Clocking an incredible 145% passenger response between October 17 and 28 and over 14,000 happy travellers generating ₹2.63 crore in revenue, the Pune–Ajni (Nagpur) Vande Bharat Express has become the undisputed festive favourite!
Notably, this record breaking response has made it the standout performer among all Vande Bharat services operating from Pune.
Pune–Ajni Vande Bharat Tops Charts with Record Festive Rush
As per the officials, the response was overwhelming, with numbers being higher than expected, which reflects the passenger’s mood and preference for faster trains during festival travel. What drove the demand amid the travellers was the speed, comfort and the punctuality of the “Festive Flyer”.
Notably, there are currently 4 Vande Bharat trains originating from Pune – Ajni (Nagpur), Kolhapur, Hubli, and Mumbai–Sainagar Shirdi, which altogether carried 44,305 passengers and earned ₹4.68 crore. However, it was the Pune–Ajni service that led the charts with the highest passenger response.
Let’s have a look at the breakdown of passengers and revenue clocked:
| Train Service | Passengers | Revenue (₹) |
| Pune–Ajni (Nagpur) | 14,387 | 2.63 crore |
| Pune–Kolhapur | 4,466 | 40.11 lakh |
| Pune–Hubli | 4,958 | 54.07 lakh |
| Mumbai–Sainagar Shirdi | 20,464 | 1.73 crore |
Notably, the highest absolute numbers with 20,464 were reported from the Mumbai–Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat, but its response stood at 98.56% – which is below the Pune-Ajni surge.
Railway officials credited advance planning for a smooth festive rush, with extra trains and adjusted schedules ensuring minimal disruption for long-distance and daily travellers. All Pune Vande Bharat services remained punctual, boosting their growing popularity.
What appeals to the passengers is to faster travel time, modern interiors, comfortable seating, and facilities for senior citizens and travellers with disabilities. On top of that, its reliability has further cemented its position as a dependable alternative to flights and buses, especially during festival seasons.
Vande Bharat Redefines Festive Travel – Fast, Comfortable, Worth It
Another and broader trend that was highlighted in these responses was the fact the travellers today are willing to pay premium fares for better service and time savings. This factor could very well be weighed in future for the future railway planning, with more routes likely to get similar upgraded services in the coming years.
Popular amongst students, professionals, and families – the Vande Bharat service has already begun changing travel habits. With shorter journey times and higher convenience, more people are choosing rail over road or air, a trend that railway officials believe will continue beyond the festival season.
The record-breaking 145 percent occupancy and ₹2.63 crore earnings on the Pune–Ajni route have set a new benchmark for premium rail services, marking one of the most successful festive travel periods for the Railways in recent years.
Summary
The Pune–Ajni (Nagpur) Vande Bharat Express emerged as the festive favourite, recording 145% occupancy, carrying 14,387 passengers, and earning ₹2.63 crore between October 17–28. Fast, punctual, and comfortable, it outperformed Pune’s other Vande Bharat services. With seamless planning, extra trains, and growing passenger preference for premium, time-saving travel, the festival period marked a record-breaking success for Indian Railways.
