India’s Longest-Route Vande Bharat Express Launched on This Corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, the longest-route Vande Bharat train in India, along with two other new train services. The flag-off ceremony was conducted through video conferencing, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis present at the launch event at Nagpur Central Railway Station.

Addressing a Long-Standing Demand

There is a high volume of travellers from Vidarbha to Pune, but many currently rely on private vehicles and expensive alternatives due to the lack of a direct, comfortable, and time-efficient train service.

The Maharashtra Government had requested the Railway Ministry to address this gap, leading to the launch of the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express.

Longest Vande Bharat Route in India

• This newly launched train holds the record for the longest distance covered by any Vande Bharat Express in the country.
• Travel Time: Around 12 hours from Nagpur to Pune
• Route: Nagpur (Ajni) – Wardha – Badnera – Akola – Bhusawal – Jalgaon – Manmad – Kopargaon – Ahilyanagar – Daund – Pune (via Daund chord line)
• The extended coverage is expected to boost passenger convenience, improve regional connectivity, and support business and educational travel between Vidarbha and western Maharashtra.

Boost to Maharashtra’s Rail Infrastructure

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari welcomed the development, emphasising that the Vande Bharat Express series represents a modernisation of Indian Railways—offering faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys for passengers.

This service will not only benefit regular commuters but also attract tourists and business travellers, strengthening economic and cultural ties within the state.