Thursday, July 24, 2025
India is set to transform regional rail travel with the introduction of new Vande Bharat Express trains connecting key cities across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. These new services will link Belagavi, Pune, and Hyderabad, significantly reducing travel times and enhancing connectivity between these major urban centers. With modern amenities and faster travel options, the expansion of Vande Bharat services promises to provide more convenient and efficient travel for business and leisure passengers. Additionally, the potential introduction of sleeper services on the Pune-Nagpur route will further enhance overnight travel comfort within Maharashtra.
Indian Railways is preparing to introduce new Vande Bharat trains, which will provide a direct connection between Pune, Belagavi, and Hyderabad, passing through Kalaburagi. This strategic move aims to enhance rail connectivity across major cities in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, making travel more efficient for passengers. The addition of these four new Vande Bharat Express trains will strengthen the existing railway services between these regions, providing smoother and faster travel options for both business and leisure travelers.
Expansion of Vande Bharat Services in Pune
Currently, Pune is home to two operational Vande Bharat trains, which serve routes to Kolhapur and Hubballi. With the addition of four new Vande Bharat Express trains, the total number of services originating from Pune will increase to six. This expansion reflects Indian Railways’ efforts to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and cater to the growing demand for faster train services. The new trains will operate on routes to Belagavi, Shegaon, Vadodara, and Secunderabad (Hyderabad), benefiting passengers who regularly travel between these key cities.
Improved Regional Connectivity
The new Pune-Hyderabad Vande Bharat service will be a significant addition to the railway network, connecting important cities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. This train will halt at Daund, Solapur, and Kalaburagi, reducing travel time by approximately 2 to 3 hours. This reduction in travel time will be especially beneficial for those who travel frequently for business, medical needs, or leisure. By making rail travel more time-efficient, the new service is expected to boost regional connectivity and promote economic ties between these states.
For residents of Kalaburagi, this new Vande Bharat service is a welcome development. Kalaburagi is situated closer to Hyderabad than Bengaluru for many residents who frequently travel to the city for business or medical purposes. The new service offers an advantageous travel option, making it more convenient for passengers to reach Hyderabad in less time.
Addressing Belagavi’s Travel Needs
For years, residents of Belagavi have been advocating for a daily semi-high-speed train service on the Hubballi-Belagavi-Pune route. Currently, this route operates three times a week, limiting travel options for local passengers. The introduction of the new Vande Bharat train on this route will address this issue by offering daily services, providing greater convenience for travelers who need to travel regularly.The train will halt at Satara, Sangli, and Miraj, enhancing its accessibility and convenience for passengers traveling along the route. This service is expected to be especially popular among people traveling for work, education, and tourism.
Catering to Pilgrims and Tourists
In addition to providing faster travel options, the new Vande Bharat services will cater to specific travel needs, such as religious pilgrimages and tourism. The Pune-Shegaon Vande Bharat train will stop at Daund, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims visiting the Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Maharashtra. This route will provide an efficient and comfortable travel option for religious tourists who wish to visit this famous temple while reducing their travel time significantly.
Similarly, the Pune-Vadodara Vande Bharat train will provide a quick and comfortable service between Maharashtra and Gujarat. With stops at Lonavala, Panvel, Vapi, and Surat, this train will reduce travel time between Pune and Vadodara from 9 hours to approximately 6-7 hours, making it a more attractive option for tourists and business travelers. The new service is expected to strengthen the economic and tourism links between Maharashtra and Gujarat by facilitating easier access for travelers to both states.
Affordable Fares and Modern Amenities
Passengers traveling on the new Vande Bharat Express trains can expect affordable fares, with ticket prices expected to range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000. In line with the standards set by other Vande Bharat trains, these new services will offer state-of-the-art amenities. The trains will be equipped with comfortable seating, automatic doors, Wi-Fi connectivity, modern toilets, and enhanced safety features. These amenities will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers, making the Vande Bharat trains an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality travel experience at an affordable price.
Introducing Sleeper Services for Overnight Travel
To accommodate overnight travelers in Maharashtra, a sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat train is being considered for the Pune-Nagpur route. This service will provide passengers with sleeper facilities, allowing them to rest during long journeys. The sleeper version of the train will be a valuable option for those who need to travel overnight but prefer more comfort than traditional trains that operate during the day.
A Much-Anticipated Service
The official schedule for the new Vande Bharat services has yet to be confirmed by the railway department, but the announcement has already generated excitement among passengers and local businesses. The introduction of these new services is expected to have a positive impact on regional travel, benefiting residents and tourists alike. By reducing travel times, increasing accessibility, and providing high-quality amenities, the new Vande Bharat trains will play a crucial role in enhancing the overall rail experience for passengers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
India is set to enhance regional connectivity with the launch of new Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Belagavi, Pune, and Hyderabad. These trains will provide faster, more efficient travel options, boosting connectivity across key states.
As India continues to modernize its railway infrastructure, the expansion of Vande Bharat services highlights the growing importance of efficient, high-speed rail travel in meeting the country’s transportation needs. The introduction of these new trains represents a significant step forward in improving connectivity and travel convenience for millions of passengers across the country.
