Pune: PM Modi Flags Off Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express, CM Fadnavis Attends Nagpur Launch Ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Ajni (Nagpur)-Pune Vande Bharat Express on Sunday from KSR Bengaluru Railway Station. Alongside this service, two other Vande Bharat trains—KSR Bengaluru-Belagavi and Shree Mata Vaishnodevi Katra-Amritsar—were also inaugurated.
The launch event at Nagpur Railway Station was graced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and several other dignitaries. The newly introduced train, decorated with flowers for its maiden journey, attracted large crowds eager to witness its modern amenities and capture the historic moment.
Longest-Running Vande Bharat in India
According to Indian Railways, the Ajni-Pune Vande Bharat Express is the country’s longest-running Vande Bharat service, covering a distance of 881 km with 10 intermediate stops: Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, and Daund Chord Line. Operating at an average speed of 73 kmph, it is the fastest train on this route and the 12th Vande Bharat service in Maharashtra.
Notably, this is the first Vande Bharat Express to serve the Wardha-Manmad stretch, a previously unserved section, significantly improving rail connectivity for towns and cities along the way.
Train Features and Schedule
The train comprises eight coaches—one executive chair car and seven regular chair cars—with a total seating capacity of 530 passengers. Regular operations will commence on August 11 from Pune (Train No. 26101) and August 12 from Ajni (Train No. 26102), running six days a week (except Tuesdays from Pune and Mondays from Ajni).
- Train No. 26101 will depart Pune at 06:25 hours and arrive at Ajni at 18:25 hours.
- Train No. 26102 will leave Ajni at 09:50 hours and reach Pune at 21:50 hours.
Bookings are available at all computerized reservation centers and on the IRCTC website.
Boosting Connectivity and Economic Growth
Hemantkumar Behera, spokesperson for the Pune Railway Division, stated, “This new service will significantly enhance connectivity between Nagpur and Pune—two rapidly growing urban hubs with thriving industries, educational institutions, medical facilities, and tourism potential. The Vande Bharat Express is expected to promote trade, tourism, and economic growth in Maharashtra while showcasing the government’s commitment to modern, indigenous rail infrastructure under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
Passengers Welcome the Upgrade
Frequent travelers between Pune and Nagpur have expressed enthusiasm for the new service. A Pune-based entrepreneur, shared, “I have been traveling between Pune and Nagpur for years, and the journey was long with limited comfort. Vande Bharat offers spacious seats, large windows, and reduced travel time, making it a much-needed upgrade for business and family travelers.”
With its cutting-edge features and improved efficiency, the Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine rail travel in Maharashtra, offering passengers a faster, more comfortable journey.
