To alleviate the growing rush of travelers, the Nagpur Division of Central Railway (CR) submitted a proposal last month to introduce a sleeper Vande Bharat train on the busy Nagpur-Pune route. Additionally, a proposal was sent for a non-sleeper Vande Bharat to Secunderabad. The Nagpur-Pune route is known for its high passenger traffic. Despite the availability of Garib Rath, Ajni-Pune Super Fast Express, and Nagpur-Pune Express on alternate days throughout the week, the waiting list remains perpetually long, causing inconvenience to travelers and forcing many to opt for private buses.
“To address this issue and provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience to passengers, we have proposed the introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat train for Pune and another non-sleeper Vande Bharat for Secunderabad. These trains are designed to offer a superior travel experience with modern amenities and enhanced comfort,” said Aman Mittal, senior divisional commercial manager (SrDCM).
Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate on the Nagpur-Bilaspur and Nagpur-Indore routes, featuring only chair car coaches and no sleeper options. The proposal for sleeper Vande Bharat trains is significant as it would be the first of its kind in the country. Introducing sleeper Vande Bharat trains would mark a new milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize and upgrade its fleet.
The sleeper Vande Bharat trains are expected to feature state-of-the-art amenities, including comfortable berths, personal reading lights, mobile charging points, and modern toilets. These trains are likely to have higher speed capabilities compared to traditional trains, reducing travel time between Nagpur and Pune. The faster and more comfortable journey will greatly benefit passengers. “The Nagpur division’s proposal is a step towards addressing the growing demand for efficient and comfortable travel options on this busy route,” officials stated.
With the introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat trains, passengers can expect a significant improvement in their travel experiences. “The faster and more comfortable journeys will not only save time but also provide a more pleasant and hassle-free travel experience,” said Mittal. “DRM Manish Agarwal has been advocating for sleeper Vande Bharat trains and has raised the issue at various official forums. The introduction of these trains on the Nagpur-Pune route will not only benefit passengers but also showcase the Indian Railways’ capabilities in designing and manufacturing world-class trains,” Mittal added. According to experts, it will take over a year to get the sleeper Vande Bharat trains operational..
The prototype is ready, and once successful trials are completed, serial production of these trains will commence. Initially, the trains are expected to operate between major capital cities such as Mumbai-Delhi and Chennai-Kolkata. “The Indian Railways will need to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place to support the operation of these trains. This may include upgrading the tracks, signalling systems, and maintenance facilities to handle the new train sets,” they said.
“The introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat trains on the Nagpur-Pune route is expected to be a game-changer for passengers travelling between these two cities. The faster, more comfortable, and convenient travel experience will attract more passengers to opt for train travel, reducing the burden on other modes of transportation,” said analyst on railway infrastructure Alok Patel.
The Nagpur division’s proposal for introducing sleeper Vande Bharat trains on the Nagpur-Pune route is a welcome move that will greatly benefit passengers. It is expected to revolutionize travel on this busy route,” said Pravin Dabli, ex-member ZRUCC.