The Vande Bharat Express linking Raipur and Nagpur (as part of the Bilaspur–Nagpur Vande Bharat service) is one of Central India’s fastest and most modern train options. It saves hours over regular trains and delivers comfort, speed, and convenience. This guide is for anyone planning travel between Raipur, Durg, Gondia, and Nagpur by rail. Always reconfirm live details on IRCTC before booking.
Overview of the Route
The service between Bilaspur Junction (near Raipur) and Nagpur Junction connects major central Indian cities over a distance of ~412 km.
• Typical journey duration is around 5 hours 25 – 30 minutes, much faster than most express trains.
• It’s popular because of limited stops, comfortable seating, and dependable schedule — perfect for same-day travel.
Raipur–Nagpur Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
Though the train starts at Bilaspur, Raipur is an important boarding point on the way to Nagpur — a key choice for travelers from Chhattisgarh.
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilaspur → Nagpur | 20825 | BSP – 06:45 | NGP – 12:15 |
| Nagpur → Bilaspur | 20826 | NGP – 14:05 | BSP – 19:25 |
Vande Bharat Raipur → Nagpur Detailed Time Table
Here’s how the train calls at key stations en route between Raipur and Nagpur (portion of the full Bilaspur–Nagpur run).
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bilaspur Jn (BSP) | – | 06:45 |
| 2 | Raipur Jn (R) | 08:01 | 08:03 |
| 3 | Durg (DURG) | 08:43 | 08:45 |
| 4 | Raj Nandgaon (RJN) | 09:02 | 09:03 |
| 5 | Dongargarh (DGG) | 09:21 | 09:22 |
| 6 | Gondia Jn (G) | 10:20 | 10:22 |
| 7 | Nagpur Jn (NGP) | 12:15 | – |
Departure Station: Raipur Junction
Arrival Station: Nagpur Junction
Approximate Journey Duration: ~4 hrs 15 min from Raipur to Nagpur (portion of full run)
Ideal Travel Option: Day-trip or business travel without an overnight stay
Vande Bharat Express Raipur–Nagpur Ticket Price
Vande Bharat is a premium train fare category with dynamic pricing and included services.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,000 – 1,100 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,400 – 1,500 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,800 – 1,900 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,100 – 2,300 |
Important Notes:
• Fare may vary with dynamic pricing.
• Tatkal opens per IRCTC rules (usually one day before travel at designated times).
• Catering is often included but may be chargeable.
What Is Included in Ticket
• Air-conditioned seating — ergonomic, airline-style chairs.
• On-board catering (meals/snacks) (charge may apply).
• Charging points, infotainment screens, luggage racks.
• Large windows and faster acceleration.
• No sleeper berths — seating train only.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
• Raipur Junction (R): Key boarding point for central Chhattisgarh.
• Durg (DURG): Major industrial city stop.
• Raj Nandgaon & Dongargarh: Intermediate regional stations.
• Gondia Junction (G): Last major halt before Nagpur in Maharashtra.
• Nagpur Junction (NGP): Final terminus — important metro in Vidarbha.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Visit irctc.co.in or IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Enter Raipur Junction → Nagpur Junction (or Bilaspur → Nagpur) and date.
- Choose Train 20825/20826 on desired date.
- Select class (CC/EC) and quota (General/Tatkal).
- Pay and confirm PNR.
Tatkal Booking Option
• Opens one day before departure at designated time — high demand trains fill fast.
• Be ready with passenger details to book quickly.
Assisted Booking Support
• Use authorised travel agents or railway reservation counters if online isn’t convenient.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
• Seats on Vande Bharat sell fast — book 60–120 days in advance.
• Executive Chair class fills first.
• Tatkal can help for last-minute plans.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
• Significantly faster than regular expresses.
• Comfortable AC seating and onboard services.
• Limited halts – ideal for business day trips.
Travel Tips
• Arrive at station 10–15 min early due to short halts.
• Confirm platform info on day of journey.
• Carry ID for verification.
FAQs—Vande Bharat Express Raipur to Nagpur
The Vande Bharat Express serving the Raipur to Nagpur route operates as Train No. 20825 (Bilaspur to Nagpur) and 20826 (Nagpur to Bilaspur). Raipur Junction is an important intermediate stop on both services, and passengers can board or deboard at Raipur as per schedule.
On the Raipur to Nagpur route, Train No. 20825 reaches Raipur Junction at 08:01 and departs at 08:03, arriving at Nagpur Junction at 12:15. Total travel time from Raipur to Nagpur is approximately 4 hours 15 minutes, subject to operational conditions.
The Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express takes approximately 4 hours 15 to 4 hours 30 minutes, depending on operational factors. It is currently the fastest daytime train option between the two cities, offering limited stops and high-speed chair car travel.
For the Raipur to Nagpur route, AC Chair Car fare is approximately ₹1,100–₹1,250, while Executive Chair Car fare is around ₹2,000–₹2,250 under General quota. Final ticket pricing is dynamic and displayed at the time of booking on IRCTC.
The Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week and generally does not run on Saturdays. Running days are subject to Indian Railways scheduling updates, so passengers must confirm the travel date and availability directly on IRCTC before booking.
The Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express offers two seating classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). There are no sleeper coaches. Both classes are fully air-conditioned with reserved seating and onboard passenger amenities.
On the Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express, catering is available onboard. Meal charges may be included or optional depending on fare selection during booking. Passengers can choose catering preferences while reserving tickets on IRCTC before final payment.
Yes, Tatkal quota is available for the Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express. Tatkal booking opens one day prior to journey date as per IRCTC rules. Tatkal fares are higher than General quota and subject to limited seat availability.
Between Raipur and Nagpur, major stoppages include Durg, Raj Nandgaon, Dongargarh, and Gondia Junction. These halts are brief, typically two minutes, ensuring faster overall journey time while maintaining regional connectivity on the Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat route.
Yes, the Raipur to Nagpur Vande Bharat Express is ideal for same-day business or official travel. Morning departure from Raipur and afternoon return service from Nagpur allow practical same-day connectivity, depending on seat availability and advance booking confirmation.
Final Verdict
If you want fast, comfortable, and premium travel between Raipur and Nagpur, the Vande Bharat Express (20825/20826) is among the best options by rail. Book early, check live IRCTC details, and enjoy a smoother journey than conventional trains. Always double-check timings and fares on IRCTC before travel.
I’m Rohit Kumar Sonkar, a senior travel writer and Indian Railways expert with 6+ years of hands-on experience in train route analysis, ticket fares, schedules, and IRCTC booking systems. I specialize in premium and scenic rail services such as the Vande Bharat Express, Vistadome Coach, and Tejas Express, and I focus on creating accurate, traveler-friendly content that helps people plan smooth and hassle-free train journeys across India.