Nagpur: PM Modi Flags Off Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express, India’s Longest Route at 881 km
Nagpur, 10th August 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the Ajni (Nagpur) – Pune Vande Bharat Express, at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station. The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor and Chief Minister of Karnataka, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who participated via video conference from Nagpur.
The Ajni (Nagpur) – Pune Vande Bharat Express is a significant addition to India’s railway infrastructure, making it the longest running Vande Bharat train, covering a distance of 881 kilometers. The train will serve as the fastest link between Nagpur and Pune, with a speed of 73 km/h and 10 intermediate stoppages. It is also the 12th Vande Bharat train operating in Maharashtra and the first to serve previously unconnected areas between Wardha and Manmad.
This new service aims to improve connectivity between the fast-growing cities of Nagpur and Pune, offering benefits to daily commuters, students, business travelers, and tourists. The train is expected to bolster regional trade and commerce and promote tourism.
Key Features of Ajni (Nagpur) – Pune Vande Bharat Express:
• Passenger Amenities:
o Fully air-conditioned coaches
o Automatic temperature control
o Ergonomically designed seating
o LED and ambient lighting
o Automatic sliding doors
o Large panoramic windows
o Bio-vacuum toilets
• Safety Features:
o Fire detection and suppression systems
o CCTV surveillance
o Emergency communication systems
o Regenerative braking for energy efficiency
o Dual suspension system for enhanced comfort at high speeds
The Vande Bharat Express trains are part of the “Make in India” initiative and emphasize technological self-reliance, aligning with the government’s vision of a connected India.
Schedule and Halts:
The regular service of the Ajni (Nagpur) – Pune Vande Bharat Express will begin on August 12, 2025.
• Train No. 26102 (Ajni to Pune): Departs Ajni at 09:50 hrs, arriving in Pune at 21:50 hrs. Service available six days a week (except Mondays).
• Train No. 26101 (Pune to Ajni): Departs Pune at 06:25 hrs, arriving in Ajni at 18:25 hrs. Service available six days a week (except Tuesdays).
Stops:
The train will halt at Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, and Daund Chord Line.
Coach Composition:
The train features 8 coaches, including 1 Executive Chair Car (EC) and 7 Chair Car (CC) coaches, with a seating capacity of 530 passengers (52 in EC, 78 in 5 CC, and 44 in 2 CC coaches attached to the Loco Pilot’s Cabin).
Reservation Details:
Bookings for the Vande Bharat Express are now open at all computerized reservation centers and online at www.irctc.co.in. For more information on the timetable and halts, passengers can visit www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or download the NTES app.
