Nagpur: The city’s long-pending demand for a high-speed rail link to Pune will finally be realised with the launch of the Ajni (Nagpur)–Pune Vande Bharat Express on Sunday, August 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the service during his visit to Karnataka, where he will also inaugurate two other Vande Bharat trains — Bengaluru–Belagavi and Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra routes.
The Ajni–Pune service will be the longest-running Vande Bharat Express in India, covering 881 kmand connecting Vidarbha to western Maharashtra with enhanced speed, comfort, and reduced travel time. This will be the 12th Vande Bharat train operating in Maharashtra and the first to serve the Wardha, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Puntamba, and Daund regions.
Fastest Nagpur–Pune Link
With an average speed of 73 kmph and 10 intermediate halts, the Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat will be the fastest rail service on the Nagpur–Pune corridor. It is expected to significantly boost business, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two major urban centres.
Train Schedule
Pune–Ajni Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26101)
• Frequency:6 days a week (except Tuesday)
• Departure:06:25 hrs from Pune Junction
• Arrival:18:25 hrs at Ajni (same day)
• Commencement Date:11 August 2025
Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26102)
• Frequency:6 days a week (except Monday)
• Departure:09:50 hrs from Ajni
• Arrival:21:50 hrs at Pune Junction (same day)
• Commencement Date:12 August 2025
Halts: Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, Daund Chord Line.
Coach Composition
The train will feature 8 coaches — 1 Executive Chair Car (EC) and 7 Chair Cars (CC) — with a total seating capacity of 590 passengers (44 in EC and 546 in CC). The modern, aerodynamic rake will offer premium onboard amenities, including comfortable reclining seats, modular bio-toilets, automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, and energy-efficient lighting.
Boost to Regional Connectivity
Railway officials stated that the introduction of this service will not only cut travel time but also enhance connectivity for smaller towns along the route. It is expected to cater to both business travellers and tourists, offering an alternative to overnight trains and road travel between Nagpur and Pune.
