In a major boost to intercity rail connectivity, Indian Railways has announced the introduction of four new Vande Bharat Express trains originating from Pune, connecting the city to Shegaon, Vadodara, Secunderabad, and Belagavi. The new services aim to offer faster, more comfortable, and efficient travel options for commuters and tourists alike.
With these additions, the total number of Vande Bharat Express trains from Pune will increase to six, including the currently running Pune–Kolhapur and Pune–Hubballi routes.
New Routes and Benefits
Pune–Shegaon Vande Bharat
This train is expected to halt at Daund, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and Jalna before reaching Shegaon. The route is likely to benefit a large number of pilgrims and tourists visiting the Gajanan Maharaj Temple, a major religious site in Maharashtra.
Pune–Vadodara Vande Bharat
Designed to drastically reduce travel time, this train will make stops at Lonavala, Panvel, Vapi, and Surat. The journey time between Pune and Vadodara is expected to drop from nearly 9 hours to 6–7 hours, offering significant convenience for business and leisure travelers.
Coming Soon: Pune–Secunderabad and Pune–Belagavi Vande Bharat
Though specific halts for the Pune–Secunderabad and Pune–Belagavi Vande Bharat services are yet to be finalized, officials suggest these trains will target high-demand routes connecting key economic and industrial hubs. These additions will not only boost passenger capacity but also promote regional connectivity between Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Enhanced Travel Experience
The Vande Bharat Express trains are known for their modern design, higher speed, and onboard comfort, including aircraft-like seating, Wi-Fi, onboard catering, and quick acceleration. With Pune emerging as a strategic railway junction, the increase in Vande Bharat services underscores the city’s growing importance in national rail operations.
Final Schedule Awaited
Indian Railways is expected to release detailed time schedules, fare structures, and launch dates in the coming weeks. The new services are expected to roll out in phases, as part of the Centre’s broader push to modernize India’s rail network and offer high-speed connectivity between major cities.
These new trains will not only improve travel time but also boost tourism, business, and regional mobility for lakhs of passengers traveling to and from Pune every day.