Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 26: In a major infrastructure push for Marathwada, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday flagged off the Nanded–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and fostering regional development.

Virtually launching the train from Mantralaya, CM Fadnavis said the express service symbolizes a new era for Indian Railways under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “This high-speed, indigenously built train represents the modernisation of Indian transport and opens new doors for prosperity in Marathwada,” he said.

The 610-kilometre journey between Nanded and Mumbai will now be completed in just 9 to 9.5 hours, making travel faster, safer, and more comfortable. Previously, Vande Bharat service was limited to Jalna. The new route now extends to Hazur Sahib Nanded, a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site.

The upgraded train features 20 coaches (up from 8) and a capacity of 1,440 passengers, nearly tripling the earlier limit. The service will run six days a week—excluding Wednesdays from Nanded and Thursdays from Mumbai’s CSMT.

Highlighting Nanded’s spiritual and cultural importance, CM Fadnavis noted that the improved connectivity will greatly benefit devotees, tourists, traders, and daily passengers.

According to officials, this is the first Vande Bharat Express to connect Marathwada with Mumbai, making it a milestone for the region. The train offers daytime AC travel between Maharashtra’s key religious and tourist hubs, catering to growing demand for efficient and high-quality rail service.