To address growing travel challenges between Pune and Bengaluru amid continued air travel disruptions, Central Railway has introduced a special train service connecting Pune Junction with KSR Bengaluru City Junction. The move offers passengers a reliable and affordable alternative as flight cancellations, delays and rising air fares continue to affect intercity travel.
Train Schedule and Journey Duration
The special service, numbered 01413/01414, will depart from Pune at 7:00 PM and reach Bengaluru the following day after covering the 924-kilometre distance in approximately 18 hours. The overnight timing is expected to suit long-distance travellers, including professionals, students, families and business passengers who prefer uninterrupted travel with minimal daytime disruption.
Railway officials said the schedule has been planned to ensure optimal connections at both ends while avoiding congestion during peak hours.
Coach Composition and Booking Facilities
To cater to different travel budgets and comfort needs, the train will operate with both Sleeper and Air-Conditioned coaches. This mix is intended to attract a wide range of passengers, from budget travellers to those seeking a more comfortable overnight journey.
Reservations for the special train are already open across booking counters, online platforms and authorised agents. Railway officials have urged passengers to book early, citing strong demand for alternative travel options on the busy Pune–Bengaluru corridor.
Relief Amid Aviation Industry Strain
This special service is part of a wider operational strategy by Indian Railways to strengthen connectivity across high-demand routes affected by recent aviation disruptions. With frequent delays, crew constraints and rising ticket prices impacting air travel, railways are increasingly becoming the backbone of long-distance mobility for many travelers.
Officials confirmed that similar special trains are under planning for other high-traffic corridors, particularly those linking major IT, education and industrial hubs.
Growing Demand for dependable Rail Alternatives
The Pune–Bengaluru route sees heavy year-round traffic driven by IT professionals, manufacturing industry workers, students, and family travel. The introduction of this special train reflects a sharp increase in passenger preference for predictable, cost-effective rail travel over uncertain air schedules.
Passengers have been advised to regularly verify official schedules and seat availability, as the train is expected to operate at near full capacity given the current surge in demand.
A Strategic Mobility Cushion
The launch of this special train highlights how Indian Railways is stepping in as a critical mobility stabiliser during periods of stress in the aviation sector. By adding flexible capacity at short notice, railways continue to absorb pressure during national travel disruptions and peak demand cycles.
