Pune Division Stations Emerge as Key Film Shooting Destinations on Central Railway

Pune, 13th May 2026: Pune division stations and scenic railway locations have emerged among the most sought-after filming destinations on Central Railway, hosting shoots for several blockbuster films, web series and television productions over the years.

According to railway officials, locations across Central Railway generated revenue of ₹2.29 crore from nearly 30 film and series shoots during the last three financial years. The earnings included ₹94.45 lakh in 2023–24, ₹40.13 lakh in 2024–25 and ₹94.62 lakh in 2025–26.

Among the prominent locations in Pune division, stations such as Pune, Lonavala, Belapur, Yeola, Kanhegaon, Wathar and Satara have featured in major Hindi and regional film productions.

Films including Jab We Met, Raavan and Robot were shot at Pune and Lonavala stations, while the recent hit Laapataa Ladies used Belapur, Yeola and Kanhegaon stations for rural railway backdrops that suited the storyline.

Wathar station in Satara district has also hosted multiple film shoots, including scenes for Gunday, where old-style railway infrastructure and trains were used to recreate the setting of earlier decades. Satara station has similarly been used for several productions.

Railway officials said scenic locations such as Lonavala, Khandala, Neral and Matheran continue to attract filmmakers due to their natural landscapes and proximity to Mumbai and Pune.

Across the network, the heritage building of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus remains one of the most frequently used filming locations. Films and productions shot there include Slumdog Millionaire, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Chennai Express, The Lunchbox and several television commercials.

Other Central Railway locations such as Wadi Bunder yard, Chouk station, Dadar, Sion, Panvel, Cotton Green and Sanpada stations have also been used for films and web series including Sacred Games, Kaminey, Dabangg and Life in a… Metro.

Among suburban and rural stations, Apta station on the Panvel–Roha section has emerged as one of the most preferred shooting locations after CSMT. Railway officials stated that Apta alone contributed ₹85.55 lakh in shooting revenue during the last three years, accounting for more than 37 per cent of the total revenue earned from film shoots across Central Railway.

Located in Raigad district amid the Sahyadri ranges, Apta station has featured in films including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Rang De Basanti, Bunty Aur Babli, PK and Baaghi.

Actor Anupam Kher, who recently shot for the film “Flicker” at Apta station, recalled the filming of the climax sequence of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge there with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol more than three decades ago.

Central Railway said it has established a dedicated Public Relations cell and a single-window clearance system for processing film shooting applications. Permissions are granted subject to operational feasibility, safety norms and prescribed charges.