Nagpur (Maharashtra): Passengers travelling between Nagpur and Pune on Sunday warmly welcomed the launch of the new Vande Bharat Express, describing it as a long-awaited, convenient travel option. They said it was especially beneficial for families and senior citizens who previously found bus journeys challenging.

Many commuters praised the train’s cleanliness and modern features, encouraging fellow travellers to maintain the facilities responsibly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune, marking a significant step toward faster and more comfortable rail connectivity in the region.

Speaking to ANI, a passenger said, "It was a dream that has been fulfilled today. We have got this amazing thing in the form of the Vande Bharat train. It was difficult for children and senior citizens to commute by bus. Now, this train is very convenient for them."

"This is a good train. All the things are very clean. I will request that everyone keep it clean and help the government grow. All the things are very nice," said another passenger.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the commencement of the Vande Bharat Express between Nagpur and Pune as a "matter of great joy" for the state.

He said the state had requested the Railway Minister for the service, and the proposal was acted upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "Today is a matter of great joy for all of us that the Vande Bharat train from Nagpur to Pune has started. We had made a request to the Railway Minister, and he had spoken of taking a positive decision. That decision has been implemented today by the PM. The most important thing is that among all the Vande Bharat trains started so far, this is the longest-distance train. This train will cover a distance of 881 kilometres in 12 hours."

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains at KSR Railway Station in Karnataka's capital city of Bengaluru.

These included trains from Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune. The flagging of these new Vande Bharat trains underlines the central government's efforts to rejuvenate Indian railways to provide a world-class travel experience to the people.

ANI