New Delhi, August 10(HS): In a significant boost to Maharashtra’s rail connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains via video conferencing on Sunday, including the much-anticipated Ajni (Nagpur)–Pune Vande Bharat Express — Maharashtra’s twelfth such train.

The grand inauguration ceremony, held at Nagpur Railway Station’s Platform No. 8, was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The atmosphere was festive, with local citizens celebrating through traditional drums, and schoolchildren and senior passengers on board infusing the event with patriotic songs.

According to Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, this Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat becomes the longest Vande Bharat route in Maharashtra, spanning 881 kilometers and stopping at ten major stations: Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, and Daund. The train will operate six days a week, with Train No. 26101 departing Pune at 6:25 a.m. and arriving in Ajni at 6:25 p.m., while the return service (26102) will depart Ajni at 9:50 a.m. and reach Pune at 9:50 p.m.

The new service also marks the first-time Vande Bharat connectivity between Wardha and Manmad, opening up efficient transport to over 500 villages and approximately two million residents across a 400-kilometer corridor. Culturally significant Shegaon, home to the revered Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple, now benefits from direct access for pilgrims traveling from Pune and Nagpur.

By linking Nagpur, known as India's premier medical hub and “tiger capital,” with Pune, celebrated as Maharashtra’s cultural capital, the Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat is set to bolster industrial, educational, healthcare, and religious exchange between the state’s key regions.

The train features state-of-the-art amenities, including fully air-conditioned Executive and Chair Car coaches with seating for 530 passengers, LED lighting, bio-vacuum toilets, advanced fire safety systems, CCTV surveillance, and regenerative braking. This ‘Make in India’ marvel exemplifies Indian Railways’ commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Currently, 72 Vande Bharat Express trains are operational nationwide, with plans underway to launch more than 200 additional trains in the next three years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar