Did you know there is a train journey in Maharashtra that is making headlines for being one of the shortest scheduled rail journeys in India? The distance between Nagpur Junction and Ajni station is around 3 km, and depending on the service, trains can cover the stretch in roughly 7 to 9 minutes. Scroll down to know more.
Nagpur-Ajni Train Journey Takes Only 7 Minutes
As per a report by Business Today, the current timetable listings of the train show the fastest scheduled service completing the journey in about seven minutes. Interestingly, there is no dedicated Nagpur-Ajni train. Instead, several longer-distance trains that stop at both stations allow eligible passengers to book the short segment. Services such as the Nagpur-Pune Garib Rath, Vidarbha Express, Nagpur-Pune Express and other long-distance trains operate over this section. But the main question is, why does the train make a stop for such a short distance?
The reason becomes clearer when you look at the role of the two stations. Ajni is not simply another suburban stop. It is an important railway facility in Nagpur and has historically been associated with railway operations, including workshops and train originating/terminating facilities. A government district export plan describes the Nagpur-Ajni route as a short rail link used primarily for railway crew travelling from Nagpur station towards the Ajni workshop.
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The section also forms part of a much larger railway network passing through Nagpur. Instead of being a standalone passenger route created specifically for a 3-km trip, the track is used by trains continuing to destinations much farther away. Their scheduled halt at Ajni means passengers can also book the short Nagpur-Ajni journey when the relevant train and class permit it.
Comparison With India’s First Passenger Train
A lot of portals have also been comparing the train with India’s first passenger train, as it also travelled for a short distance, but the comparison is striking. India’s first passenger train travelled from Bori Bunder in Bombay to Thane on April 16, 1853, covering around 34 km. The Nagpur-Ajni section is less than one-tenth of that distance.
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As for fares, ticket prices can vary depending on the train, class, reservation and other applicable charges. Current timetable listings, for example, show different fares across classes for the 3-km journey. Passengers should check the latest availability and fare on IRCTC before booking.
What are your thoughts about this train journey?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
How far is AJNI station from Nagpur station?
Ajni Station is about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away from Nagpur Junction.