From Deccan Queen to Six New Platforms: Murlidhar Mohol’s Big Railway Demands for Pune

Pune, 19th August 2026: Union Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol has directed Central Railway officials to expedite ongoing and proposed railway development works in Pune and surrounding areas, while prioritising passenger safety, basic amenities and protection of railway property.

The directions were issued during a meeting of MPs from districts falling under the jurisdiction of Central Railway. Mohol raised several issues concerning Pune’s railway infrastructure and called for time-bound action by the railway administration.

Mohol asked officials to plan the proposed construction of six additional platforms at Pune railway station by keeping future passenger requirements in mind. He stressed the need for long-term planning based on rising passenger traffic, safety and convenience so that repeated changes or disruptive construction work can be avoided in the future.

Security at Pune railway station
Passenger safety at Pune railway station was a key focus of the meeting. Mohol directed officials to immediately close all unauthorised entry and exit points and strengthen the station’s protective walls.

He also called for round-the-clock deployment of ticket-checking staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at station entrances, along with installation of CCTV cameras at more locations.

Waterlogging and leakage at the station during the monsoon were also discussed. Mohol called for permanent solutions instead of temporary measures to address water accumulation on platforms and in office areas.
He also directed officials to take long-term measures to prevent rainwater from entering the parcel office and damaging customers’ consignments.
Passenger amenities, catering services
Mohol asked the railway administration to take immediate action on several passenger-related issues, including:
Announcing train platform numbers at least 30 minutes before departure.
Improving cleanliness and maintenance of toilets at the station.
Addressing complaints related to overcharging, hygiene and food quality at catering outlets.
Taking action, including suspension or termination of contracts, against catering contractors who repeatedly violate rules.
Preventing overcharging in contracts related to parking, food stalls and parcel services.
Providing waiting rooms, toilets, drinking water and refreshment facilities for long-distance passengers.
Strict action against encroachments on railway land
Mohol also called for strict action against encroachments on railway-owned land. He said strategically located railway properties in areas such as Deccan Gymkhana and Shankarsheth Road should be put to appropriate commercial use to generate revenue for the Railways.

He emphasised the need to protect valuable railway land while ensuring its planned and appropriate utilisation.

At Hadapsar railway station, Mohol highlighted the lack of basic facilities on Platform No. 2, despite important trains being handled there. He called for the immediate provision of toilets, sanitation facilities and other essential amenities.

He also asked officials to provide permanent structures, shelter, seating, drinking water and other basic facilities at the Khadki terminal.
Demand to bring Deccan Queen back to Platform No. 1
Mohol also urged the railway administration to operate the historic Deccan Queen Express from Platform No. 1 at Pune railway station.
Describing the Pune-Mumbai and Mumbai-Pune train as an important part of Pune’s railway heritage, he called for a positive decision on restoring its operation from Platform No. 1.

He also raised concerns about the quality of food and service in the Deccan Queen’s dining car. Mohol called for improvements to restore the dining car’s earlier standards and reputation.

Better traffic management at Pune, Hadapsar stations
Complaints regarding harassment of passengers by auto-rickshaw drivers outside Pune and Hadapsar railway stations were also discussed.
Mohol asked the railway administration to coordinate with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and law enforcement agencies to streamline the system. He also suggested introducing prepaid auto-rickshaw and taxi services and taking steps to control irregular parking outside the stations.

“Railways in Pune and its surrounding areas are an integral part of the daily lives of millions of passengers. Therefore, while accelerating railway development works, passenger safety, basic amenities and service quality must be given the highest priority. Long-term planning must be undertaken keeping in mind the future requirements of Pune railway station. At the same time, protecting valuable railway land and removing encroachments are equally important,” Mohol said.

He added that decisions concerning historic trains such as the Deccan Queen should take into account passenger demands as well as Pune’s historical identity.

Mohol called for time-bound action on all the issues raised during the meeting and urged the railway administration to implement measures to provide passengers in Pune and surrounding areas with safer, better-equipped and higher-quality services.