Pune: The long-awaited Vande Bharat Express is finally coming to Pune, with the Pune-Hubli route set to begin operations on September 15.
After receiving approval from the Railway Board, this new Vande Bharat Express will offer upgraded features and enhanced travel experiences for passengers, running between major cities in the region.
The train will have eight coaches and is expected to improve connectivity between Pune and Hubli while benefiting travelers in key locations such as Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Karad.
Inauguration and Stops
The inauguration ceremony will take place at Pune Station at 11:45 AM, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially flag off the Vande Bharat Express via video conference.
The train will make stops at seven stations: Dharwad, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Miraj, Sangli, Satara, and Karad. This new train service has been designed to meet the rising demand for better connectivity between these cities, especially as residents of Pune have been waiting for over two years for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express in their city.
Route and Timing
The Vande Bharat Express will depart from Hubli at approximately 5 AM, reaching Miraj by 9:15 AM. After a brief 5-minute halt, the train will continue to Kolhapur, arriving by 10:15 AM.
Following a 15-minute stop in Kolhapur, the train will return to Miraj at 11:15 AM and finally reach Pune around 4 PM. For its return journey, the train will depart Pune at 4:45 PM, reaching Miraj at 9:45 PM, and conclude at Hubli at 1:50 AM.
Operational Speed and Challenges
While the train is capable of speeds up to 110 km/h, certain sections of the route, particularly between Pune and Satara, will see slower speeds due to smaller stations along the track.
Some portions of the journey, like the Kolhapur stop, will result in extended travel times. However, the overall introduction of this train is seen as a significant improvement for regional travel.
Indu Dubey, the Divisional Railway Manager for Pune, noted that the introduction of the Pune-Hubli Vande Bharat Express will provide much-needed connectivity and convenience for travelers in the region.
Kolhapur Service to Operate on Alternate Days
Originally, two separate Vande Bharat Express trains were planned—one for Kolhapur-Pune and another for Pune-Hubli.
Due to a shortage of rakes, the Kolhapur service was combined with the Pune-Hubli Express, increasing both travel time and distance. To address this, it has been decided that Kolhapur will receive train service on alternate days.
This means that on its outbound journey from Hubli to Pune, the train will stop at Kolhapur, but on its return, it will bypass Kolhapur and go directly to Miraj.