Indian Railways officials have confirmed that the stop at Shegaon, situated in the Buldhana district, will facilitate travel for thousands of devotees who visit the temple town annually. This initiative also aligns with the national goal of extending the reach of semi-high-speed trains to key regional destinations, merging modern transport efficiency with socio-cultural priorities.
As per sources from the railway department, the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, traversing the 884 km distance in merely 10 hours. The train will depart from Nagpur at 9:50 am, arriving in Shegaon around 1:20 pm before continuing through Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Manmad, Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar, and Daund to reach Pune.
The return journey will see the train arriving in Shegaon at approximately 2:45 pm on its way back to Nagpur. Transport analysts observe that the inclusion of Shegaon as a stop represents a careful balance between upholding the high-speed service ethos and addressing community needs for equitable access. “Strategic halts like this enhance public acceptance of premium services while bolstering regional economic flows,” remarked an infrastructure expert knowledgeable about railway planning.
The Vande Bharat Express, a flagship indigenous trainset, has been positioned as a catalyst for modernizing domestic rail travel, featuring faster acceleration, reduced travel times, and passenger-friendly amenities. While the train prioritizes efficiency and comfort, railway planners face mounting pressure to ensure that such services do not overlook towns of significant social or economic relevance.
Shegaon, often referred to as the “Pandhari of Vidarbha,” draws visitors from across the nation, especially during religious festivals, thereby contributing to the local economy through tourism-related services. The introduction of this halt is anticipated to not only bolster pilgrimage traffic but also promote sustainable travel alternatives by providing a quicker, cleaner mode of transport compared to lengthy road journeys.
Although the introduction of the Shegaon stop may slightly extend travel time, railway officials emphasise that the broader benefits ranging from socio-economic upliftment to cultural preservation justify the decision. By integrating high-speed rail access with regional needs, the move is seen as part of a larger push towards inclusive infrastructure development in India’s evolving transport landscape.The inaugural service with the Shegaon halt is scheduled for 10 August, and officials have indicated that public response will be closely monitored to assess the long-term impact on ridership patterns.
