Pune: The much-awaitedVande Bharat sleeper train, the prototype of which was recently unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will also run on the Pune-Delhi route. Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol said that the train will run on this route and a request for the same has been made to the Ministry of Railways.
His remarks came on the sidelines of the virtual inauguration of Vande Bharat Express, between Pune and Hubballi, at the Pune railway station on Monday. PM Modi inaugurated the train, along with many other projects, from Ahmedabad, including the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (earlier Vande Bharat Metro)
"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, quoted Times of India.
"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," he added.
The event was also attended by Maharashtra deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train is likely to be rolled out within 2-3 months. Its prototype showed the train features 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier coaches, 4 AC 2-tier coaches, and 1 AC first-class coach.
The Vande Bharat Express is the flagship trains of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre aimed at making the Railways more comfortable and safe at the same time.