The new Vande Bharat sleeper train, the prototype of which was unveiled by the railways recently, will run between Pune and Delhi soon, MP and minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said on Monday.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the virtual inauguration of Vande Bharat Express, between Pune and Hubballi, at the Pune railway station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train, along with many other projects, from Ahmedabad.
“We have been in talks with the railway minister to give the Pune division this train and we are positive that it will start soon. Also, we are working closely with the central govt for the project pertaining to 3rd and 4th line between Pune and Lonavla. These projects, once completed, will help railway passengers in Pune district in many ways,” Mohol, the Pune MP, said.The event saw participation by deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Platform number 1 of the railway station was shut for the event.
“In order to lessen the pressure from Pune station, it has been decided that a new and modern railway terminal will come up at Uruli Kanchan. This terminal will be a state-of-the-art with all facilities for passengers. Also, new rail lines will be come up between Karjat and Kamshet and Karjat and Telegaon,” Mohol added.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to be rolled out within 2-3 months. The prototype featured 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC first class coach.
“It is good that the railways have been unveiling new and modern trains. However, the authorities need to work on frequent accidents and derailments. Also, there are some trains which need urgent rake changes like Azad Hind Express and authorities need to focus on the same, too,” Shantanu Choudhary, a passenger, said.
