Travel to Pune is all set to get smoother and hassle-free in the coming days. As per the latest news reports, Indian Railways has announced the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Pune, which will enhance connectivity with cities like Shegaon, Vadodara, Secunderabad, and Belagavi. With these additions, travel times will significantly come down while offering passengers a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.As of now, Pune has two operational Vande Bharat services, running on the Pune-Kolhapur and Pune-Hubballi routes. And now with the four upcoming trains, the total number of Vande Bharat Express trains originating from Pune will rise to six, marking a substantial improvement in the city’s intercity connectivity. Read more: New Zealand’s visa waiver countries: What it means and who are eligible
Details of the new routes are as follows:
Pune–Shegaon Vande Bharat
The proposed Pune–Shegaon Vande Bharat Express is expected to stop at Daund, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna. This route is likely to be a boon for pilgrims and tourists, especially those heading to Shegaon, home to the famous Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Maharashtra.
Pune–Vadodara Vande Bharat
This high-speed connection will likely halt at Lonavala, Panvel, Vapi, and Surat, reducing the journey time between Pune and Vadodara from the usual 9 hours to around 6–7 hours. The route is expected to boost business and tourism links between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Pune–Secunderabad Vande Bharat
Connecting two major IT and education hubs, this route is expected to stop at Daund, Solapur, and Gulbarga (Kalaburagi). It would help you to save 2–3 hours compared to current travel times on the same corridor.
Pune–Belagavi Vande Bharat
Some of the probable halts on this route will include places like Satara, Sangli, and Miraj. Belagavi is an emerging hub in Karnataka, which will now be better linked to Pune, with reduced travel hours and upgraded rail infrastructure.
Fare and facilities
The ticket prices for these new trains are expected to range between INR 1,500 and INR 2,000, depending on the route and class. They will come equipped with the standard features of the Vande Bharat fleet, ergonomic seating, automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, modern restrooms, and advanced safety systems.
Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Sleeper also on the cards
In addition to these four new routes, a Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Pune to Nagpur is also on the cards, which will mark a shift from the daytime chair car-only Vande Bharat services, introducing overnight travel with premium sleeper facilities. The proposed route is likely to appeal to passengers seeking faster overnight options within Maharashtra. Read more: Jharkhand launches India’s first-ever mining tourism to offer guided mine tours
Boost to tourism and regional growth
Railways officials state that the introduction of these new trains is not only aimed at improving passenger convenience but also at stimulating regional development and tourism. Cities like Shegaon, Vadodara, and Secunderabad are expected to benefit from increased footfall, while business travel between Pune and industrial or IT hubs like Belagavi and Surat will get a major push.
What’s next?
While official timetables and frequency details are yet to be confirmed, the announcement of these new services is already being welcomed by passengers and local businesses. With Vande Bharat trains known for speed, comfort, and punctuality, the expansion from Pune signals a broader push toward modernising India’s intercity rail travel.
