New Delhi Chronicle | July 22, 2025
PUNE — Rail travel to and from Pune is poised for a major upgrade with the Indian Railways preparing to launch four additional Vande Bharat Express trains from the city. The new services will strengthen links between Pune and several important destinations, including Shegaon, Vadodara, Secunderabad, and Belagavi.
This move is expected to significantly reduce travel times and offer passengers a more modern, comfortable, and efficient journey. Until now, Pune has been served by two Vande Bharat Express trains on the Kolhapur and Hubballi routes. With these upcoming additions, the city will soon be connected by a total of six high-speed trains under the Vande Bharat banner.
Overview of the New Routes:
- Pune–Shegaon Vande Bharat
This route is expected to include halts at Daund, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna. The service is likely to benefit pilgrims and tourists heading to Shegaon, known for the revered Gajanan Maharaj Temple. - Pune–Vadodara Vande Bharat
Connecting Maharashtra with Gujarat, this train is projected to stop at Lonavala, Panvel, Vapi, and Surat. Travel time between Pune and Vadodara is expected to be cut down from around 9 hours to nearly 6–7 hours, enhancing business and tourism prospects. - Pune–Secunderabad Vande Bharat
This service aims to bridge two major urban centers — Pune and Secunderabad — with anticipated halts at Daund, Solapur, and Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga). Commuters may save up to 3 hours in travel time on this corridor. - Pune–Belagavi Vande Bharat
The proposed stops on this route include Satara, Sangli, and Miraj. Belagavi, an emerging commercial hub in northern Karnataka, will now enjoy faster rail access to Pune.
Ticket Prices and Passenger Amenities
Fares for these new routes are expected to range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000, varying by distance and class of travel. As with existing Vande Bharat trains, passengers can expect features such as:
• Ergonomically designed seating
• Automatic doors and advanced security systems
• High-speed onboard Wi-Fi
• Clean, modern restrooms
• Smooth ride quality and faster acceleration
Looking Ahead
In addition to these four services, a Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Pune and Nagpur is reportedly under consideration, promising further enhancements to overnight travel on this route.
With these developments, Pune is rapidly emerging as a major rail hub in western India, offering high-speed connectivity to key cities in neighboring states.
