Shirdi Rail Connectivity to Get Boost: Doubling of Puntamba-Sainagar Shirdi Line Sanctioned at Rs 239.80 Crore
Pune/Shirdi, 17th July 2025: Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has sanctioned the doubling of the 16.50 km rail line between Puntamba and Sainagar Shirdi. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹239.80 crore, falls under the 2024-25 Umbrella Work for Multi-Tracking aimed at capacity augmentation across the railway network.
The doubling initiative is set to significantly enhance the line capacity of the Puntamba-Sainagar Shirdi section. Currently, the section has a utilisation rate of 19.66%, which is projected to increase to 79.70% without intervention. The proposed work is expected to help manage future demand and ensure smoother train operations on the route.
In the vicinity of this project, the Final Location Survey is also underway for a new Pune-Nashik rail line via Ahmednagar, Puntamba, Shirdi, and Nashik Road. The proposed corridor will enhance connectivity between major cities and two significant pilgrimage centres – Nashik and Shirdi.
At present, the Puntamba-Sainagar Shirdi section is already operational and serves multiple trains. The doubling work is aimed at easing congestion, facilitating smoother operations, and improving punctuality.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to support not only pilgrims visiting the shrine of Saibaba at Shirdi but also daily commuters, students, traders, and farmers. The project is anticipated to aid in the movement of agricultural produce to markets, thereby contributing to the regional economy.
