger Demand
The Central Railway Zone deals with a large amount of passenger traffic between western Maharashtra and the northeastern region of the state. Thousands of passengers use the Pune–Akola–Amravati–Nagpur route daily, which gives an apparent need for the enhancement of connectivity.
For more than two years, there has been a persistent demand for a Vande Bharat train on this route. Passengers have been requesting faster and more comfortable travel options between these important cities.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded positively to this demand. He told the railway board to move forward with the proposal and promised that the service would start soon.
Current Vande Bharat Connections From Pune
Currently, Pune already has connections to several destinations through the one-day Vande Bharat Express:
- Pune to Solapur
- Pune to Kolhapur
- Pune to Hubbali
The addition of the Nagpur route will significantly expand the Vande Bharat network from Pune, making it a major hub for high-speed travel in Maharashtra.
Vande Bharat Trains Are Expensive
While Vande Bharat trains offer faster travel, they come with considerably higher fares compared to regular trains. Recent analysis shows that passengers are paying an average of 60% higher fares in exchange for time savings ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Pune–Belagavi Route Comparison
Vande Bharat (20670)
- Journey Time: 6 hours
- Fare: ₹1250
Regular trains
- Journey Time: 7 hours, 50 minutes
- Sleeper Class Fare: ₹290
- 3AC Fare: ₹750
This comparison shows a fare hike of over 66% to 300%, depending on the class chosen, when compared with Vande Bharat.
Pune–Mumbai Route
The high-demand Pune–Mumbai pattern as well:
- Vande Bharat Express (22226)
- Journey Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
- Fare: ₹720
Iconic Deccan Queen (12124)
- Journey Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
- Fare: ₹110
- Chair Car: ₹390
Interestingly, the Deccan Queen is actually five minutes faster, but the Vande Bharat charge is significantly more for comparable services.
The Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express represents a significant step forward in Maharashtra’s railway connectivity. While the higher fares might be a consideration for budget travellers, those who value time and comfort will find this service appealing.
The 12-hour journey between these two important cities will transform business and leisure travel, making it easier for people to connect across the state. As the railway ministry completes a technical evaluation, travellers can look forward to experiencing this modern rail service.
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