Pune: The newly launched Vande Bharat Express connecting Pune to Hubballi and Kolhapur has garnered significant attention from passengers, particularly on weekends.

The train, which operates on alternating days between these two routes, has seen a 75 to 77 percent occupancy on Saturdays and Sundays, while weekday trips report an average of 60 to 62 percent passenger load.

Railway officials revealed that the Pune-bound service from Hubballi recorded an impressive 91 percent occupancy last Saturday, reflecting the train's growing popularity.

Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16, the Vande Bharat Express has completed four to five trips on the Pune-Hubballi and Pune-Kolhapur routes.

The train has seen moderate passenger traffic during its weekday runs, but the numbers spike significantly on weekends.

The Hubballi to Pune route, in particular, has witnessed the highest demand. Passengers favor the Vande Bharat Express for its time-saving advantages and its reputation for punctuality.

Despite the overall positive reception, many passengers have expressed reluctance to opt for the onboard catering service.

The Vande Bharat Express is known for its premium pricing compared to other trains, and the inclusion of catering further increases the ticket cost. In response, passengers are choosing to forgo the catering service to keep their travel expenses within budget.

Currently, the Pune-Hubballi and Pune-Kolhapur services operate alternately using a single rake, limiting the frequency of the train's operations. Passengers and officials alike have suggested that running the service on a daily basis—where the train returns to Pune on the same day—could significantly boost ridership.

This marks the first time a Vande Bharat Express service has been divided between two routes in India.

Originally, the service was intended for the Pune-Belgaum and Mumbai-Kolhapur routes, but due to operational constraints, the Kolhapur service was merged with the Pune-Hubballi route.

Despite the challenges, the Vande Bharat Express has been well-received, especially on weekends when passengers are keen to benefit from the time savings offered by the train's faster travel times.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Pune, Dr. Milind Hirve, expressed optimism about the train's continued success, stating that the express has become a preferred choice for time-conscious travelers.