Pune: Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Express to Halt at Jejuri from April

Pune, 13th March 2025: In a major relief for devotees and local commuters, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Express, a superfast train running on the Pune-Kolhapur railway route, will now halt at Jejuri railway station from the first week of April.

Jejuri, a well-known pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Khandoba, attracts thousands of devotees from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. However, the lack of stoppages for major trains at Jejuri railway station has caused significant inconvenience to pilgrims and industrial workers in the area.

Following persistent efforts by local activists, including former corporator Amina Pansare, Railway Passengers Association President Vijay Khomane, and Ganesh Abnave, the railway administration has finally taken note of the demand and approved the halt. The move is expected to benefit not just devotees but also entrepreneurs operating in the Jejuri industrial estate.

Meanwhile, railway officials also informed that the Sahyadri Express, which currently operates on the Pune-Kolhapur route, will soon be extended to Mumbai.

Despite the new stoppage for Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Express, several long-distance superfast trains, including Vande Bharat Express, Delhi-Goa Express, Jodhpur-Mangalore Express, Kolhapur-Ahmedabad Express, Mahalaxmi Express, Lokmanya Nagar-Hubli Express, and Yeshwantpur-Hubli Express, continue to bypass Jejuri. This remains a major challenge for devotees and workers in the industrial estate. Local representatives have urged railway authorities to introduce more halts for these key trains.

Every Somvati Amavasya, thousands of devotees gather at Jejuri for the Shri Khandoba palanquin procession, which crosses the Karaha river after passing over railway tracks. To prevent accidents and ensure smooth movement, the railway administration has assured that an underpass will be constructed on the palanquin route. A proposal is currently being prepared to address this long-standing concern.

The decision to stop the Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Express at Jejuri has been welcomed by residents, devotees, and the industrial community, marking a significant step towards improving rail connectivity and convenience in the region.