Pune-Nagpur Route Likely to Get Vande Bharat Service Soon

Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express to Operate with 16 Coaches for Festive Season

Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express to Operate with 16 Coaches for Festive Season

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Nagpur/Pune – The long-pending demand for a high-speed train between Pune and Nagpur may soon be fulfilled, as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hinted at the potential launch of a Vande Bharat Express on this busy corridor. His statement, made during the recent inauguration of two other train services, has sparked renewed hope among thousands of daily rail commuters.

The minister’s remarks came at the launch event of the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central–Bhagat Ki Kothi Express. During the event, Vaishnaw confirmed that constructive discussions had taken place with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express between Pune and Nagpur.

Relief in Sight for Long-Distance Travelers

The current travel time between Nagpur and Pune ranges from 14 to 16 hours, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. The launch of a faster, more comfortable option like the Vande Bharat Express has been a longstanding demand, especially given the high year-round passenger volume on this route.

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Travelers often struggle to secure confirmed tickets and are left with no choice but to endure exhausting journeys in general compartments or switch to expensive and tiring bus options. The proposed Vande Bharat service is expected to dramatically reduce travel time while improving overall travel experience.

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Local Push Gains Traction at Central Level

Passenger associations and elected representatives have been persistently urging the Railway Ministry to approve a Vande Bharat service on the Pune-Nagpur route. However, with the authority to introduce new trains resting solely with the central government, local railway officials had been unable to act despite their support for the idea.

Minister Vaishnaw’s recent confirmation of talks with state leadership signals that the proposal is finally being taken seriously at the central level.

Central Railway Yet to Receive Official Communication

Despite the minister’s statements, senior officials from Central Railway have reportedly stated, “We have not received any official intimation about this service. A proposal for a sleeper Vande Bharat was submitted to the Mumbai headquarters last year, but there has been no update since.”

Fourth Vande Bharat Originating from Nagpur

If approved, the Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express will become the fourth Vande Bharat service originating from Nagpur. The city already hosts Vande Bharat routes to Bilaspur, Ujjain-Indore, and Secunderabad. The addition of the Pune route is likely to strengthen Nagpur’s emerging role as a high-speed rail hub in central India.

As anticipation builds, passengers across both cities are eagerly awaiting an official announcement and hope for an early launch of the premium rail service.

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