Pune Junction to Get Global Makeover: Master Plan Unveiled by Railway Minister
Reported By Amit Singh
Pune, 3rd May 2025: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a comprehensive development plan for Pune Junction during his visit to the city, highlighting a multi-phase initiative aimed at decongesting the existing infrastructure and upgrading the station to global standards.
The minister revealed that a Master Plan for Pune Junction has been prepared with a primary focus on 100% decongestion of the station. As part of this plan, six stations—Hadapsar, Khadki, Uruli, Shivajinagar, Alandi, and Pune Junction—will be developed. Additionally, four new platforms will be added to the existing six at Pune Junction to ease congestion. The upgraded station will feature digital control systems, innovative amenities, and cultural elements.
During his address, the minister stated that a Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express is under active consideration, following a detailed discussion with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He also shared that a Direct Double Line from Pune to Ahmednagar has a DPR in the pipeline and is expected to be sanctioned soon.
Highlighting the growing demand for new train services across the country originating or passing through Pune, Vaishnaw acknowledged the strategic importance of the city. He said that with the support of the Maharashtra Government, sanctioning of third and fourth lines from the central government is expected within a month.
Additional updates included:
• Doubling of the Daund-Manmad line is underway.
• Indore-Manmad new rail line has been sanctioned.
• Jalna-Jalgaon line has received central approval.
• An alternative Pune-Nashik route has been proposed and awaits state government approval for expedited commencement.
• Preparations for the Nashik Mahakumbh are in progress, with the first review completed and a second review scheduled in Mumbai.
The Railway Minister was in Pune for the inaugural run of a new express train service between Hadapsar and Jodhpur, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and passenger convenience.
Present at the event were Union Minister of State of Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, Maval MP Shrirang Barne, Central Railway GM Dhramveer Meena, Pune DRM Rajesh Kumar Verma, ADRM Padmasing Jhadhav, Sr. DMO Ramdas Bhishe, Sr. DSC Priyanka Sharma, Sr. DCM AK Pathak, and other senior officials from the Pune division.
