Pune’s Vande Bharat Trains Slash Travel Time, But Fares Surge by 60% to 300% Over Superfast Express
Reported by Amit Singh
Pune, 4th August 2025: The introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains on routes like Pune-Belagavi, Pune-Mumbai, and Pune-Kolhapur has significantly reduced travel time compared to existing Superfast Express trains, but at a notable increase in fares. An analysis of these routes shows that passengers are paying an average of 60% higher fare in exchange for time savings ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.
On the Pune-Belagavi route, Vande Bharat (20670) completes the journey in 6 hours with a fare of ₹1,250. In contrast, Goa Express (12780) and NZM Mys SF Express (12782) cover the same route in approximately 7 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 50 minutes. Their Sleeper class fare is ₹290, while 3AC is ₹750, reflecting a hike of over 66% to 300% when compared with Vande Bharat, depending on the class chosen.
For the high-demand Pune-Mumbai route, the Vande Bharat (22226) service covers the distance in 3 hours 15 minutes, charging ₹720. The iconic Deccan Queen (12124) takes 3 hours 10 minutes, with fares of ₹110 for 2S and ₹390 for Chair Car (CC). Meanwhile, Mumbai SF Express (22731) has a Sleeper fare of ₹180 and 3AC fare of ₹560, taking 4 hours 5 minutes. The Vande Bharat fare is nearly double for a time saving of 50 minutes to 1 hour compared to Mumbai SF Express.
On the Pune-Kolhapur corridor, the Vande Bharat service completes the journey in 5 hours 25 minutes at a fare of ₹890. Koyana Express (11029) takes 7 hours 45 minutes with 2S tickets priced at ₹135, Sleeper at ₹220, and 3AC at ₹595. Mahalaxmi Express (17411) offers Sleeper class at ₹220 and 3E at ₹545, taking around 7 hours 5 minutes. Here, Vande Bharat fares are nearly 50% to 300% higher depending on class, for a time saving of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Across all three routes, Vande Bharat Express trains demonstrate a substantial reduction in journey time but come with fare increases ranging from 60% to 300% over conventional Superfast Express trains.
According to official data, the average occupancy of Vande Bharat trains on all three Pune routes has been between 60% to 65% over the past six months, reflecting moderate demand amidst the premium pricing.
Despite the fare difference, Vande Bharat offers several passenger-centric benefits including faster acceleration, onboard Wi-Fi, modern seating with mobile charging points, bio-vacuum toilets, and a smoother ride experience due to improved suspension technology. Additionally, the trains are equipped with automatic doors, CCTV surveillance, and fire detection systems, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.
