Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is India’s first semi-high-speed train that can run at a maximum speed of 180 km/h. It was launched in 2019 and has since become a popular choice for travelers who want to enjoy a comfortable and fast journey across the country. Vande Bharat Express trains are equipped with modern amenities such as WiFi connectivity, 32-inch entertainment screens, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV cameras, and GPS-based passenger information systems. Vande Bharat Express trains also have executive and non-executive chair car coaches with rotating seats, modular luggage racks, and diffused lighting.
Vande Bharat Express Routes from Mumbai
As of now, there are four Vande Bharat Express routes from Mumbai that connect the city with others. Here are the details of these routes:
1. Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express embarks on an enchanting journey through some of Maharashtra’s most scenic landscapes and coastal areas. Departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), it traverses through key stations like Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Khed, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, Thivim, and finally, reaches Margao in Goa. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes under normal circumstances, but during the monsoon season, when the region experiences heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, the duration can extend to about 10 hours and 5 minutes due to safety precautions and reduced speed. This Vande Bharat Express not only provides a time-efficient mode of transportation between the vibrant city of Mumbai and the idyllic beaches of Goa but also offers a comfortable and scenic journey, making it an attractive choice for both tourists and locals.
Schedule and Timings:
The Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week, excluding Sundays during the monsoon season and Fridays during other seasons. It departs from CSMT at 5:25 am, allowing passengers to embark on their journey at the break of dawn, and arrives at Madgaon at 3:00 pm, just in time for an early evening in Goa. The return journey commences from Madgaon at 12:20 pm, enabling travelers to have a leisurely morning in Goa, and reaches CSMT by 10:25 pm, providing a smooth transition back to the bustling life of Mumbai.
Ticket Cost:
The ticket prices for the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat Express vary depending on the class of travel. Passengers can choose from different fare categories, with prices ranging from Rs. 1,970 to Rs. 3,535, making it an affordable and convenient option for travelers with diverse budgets.
2. Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express connects the bustling metropolis of Mumbai to the sacred town of Shirdi, renowned for its association with the saint Sai Baba. The train commences its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and stops at key stations including Dadar, Thane, and Nashik Road before reaching its final destination, Sainagar Shirdi.
Schedule and Timings:
Operating six days a week, this train provides a convenient mode of travel for pilgrims and tourists alike, with the exception of Wednesdays. The journey begins from CSMT at 6:40 am, allowing passengers to start their day early, and reaches Sainagar Shirdi by 12:30 pm, enabling devotees to visit the shrine and explore the town’s spiritual significance. The return journey starts from Sainagar Shirdi at 2:15 pm, giving travelers ample time to complete their spiritual journey, and arrives at CSMT by 8:30 pm, providing a comfortable and timely return to Mumbai.
Ticket Cost:
The ticket prices for the Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express are designed to cater to various budgets, with fares ranging from Rs. 1,020 to Rs. 1,850.
3. Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express is a prominent train service that links Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Solapur Junction (SUR) in the state of Maharashtra. Covering a total distance of 455 kilometers, this train completes its journey in approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes, boasting an impressive average speed of 69.11 kilometers per hour.
This high-speed train offers a total of 7 stops along its route, making it convenient for passengers. The major halts include Mumbai CSMT, Mumbai Dadar Central, Thane, Kalyan Junction, Pune Junction, Kurduvadi, and Solapur Junction.
Schedule and Timings:
Operating six days a week, excluding Sundays, the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express caters to a wide range of passengers. It offers two classes of travel: Executive Class (EC) and AC Chair Car (CC). The train departs from Mumbai CSMT at 4:05 pm, allowing commuters to enjoy a comfortable and swift journey, and arrives at Solapur Junction at 10:40 pm on the same day. The return journey starts from Solapur Junction at 6:05 am, bringing passengers back to Mumbai CSMT at 12:35 pm on the same day.
Ticket Cost:
The fare for traveling from Mumbai CSMT to Solapur Junction varies depending on the class of travel. For AC Chair Car (CC), the fare is Rs. 1,135, while for Executive Class (EC), it is Rs. 2,505.
4. Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express
The Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express is another significant high-speed train connecting Mumbai Central (MMCT) and Gandhinagar Capital (GNC) across the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Covering a total distance of 520 kilometers, this train completes its journey in just 6 hours and 25 minutes, with an impressive average speed of 81.04 kilometers per hour.
Similar to the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express, this train offers 7 stops along its route, ensuring convenience for passengers. The major halts include Mumbai Central, Borivali, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara Junction, Ahmedabad Junction, and Gandhinagar Capital. These stops facilitate easy access to prominent cities and towns.
Schedule and Timings:
Operating six days a week, except for Sundays, the Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express provides passengers with two classes of travel: Executive Class (EC) and AC Chair Car (CC). The train departs from Mumbai Central at 6:00 am, allowing travelers to start their day with a comfortable and swift journey, and arrives at Gandhinagar Capital at 12:25 pm on the same day. The return journey starts from Gandhinagar Capital at 2:05 pm, bringing passengers back to Mumbai Central at 8:25 pm on the same day.
The Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat Express has significantly improved connectivity between the financial hub of Mumbai and the emerging capital of Gandhinagar. With its high-speed services and modern amenities, it has become a preferred choice for both business and leisure traveler.
Ticket Cost:
For the journey from Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar Capital, the ticket prices differ by class. The fare for AC Chair Car (CC) is Rs. 1,320, and for Executive Class (EC), it is Rs. 2,415.
Conclusion
Vande Bharat Express trains offer a convenient and affordable way to travel from Mumbai to Goa and Shirdi. These trains are also eco-friendly as they consume less energy and have regenerative braking system that saves up to 30% of electrical energy. If you are planning to visit these destinations, you can book your train tickets online through the IRCTC website or through Paytm. You can also check the availability of seats, train status, fare details, and cancellation policy on the IRCTC portal.
Happy traveling!
