In a major boost to regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually flag off the Vande Bharat Express, linking Karnataka’s Hubli to Pune, Maharashtra, on September 15. The ceremony will take place via video conference from Jamshedpur, with the train being inaugurated at Pune station.
Hubli to Pune Journey Details
- Departure from Hubli: 5:00 AM
- Arrival in Pune: 1:30 PM
- Return from Pune: 2:30 PM
- Final Arrival in Hubli: 10:00 PM
The new Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time between the two cities, making the 8.5-hour journey more convenient for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
Trial Run and Launch Schedule
Ram Paul Barpagga, Public Relations Officer for Pune Division, Central Railway, announced that the trial run is scheduled for September 11, at 11:00 AM. Although no firm date has been set for the start of regular services, it is expected to follow closely after the trial run, once the Railway Board gives final approval.
Enhancing Connectivity Across Regions
The Pune-Hubli Vande Bharat Express is expected to improve travel efficiency and convenience for passengers across several key locations. This new service is part of a broader initiative to enhance rail connectivity across the region.
The train will make stops at:
- Dharwad
- Belgaum
- Kolhapur
- Miraj
- Sangli
- Satara
- Karad
With eight modern coaches, the train will provide a faster, more comfortable travel experience compared to existing rail services, catering to the growing demand for better connectivity between these key cities.
Speed and Performance
While the train is designed to reach speeds of up to 110 km/h, certain sections—particularly between Pune and Satara—will see slower speeds due to smaller stations along the route. In these areas, the train will operate at approximately 55 km/h.
The Journey Breakdown
- Hubli to Miraj: The train departs Hubli at 5:00 AM and reaches Miraj at 9:15 AM after a brief 5-minute halt.
- Miraj to Kolhapur: The journey continues to Kolhapur, where it arrives at 10:15 AM. After a 15-minute stop, the train heads back to Miraj, arriving at 11:15 AM.
- Miraj to Pune: The train reaches Pune at approximately 4:00 PM.
On the return trip, the Vande Bharat Express will leave Pune at 4:45 PM, reach Miraj by 9:45 PM, and conclude its journey in Hubli at 1:50 AM.
Long-Awaited Service for Pune and Hubli
The people of Pune have eagerly awaited the Vande Bharat Express for nearly two years. However, the train will operate under the Hubli division, with all maintenance responsibilities falling to Hubli’s railway department. The coaches will be cleaned and serviced in Pune before the train embarks on its return journey.
Significant Development for Pune Division
Indu Dubey, Divisional Railway Manager for Pune, expressed optimism about the impact of the new service, noting that it will greatly improve the ease of travel for passengers in the region. With regular halts at Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Karad, the train will provide much-needed convenience for passengers traveling to and from these areas.
A Superior Travel Experience
The new Pune-Hubli Vande Bharat Express represents a significant leap forward in regional connectivity. With modern coaches, faster travel times, and more frequent stops, passengers will enjoy a superior travel experience as they journey between these two major cities.
This launch marks another milestone in India’s efforts to expand and modernize its rail network, providing better services for millions of passengers.
