Karnataka Gets Rail Boost: New Vande Bharat Express Trains to Connect Belagavi with Pune, Hyderabad

New Vande Bharat trains will soon connect Pune with Belagavi and Hyderabad via Kalaburagi. This development will ease rail travel from Karnataka to major cities in Maharashtra and Hyderabad. The Indian Railways has decided to operate four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Pune, enhancing connectivity to Belagavi, Shegaon, Vadodara, and Secunderabad (Hyderabad).

Currently, two Vande Bharat trains run from Pune, serving routes to Kolhapur and Hubballi. With the introduction of four additional trains, the total number of Vande Bharat Express trains departing from Pune will increase to six. This expansion aims to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother travel for passengers.

Enhanced Connectivity for Karnataka

The new Vande Bharat train between Pune and Hyderabad via Kalaburagi will connect key cities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. It will halt at Daund, Solapur, and Kalaburagi, reducing travel time by 2-3 hours. This service is expected to benefit those traveling for business or leisure.

Belagavi residents have long requested a daily semi-high-speed train on the Hubballi-Belagavi-Pune route. Currently operating thrice weekly, the new Vande Bharat train will meet this demand. It will stop at Satara, Sangli, and Miraj along its journey.

Benefits for Pilgrims and Tourists

The Pune-Shegaon Vande Bharat train will stop at Daund, Ahmednagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna. This route is convenient for tourists visiting Maharashtra's famous Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Additionally, the Pune-Vadodara train will offer fast connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.

This service will halt at Lonavala, Panvel, Vapi, and Surat. It aims to reduce travel time between Pune and Vadodara from 9 hours to 6-7 hours. The route is expected to boost trade and tourism between Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Ticket Pricing and Amenities

The ticket prices for these new trains are anticipated to range between ₹1,500 - ₹2,000. Passengers can expect all amenities typical of Vande Bharat trains: comfortable seating, automatic doors, Wi-Fi access, modern toilets, and enhanced safety features.

A sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train might also start operating from Pune to Nagpur. This service would cater to overnight travelers within Maharashtra by providing sleeper facilities instead of daytime chair cars.

Awaiting Official Schedule

The official schedule for these new services is yet to be confirmed by the railway department. However, the announcement has already brought joy to passengers and local businesses anticipating improved connectivity.

Kalaburagi is closer to Hyderabad than Bengaluru for many residents who frequently travel there for business or medical needs. The new Vande Bharat service on this route will be advantageous for them.