First Run, Mixed Reviews: Modern Amenities Wow Most, Bit Of Back-Breaking For A Few
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The inaugural run saw a sizeable number of passengers disembarking at Nagpur. Speaking to TOI, several travellers shared their experiences — a blend of pride, appreciation, and constructive criticism.
Dr Ajay Bakshi (59) described the ride as "smooth and modern," noting that odour-free bogies and reduced vibrations made the journey a pleasant experience. "However, for senior travellers like me, long hours of sitting lead to back stiffness.
I'll opt for a normal train next time," he said. Rating the food 7/10, he suggested improvements in presentation while appreciating the overall world-class offering.
Swati Mahankal, a homemaker, said the seats were "a bit uncomfortable" for such a long trip but praised the food. "Reaching Pune from Nagpur in about 12 hours is amazing, it makes travel much easier," she added.
For Pinky Sharma (21), a student, the journey was more about the experience than the destination.
"The seats were comfortable, the interiors modern, and the service quick," she said, adding that the 16-minute delay was a minor disappointment compared to the thrill of travelling in such a modern train.
Manisha Deshmukh (47), who works in a finance company, echoed the comfort concerns. "For longer trips, proper lumbar support is essential, especially for middle-aged and older passengers. Still, the cleanliness, air-conditioning, and polite staff made the journey pleasant," she said.
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Many passengers also pointed out that the fares are much higher than other sleeper trains, making it a bit expensive to travel.
Onboard operations were managed by Train Manager Pravin Mankar, who called the run a "proud moment." Passengers were welcomed with tea and snacks, followed by a vegetarian meal for lunch. "The Vande Bharat is not just about speed but delivering a premium experience," he said. According to Mankar, passenger feedback during halts was overwhelmingly positive.
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