Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat to Launch on August 10; PM to Flag It Off
Low Passenger Response for Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express Due to High Fares
PM Modi to Flag Off New Vande Bharat Express Amid Concerns Over Ajni Station Infrastructure
The much-anticipated Vande Bharat Express between Nagpur (Ajni) and Pune is set to begin operations on August 10, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to flag off the inaugural run. The train, expected to run three times a week, will operate from Ajni Railway Station and return from Hadapsar Station in Pune, aiming to complete the 850+ km journey in under 12 hours.
While this service promises a significant reduction in travel time compared to existing trains like the Maharashtra Express (18+ hours) and other express services (16+ hours), the absence of sleeper coaches — now postponed to next year — may be a drawback for long-distance travellers. The train will initially run with seating-only coaches.
The Pune Railway Station, currently unable to accommodate more trains, has prompted officials to designate Hadapsar as the temporary terminus. The service is expected to benefit working professionals from Vidarbha, especially those in IT sectors based in Pune.
Details regarding stoppages, timings, and train number will be finalized and reflected in the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) two days prior to the launch. The inaugural ceremony is part of a broader rollout, with the PM also launching Vande Bharat trains on the Bengaluru–Belagavi and Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra routes.
However, the state of Ajni Station has raised concerns. Platform No. 2, set to handle Vande Bharat departures, lacks proper shelter, and construction work is lagging. With monsoon rains underway, passengers may face significant inconvenience due to insufficient covered waiting areas. Railway officials have admitted the station might not be fully ready unless work speeds up ahead of the launch.
