Vande Bharat Sleeper to Cover Nagpur-Mumbai in 10 Hours

Nagpur, 8th February 2025: Maharashtra is set to witness a major transformation in rail travel with the upcoming launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, a semi-high-speed superfast train service that will connect Nagpur with Pune and Mumbai.

This development follows an official confirmation by Vinayak Garg, the newly appointed Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Nagpur, who stated that the Nagpur Board of Central Railway has submitted a proposal to the Railway Board. The proposal is currently under evaluation and aims to enhance passenger convenience and improve connectivity on these high-demand routes.

At present, the journey from Nagpur to Mumbai takes approximately 16 hours by mail trains, while superfast trains complete the trip in 12 to 13 hours. The Duronto Express offers a slightly faster alternative, covering the distance in 11 to 12 hours. However, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to revolutionize travel by reducing the Nagpur-Mumbai journey time to just 10 hours and slashing the Nagpur-Pune travel by three hours.

Currently, the Nagpur-Pune route is served by the Superfast Express and Garib Rath Express, both operating three times a week, while the Humsafar Express runs once weekly. Additionally, the Azad Hind Express and Hatia-Pune Superfast Express provide alternative travel options. However, during peak seasons, these services often struggle to accommodate the high passenger demand.

Similarly, the Nagpur-Mumbai route has limited options, with only the Vidarbha Express (running on the Gondia-Mumbai route) and the Sevagram Express (serving the Nagpur-Mumbai route), leading to extended waiting times for travellers.

DRM Vinayak Garg emphasized Nagpur’s strategic significance in the railway network, stating, “With over 125 trains operating daily, Nagpur serves as a crucial junction. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train will significantly enhance passenger convenience and connectivity.” He further noted that the new service is expected to launch shortly.

These high-speed sleeper trains are designed to address the increasing demand for faster and more comfortable travel options. Over the years, passenger traffic on the Nagpur-Pune and Nagpur-Mumbai routes has surged beyond the capacity of existing trains, forcing many travellers to rely on road transport, which is often less efficient and comfortable. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will offer a superior alternative, featuring reduced travel time, advanced safety measures, and enhanced efficiency.

Renowned for cutting-edge technology, Vande Bharat trains prioritize passenger comfort and reliability. The introduction of sleeper variants will further elevate the experience of long-distance travel, providing state-of-the-art amenities designed for overnight journeys.

The launch of these trains represents a significant step forward in modernizing Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure, offering passengers a faster, safer, and more convenient mode of travel.