Baramati Residents Demand High-Speed Local Train Service to Pune

Baramati, 10th February 2025: Residents of Baramati are intensifying their long-standing demand for a high-speed local train service between Baramati and Pune, similar to Mumbai’s local train system. The call for improved rail connectivity comes as the existing train service, which takes over three hours, is deemed inadequate for the growing needs of the rapidly developing region.

Currently, Baramati is connected to Pune by morning and evening train services. However, citizens are pushing for a faster alternative that could reduce travel time to around two hours, making the route more efficient and accessible.

The demand is driven by several factors, including the area’s rapid urbanisation, increasing traffic congestion on roads, and the rising cost of bus travel. Recent hikes in bus fares have made the journey significantly expensive, with a round trip on the Hirakani bus costing ₹476 and the Shivshahi bus ₹528.

In contrast, a monthly rail pass costs only ₹440, allowing commuters to travel for as little as ₹15 per round trip. This stark difference in travel costs has made the rail option increasingly attractive to regular commuters, including workers and businesspeople travelling to Pune daily.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, extended rail service from Baramati to Pune, Lonavala, and Karjat was briefly available, proving convenient for office-goers and traders. However, this service was discontinued after the pandemic, and the current schedule is considered inconvenient by many passengers.

Local business associations are actively supporting the demand for improved rail services. Jawahar Shah Wagholikar, a member of the local railway advisory committee, stated that they have approached local MPs, including senior leader Sharad Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, as well as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to push for the high-speed rail service.

Business leaders argue that a local train service would significantly benefit the trading community by reducing travel costs and facilitating the easier transport of goods. Sushil Somani, president of the traders’ association, emphasised that connecting these trains to Mumbai-bound services would further benefit passengers.