Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off First-Ever Pune–Shirdi Direct Train
Reported By Amit Singh
Pune, 17th June 2026: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday flagged off the inaugural run of the first-ever direct train service between Pune and Sainagar Shirdi, marking the launch of the Pune–Sainagar Shirdi Daily Express.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Pune Railway Station in the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol and Maharashtra Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined the event through video conferencing.
The newly introduced daily service establishes a direct rail connection between Pune and Shirdi for the first time, addressing a long-standing demand of pilgrims travelling to the Sai Baba shrine. The train is expected to complete the journey in approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, providing a direct alternative to road travel and indirect rail routes.
The service will halt at key stations including Daund Chord Cabin, Shrigonda, Ahilyanagar, Rahuri and Belapur, improving connectivity for passengers travelling between Pune and towns across Ahilyanagar district.
Railway officials said the train is expected to cater to a wide range of passengers, including pilgrims, students, patients, business travellers and tourists. The direct link is also likely to improve access between Shirdi and Pune, one of Maharashtra’s major educational, healthcare and employment centres.
Shirdi, home to the revered Sai Baba temple, attracts millions of devotees annually from across the country. The introduction of a direct train from Pune is expected to provide a more convenient travel option for visitors while strengthening connectivity along the route.
The Pune–Sainagar Shirdi Daily Express will operate as a regular daily service, offering direct rail connectivity between the two cities for the first time.
