Indian Railways introduces a Vande Bharat stoppage at Daund Junction starting November 24, 2025.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
We are pleased to announce a major enhancement to rail connectivity in Maharashtra’s Pune region: the high-speed Vande Bharat Express will start halting at Daund Junction (station code: DD) from 24 November 2025, giving local passengers a faster, premium option for travel between Solapur, Mumbai and Pune. This development comes after sustained demands by local officials and commuters, and signals Indian Railways’ commitment to improving regional accessibility on high-speed corridors.
Table of Contents
Why the Daund Stoppage Matters for Commuters and Region
Daund Junction lies at a strategic rail intersection linking Pune, Solapur and Mumbai corridors. With the addition of a Vande Bharat stop:
- Residents of Daund, Indapur and neighbouring talukas will gain access to premium premium-train speed and comfort, significantly reducing travel time to major cities.
- It fosters economic development by opening up quicker connectivity for daily commuters, business travellers and tourists.
- The halting of Vande Bharat at Daund bridges the regional mobility gap in Pune-Solapur sector, where high-speed services have been limited.
Railway timetable data already indicate the train number 22225/22226 Vande Bharat Express (Solapur–Mumbai CSMT) passes through Daund Junction. With the new halt, many local travellers can benefit without having to travel all the way to Pune or Solapur.
What’s New: Stoppage Details & Timetable Highlights
Introduction of New Halt at Daund
Beginning 24 November 2025, Indian Railways shall include Daund Junction as an experimental stoppage for the Solapur–Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, subject to passenger response and operational viability. The announcement followed a formal notification by the Railway Board and advocacy from local MP Supriya Sule who led the campaign for the halt.
Timetable Implications
Although full timetable details are pending final release, current indications show:
- Train 22225/22226 will include a brief stop at Daund Junction en route between Solapur and Mumbai CSMT, offering onward connectivity via Pune.
- The new stop is expected to attract increased bookings from the Daund-Pune corridor (~75 km) and Daund-Mumbai corridor, as referenced in rail-info timetables.
- Passengers are advised to check updated coach composition, seat availability and platform dwell times at Daund once the official timetable goes live.
Ticketing & Booking Guidance
- Tickets for the Vande Bharat stop at Daund will become available via the official e-ticketing portal, as soon as the change is published and live in the IRCTC system.
- It is advisable for commuters to make bookings early as initial allotments for new halts tend to fill up swiftly.
- Local commuters should check whether the Daund stop falls under the chair-car or executive chair-car categories, and review the applicable fares for the station pair.
Regional Economic and Mobility Impact
Boost for Daund & Surrounding Areas
The inclusion of a Vande Bharat stop at Daund is expected to:
- Attract business travellers and professionals who commute between Pune, Solapur and Mumbai, enhancing economic linkage.
- Enable day-visits, faster regional travel and better access to urban job markets for Daund taluka and nearby hinterlands.
- Improve connectivity for students, tourists and regional passengers who previously had to travel to bigger stations for high-speed services.
Strengthening Rail Network in Western Maharashtra
By upgrading the Daund station’s status and halting a premium train, the rail-network within western Maharashtra is being strengthened. The move also underscores Indian Railways’ push to expand high-speed connectivity beyond major metro stations. Additionally, the parallel stoppage proposed at Kirloskarvadi for the Hubballi–Pune Vande Bharat Express reinforces this regional rail strategy.
Operational Considerations and Future Outlook
Experimental Nature of the Stop
Officials have clarified that the Daund halt is initially “trial-based”. The Railway Board will evaluate metrics such as bookings, revenue, operational delay impact and passenger feedback before formalising the stop status.
Infrastructure & Station Readiness
While Daund Junction is already an established rail hub, ensuring adequate infrastructure (platform length, coach alignment, boarding facilities) will be critical for seamless Vande Bharat operations. Local station officials must coordinate with Central Railway for platform availability, entry/exit facilities and passenger amenities.
Linkage to Broader Regional Connectivity
The stop at Daund provides a stepping stone toward further high-speed connectivity enhancements on the Pune–Solapur corridor. It may catalyse additional premium-train halts or route upgrades, aligning with ongoing track-doubling and electrification efforts in the region.
Passenger Preparedness and Usage
For passengers to maximise benefit:
- Local commuters should align schedules early and check whether the Daund stop offers onward connections to Pune and Solapur.
- Booking behaviour may influence the permanence of the stop — timely and consistent usage can solidify the halt.
- Long-term stakeholders in real-estate and commerce should assess how improved connectivity may affect regional property values and job-market dynamics.
A High-Speed Boost for Daund and Western Maharashtra
The decision to have the Vande Bharat Express halt at Daund Junction from 24 November 2025 marks a significant advancement for regional rail mobility. It symbolises recognition of commuter demand, regional aspirations and the strategic importance of secondary hubs in India’s high-speed rail future. If the trial proves successful, Daund may emerge as a key node in Maharashtra’s premium-train network, enabling travellers to access Mumbai and Pune in greater comfort and speed.
As we monitor rollout, booking patterns and infrastructure readiness, one thing is clear: this move puts Daund on the fast-track, literally. For commuters, businesses and regional planners alike, the new Vande Bharat stop heralds enhanced access, convenience and opportunity.
About The Author
