India’s momentum with the Vande Bharat Express Routes 2025 continues to gather pace, with several New Train Launches adding exciting chapters to the semi-high-speed rail network. This year has already seen dynamic expansion, redefining travel comfort and connectivity.
Highlights of 2025 Vande Bharat Express Launches
Ajni (Nagpur) – Pune
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Inaugural Date: 10 August 2025 (flag-off by PM Modi)
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Commercial Service Starts: 11 August 2025
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Distance & Duration: 882 km in ~12 hours (6:25 AM departure from Pune, 6:25 PM arrival; reverse: 9:50 AM–9:50 PM)
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Stops (10): Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, Daund, others
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Fare: ₹1,500 (AC Chair Car), ₹3,000 (Executive Chair Car)
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Significance: Longest Vande Bharat route yet, boosting trade, tourism, and regional mobility
Bengaluru – Belagavi
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Inaugural & Service Start: Flag-off on 10 August 2025; operations commenced on 11 August
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Timings: Bengaluru → Belagavi: depart 2:20 PM, arrive 10:40 PM; Belagavi → Bengaluru: depart 5:20 AM, arrive 1:50 PM
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Fare: ₹1,575 (CC with catering: ₹1,575; without: ₹1,264) and ₹2,905 (Executive Chair Car with catering)
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Note: Early Belagavi departure (5:20 AM) has raised local concerns
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – Amritsar
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Inauguration: Flag-off on 10 August 2025
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Timings: Katra → Amritsar: 6:40 AM to 12:20 PM; return: 4:25 PM to 10:00 PM
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Frequency: Six days a week, excluding Tuesdays
Other Noteworthy Routes of 2025
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Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) – Veraval: Inaugurated 26 May; commercial from 27 May. 430 km in ~7 hours
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Srinagar – SMVD Katra: Inaugurated 6 June; operations from 7 June. ~189 km in ~3 hours
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Gorakhpur – Patliputra: Inaugurated 20 June; services from 22 June. 384 km in ~7 hours
Quick Comparison Table
| Route | Launch Date | Journey Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajni – Pune | 10/11 Aug 2025 | ~12 hours | 6 days/week |
| Bengaluru – Belagavi | 10/11 Aug 2025 | ~8h 20m | 6 days (except Wed) |
| Katra – Amritsar | ~10 Aug 2025 | ~5h 40m | 6 days (except Tue) |
| Ahmedabad – Veraval | 26/27 May 2025 | ~7 hours | 6 days/week |
| Srinagar – Katra | 6/7 June 2025 | ~3 hours | 6 days/week |
| Gorakhpur – Patliputra | 20/22 June 2025 | ~7 hours | 6 days/week |
Why These New Train Launches Matter
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Connectivity Surge: The expanding Vande Bharat Express Routes 2025 network links pilgrimage, educational, and business hubs across regions.
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Time Savings: Compared to older services, these trains shave off precious hours — like the 8-hour journey between Ajni and Pune.
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Comfort Elevated: Equipped with Wi-Fi, infotainment, executive chair options, Kavach safety systems, and more.
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Operational Reach: With 150+ Vande Bharat trains now active, India’s semi-high-speed rail landscape is booming.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes “Vande Bharat Express Routes 2025” from earlier services?
2025 has brought longer, faster routes like the Ajni–Pune corridor and Katra–Amritsar run, complementing mid-year launches such as Srinagar–Katra, expanding reach and capacity.
2. Are ticket bookings already open?
Yes. For example, bookings for Ajni–Pune began on 10 August via IRCTC. Similar routes are open through official portals.
3. Do these trains run daily?
Most operate six days a week with one maintenance day. Rest days vary by route — e.g., Bengaluru–Belagavi skips Wednesdays, Katra–Amritsar skips Tuesdays.
4. Will sleeper versions be introduced?
Yes, India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected in September 2025, before Durga Puja, offering long-distance sleeping comfort.
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