Nanded-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express Launches, Boosting Marathwada

The new Vande Bharat Express train service connecting Nanded and Mumbai was officially launched on August 22, 2023. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the service via video conferencing, emphasizing its significance for the Marathwada region’s growth and connectivity.

The inaugural train departed from Hazur Sahib Nanded station at 11:20 hours and is scheduled to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai by 21:55 hours. This new service is expected to reduce travel time by approximately two hours compared to existing services, enhancing accessibility for business travelers, students, and tourists.

Enhancing Connectivity and Comfort

Nanded, located along the banks of the Godavari River, is renowned for the Gurdwara Hazur Sahib, a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The Vande Bharat Express not only connects Nanded to Mumbai but also links other important religious destinations such as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, and the Ajanta-Ellora Caves. According to Central Railway, this expansion aims to facilitate travel for various sectors, including commerce and tourism.

In his address, CM Fadnavis stated, “With this new service, Nanded is now better connected to Mumbai, which will help the region develop.” He highlighted that modern transport options like the Vande Bharat Express are vital for Marathwada’s progress, reflecting the transformative efforts of Indian Railways under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Vande Bharat Express features a total of 20 coaches, increasing its capacity from 500 to 1,440 passengers. This semi-high-speed train is designed for daytime travel, offering fully air-conditioned comfort with a focus on speed, safety, and amenities. Key features include automatic temperature control, bio-vacuum toilets, panoramic windows, and energy-saving brakes.

Operational Details and Future Prospects

The train will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays from Nanded and Thursdays from Mumbai. The schedule is crafted to accommodate day travelers, with a departure from Nanded at 05:00 hours, arriving in Mumbai at 14:25 hours. The return journey from CSMT will leave at 13:10 hours and reach Nanded by 22:50 hours.

Beginning August 27, the current CSMT-Jalna Vande Bharat service will be extended to Nanded, with the return service starting on August 28. The introduction of this route marks the first Vande Bharat train to connect Marathwada with Mumbai, promising improved access to major urban centers like Nashik.

The train will also stop at several key locations, including Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Manmad, Nashik Road, Kalyan, Thane, and Dadar. This expansion is expected to significantly benefit local economies and enhance the daily commute for numerous passengers.

The launch of the Nanded-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express represents a crucial development in railway transportation for the region, underscoring the ongoing commitment to modernize India’s rail network and provide improved service for its citizens.