Low Passenger Response for Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express Due to High Fares
Low Passenger Response for Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express Due to High Fares
Passengers opt for more affordable travel options despite the train’s modern features.
Pune: The much-anticipated Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express, launched by the Ministry of Railways, has received a tepid response from passengers. The primary reason cited is the comparatively high fare structure, with many travellers choosing other trains offering more cost-effective options.
Passenger associations have pointed out that the absence of sleeper coaches in the Vande Bharat Express has further limited its appeal. Many travellers have demanded that fares be reduced, especially given the availability of several other trains operating between Pune and Nagpur throughout the day at significantly lower prices.
According to a member of the Railway Passengers’ Association, there are around nine trains connecting Pune to Nagpur including, Azad Hind Express, Maharashtra Express, Garib Rath, Howrah Duronto, Ajni Express, and Nagpur Express — all running at different times, giving passengers flexibility in planning their journeys. AC Two-Tier fares in these trains range from ₹700 to ₹2,000, making them more affordable than the Vande Bharat’s Executive Chair Car, which is priced at around ₹3,500.
Private travel alternatives also offer competitive rates. Sleeper buses on this route charge about ₹2,000, while seating-only buses cost around ₹1,000, with a journey time of roughly 14 hours. Although the Vande Bharat Express completes the journey in about 12 hours, it operates only once in the morning, limiting convenience for many.
Air travel between Pune and Nagpur is faster taking about one hour and 25 minutes in the air, or roughly five to six hours when including boarding and security procedures but significantly costlier, with fares ranging from ₹4,500 to ₹6,000. In comparison, the Vande Bharat’s Executive Chair Car fare is about half the cost of an average air ticket but still more than most other train or bus options.
Comparative Train Timings and Fares (AC Coaches)
- Azad Hind Express – 15h 15m | ₹485–₹1,795
- Maharashtra Express – 15h 5m | ₹455–₹1,745
- Nagpur Garib Rath – 15h 35m | ₹450–₹1,760
- Howrah Duronto – 12h 55m | ₹870–₹1,736
- Pune–Ajni Express – 13h 35m | ₹490–₹1,795
Passenger feedback indicates that while the Vande Bharat Express offers comfort and speed compared to most trains, its higher fare and lack of sleeper options make it less attractive to budget-conscious travellers, especially when more flexible and affordable options are available.
