Vande Bharat Express to Halt at Shegaon: Inauguration Set for August 10

In a major step towards enhancing rail connectivity and passenger convenience, the Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express will now include a scheduled halt at Shegaon, the spiritual hub in Maharashtra's Buldhana district. The new stop comes as a relief and boon for thousands of devotees who frequently travel to the town, widely revered as the 'Pandhari of Vidarbha.'

The inauguration of the Shegaon halt is scheduled for August 10, following concerted efforts led by Union Minister of State for Ayush and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav. The announcement was officially confirmed through a circular issued by the Railway Department after successful discussions between Minister Jadhav and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
 

Strategic Decision for Devotees

Shegaon is home to the famous Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Recognizing the spiritual and cultural significance of Shegaon, Minister Jadhav persistently pursued the demand for a stop at Shegaon, making a strong case before the Ministry of Railways. His arguments highlighted not only the religious importance but also the heavy footfall from across the country.

Responding to these appeals, the Railway Ministry finally included Shegaon as a stop on the Pune-Nagpur route. This move is expected to significantly improve access to the pilgrimage site and facilitate smoother travel for devotees and tourists alike.
 

Enhanced Route Details
 

The Nagpur-Pune Vande Bharat Express, known for its modern amenities and swift travel time, will now make a scheduled stop at Shegaon. As per the finalized schedule, the train will depart from Nagpur at 9:50 AM, passing through key junctions such as Wardha, Badnera, and Akola before arriving at Shegaon around 1:20 PM. The train will then continue its journey towards Pune, covering the remaining distance in record time.

On its return journey from Pune, the train will halt at Shegaon at approximately 2:45 PM. This additional halt will not only support devotees but also benefit the overall connectivity of central Maharashtra.

The total journey of 884 kilometers between Nagpur and Pune will be completed in just 10 hours, making it one of the fastest and most efficient travel options on this route. The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, ensuring regular service and high convenience for daily and occasional travelers.
 

Boost to Local Economy and Connectivity

The introduction of a halt at Shegaon is expected to stimulate the local economy by boosting tourism, trade, and transportation services. Hotels, eateries, and local vendors are likely to see a surge in footfall, especially during festive seasons and special religious events.

Moreover, this move highlights the government's continued focus on connecting regional and religious destinations via high-speed, efficient rail services. The Vande Bharat Express, manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, represents a significant leap in India’s domestic rail capabilities and infrastructure. With features such as onboard Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, GPS-based passenger information systems, and high-speed travel, it has quickly become a favorite among passengers.

 

Central Government's Broader Vision

The expansion of the Vande Bharat Express network is part of the Central Government’s broader vision to modernize Indian Railways and improve travel accessibility across the country. By connecting major cities with emerging religious and economic centers like Shegaon, the government is bridging critical gaps in transportation infrastructure.

Minister Prataprao Jadhav's successful efforts to secure the Shegaon halt underline the role of committed local leadership in achieving national infrastructure goals. His initiative has been widely welcomed by residents of Buldhana and devotees of Sant Gajanan Maharaj, many of whom expressed their gratitude for this long-awaited connectivity upgrade.
 

Looking Ahead

With the Shegaon halt officially added to its itinerary, the Vande Bharat Express on the Pune-Nagpur route is set to make travel faster, more accessible, and spiritually enriching for thousands of passengers. As India’s railways continue to transform, this development marks yet another milestone in the journey towards smarter, inclusive, and passenger-friendly transportation.

The official inauguration on August 10 will be watched closely, not only by railway enthusiasts but also by devotees and regional stakeholders, as Maharashtra celebrates yet another achievement in rail modernization.