Mumbai is set to witness a major upgrade in its rail connectivity with the introduction of its 7th Vande Bharat Express, aimed at enhancing the travel experience between Mumbai, Pune, and Kolhapur. This semi-high-speed train will bring a new level of speed and convenience to one of Maharashtra's busiest routes, further strengthening economic ties between these cities.

Second Vande Bharat on Mumbai-Pune Route

This new Vande Bharat Express will be the second service connecting Mumbai and Pune, following the CSMT-Pune-Solapur route. The introduction of this train highlights Indian Railways' ongoing commitment to modernising travel options in the region. The existing Mahalaxmi Express, currently the fastest option between Mumbai and Kolhapur, takes around 10.5 hours to cover the 518-kilometre journey at an average speed of 48.94 km/h. The Vande Bharat Express, known for its superior acceleration and deceleration capabilities, is expected to reduce this travel time significantly.

Faster and More Efficient Travel

While the exact timetable of the new train is still being finalised, Central Railway officials have stated that the recent completion of the Pune-Miraj line doubling has improved track availability, enabling faster train operations. This development is likely to lead to substantial time savings for passengers, offering a quicker and more efficient alternative to the existing services.

Expanding Vande Bharat Fleet in Maharashtra

With this addition, Central Railway will manage five Vande Bharat Express trains from Mumbai, while Western Railway will continue to operate two services on the Mumbai-Gujarat routes, including the popular Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar and Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad lines. Maharashtra's total Vande Bharat fleet will increase to 11, with other routes already running from Nagpur and Pune. Two more routes—Nagpur-Secunderabad and Pune-Hubli—are also expected to launch soon, further expanding the network.

A Cornerstone of Indian Railways' Modernisation Efforts

The Vande Bharat Express has become a symbol of Indian Railways' focus on modernisation, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable, and efficient travel experience. With cutting-edge technology and advanced features, this train remains a key part of the nation's efforts to upgrade its railway infrastructure. The new Mumbai-Pune-Kolhapur Vande Bharat Express is expected to further cement this legacy, offering a significant boost to rail connectivity in the region.

Inauguration and Future Prospects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to inaugurate the Pune-Hubli Vande Bharat Express virtually from Jharkhand's Jamshedpur soon, marking another milestone in the expansion of this modern train service. With Maharashtra's growing Vande Bharat network, travellers can look forward to faster journeys, improved comfort, and a smoother travel experience across key routes in the state.