Low Demand for Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express as High Ticket Prices Keeps Travelers Away
Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express train was launched with a lot of anticipation but has received lukewarm demand from passengers due to its high ticket fare that puts off regular travellers.
Besides the fares, the availability of only chair car class for such a long journey as against trains and buses with sleeper accommodation and the option to travel during night has kept many passengers to their original modes of transport rather than switching to this premium and semi-high speed travel between the two cities.
There are currently about nine trains connecting the two cities, namely the Azad Hind Express, Maharashtra Express, Garib Rath, Howrah Duronto, Ajni Express, and Nagpur Express. These trains operate at different times of the day, providing flexibility to the passengers. AC two-tier tickets on these trains cost anywhere between ₹700 and ₹2,000, far below the Vande Bharat’s Executive Chair Car fare of roughly ₹3,500.
Then there are buses that are much cheaper alternatives. Sleeper bus operators charge about ₹2,000 for the journey, and non-sleeper seating buses charge approximately ₹1,000, covering the distance in about 14 hours. Though Vande Bharat Express takes around 12 hours but it runs only once in the morning, making it inconvenient for those who prefer multiple departure times.
Flights between Pune and Nagpur take around 1 hour 25 minutes of flying time. If you include airport check-in and security, the total travel time is around five to six hours. However, flight fares range between ₹4,500 and ₹6,000, making the Vande Bharat’s Executive Chair Car almost half the price of a flight, but still more expensive than most train and bus options.
Indicative AC Train Timings and Fares:
- Azad Hind Express: 15h 15m | ₹485–₹1,795
- Maharashtra Express: 15h 5m | ₹455–₹1,745
- Nagpur Garib Rath: 15h 35m | ₹450–₹1,760
- Howrah Duronto: 12h 55m | ₹870–₹1,736
- Pune–Ajni Express: 13h 35m | ₹490–₹1,795
Even though Vande Bharat Express provides better comfort and covers the distance in slightly lesser travel time as compared to most trains, passengers suggest that the higher fares and absence of sleeper coaches make it less suitable for travellers on a budget who have plenty of cheaper and more flexible options.
