It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains on routes like Pune-Belagavi, Pune-Mumbai, and Pune-Kolhapur has significantly reduced travel time compared to existing Superfast Express trains.

Vande Bharat Trains Slashing Travel Time With A Higher Cost

Although, this could be achieved at a notable increase in fares as an analysis of these routes indicates that the passengers are paying an average of 60% higher fare in exchange for time savings ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.

For instance, the Vande Bharat (20670) completes the journey in 6 hours with a fare of ₹1,250 on the Pune-Belagavi route.

Goa Express (12780) and NZM Mys SF Express (12782) cover the same route in approximately 7 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 50 minutes in contrast.

If we compare the fares for their Sleeper class, it is ₹290, while 3AC is ₹750 reflecting a hike of over 66% to 300% when compared with Vande Bharat, depending on the class chosen.

Considering the high-demand on Pune-Mumbai route, the Vande bharat (22226) service covers the distance in 3 hours 15 minutes, charging ₹720.

If we compare this with the iconic Deccan Queen (12124), which takes 3 hours 10 minutes, with fares of ₹110 for 2S and ₹390 for Chair Car (CC).

Similarly, Mumbai SF Express (22731) has a Sleeper fare of ₹180 and 3AC fare of ₹560 which takes 4 hours 5 minutes.

Passengers Are Paying Nearly Doubled Fair

In a closer observation, the Vande Bharat fare is nearly double for a time saving of 50 minutes to 1 hour compared to Mumbai SF Express.

The Vande Bharat service completes the journey in 5 hours 25 minutes at a fare of ₹890 on the Pune-Kolhapur corridor.

Contrary to this, the Koyana Express (11029) takes 7 hours 45 minutes with 2S tickets priced at ₹135, Sleeper at ₹220, and 3AC at ₹595.

Similarly, Mahalaxmi Express (17411) offers

Sleeper class at ₹220 and 3E at ₹545, taking around 7 hours 5 minutes.

Comparing all these details, one can observe that the Vande Bharat fares are nearly 50% to 300% higher depending on class, for a time saving of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Vande Bharat Express trains demonstrate a substantial reduction in journey time across all the routes with the fare increase ranging from 60% to 300% over conventional Superfast Express trains.

Interestingly, the average occupancy of Vande Bharat trains on all three Pune routes has been between 60% to 65% over the past six months as per the official data.

This is reflecting moderate demand amidst the premium pricing.

When it comes to the Vande Bharat trains, besides the reduced travel time they offer several passenger-centric benefits including faster acceleration, onboard Wi-Fi, modern seating with mobile charging points, bio-vacuum toilets, and a smoother ride experience due to improved suspension technology.

In addition to this, these trains are equipped with automatic doors, CCTV surveillance, and fire detection systems, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.