Railway News: Kiran Hojage Retires After 34 Years of Service; Key Pune Railway Planning Projects Mark His Tenure

Pune, 03rd October 2026: Traffic Inspector (Planning) Kiran Maruti Hojage of Central Railway’s Pune Division retired after 34 years of service, during which he was associated with planning and implementation of several infrastructure and capacity-enhancement projects in the division.

During his tenure in the Planning Department, Hojage worked on projects related to safety, traffic capacity, infrastructure development and future transportation requirements.

Among the major planning works associated with his tenure was the Pune Yard Remodelling, for which plans and Engineering Scale Plans (ESPs) were prepared and finalised for construction of six additional platforms at Pune Railway Station. Planning was also undertaken for additional satellite coaching terminals at Hadapsar and Khadki to reduce operational pressure on Pune station.

In the Pune-Lonavala section, planning was carried out for the Automatic Signalling System, including provision for 12 Intermediate Block Huts (IBHs) to enhance section capacity. Conceptual plans for the third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavala were also prepared and finalised and subsequently submitted to the Railway Board through MRVC.

Hojage was also associated with various stages of planning and implementation of the Pune-Miraj Doubling Project. ESPs and Signal Interlocking Plans (SIPs) for different stations were prepared and finalised. Planning for major Non-Interlocking works also focused on maintaining operational safety and train punctuality.

As part of these works, one B-Class station was closed and two IBHs were provided, with the changes also resulting in manpower savings.

Planning for freight capacity expansion

Freight infrastructure was another area of work during his tenure. Capacity enhancement works at Goods Sheds at Gurumarket, Sangli, Karad and Satara were planned and implemented.

Planning and implementation for a new Goods Shed at Phursungi Station was also undertaken, with measures aimed at increasing freight-handling capacity and railway revenue.

At Kolhapur Station, an additional platform was constructed and an existing platform was extended, enabling the station to handle 24-coach trains.

At Shivajinagar Station, available railway land was utilised for planning and implementation of an additional EMU terminal.

Planning and completion of private sidings for UltraTech Cement at Uruli, Penna Cement at Patas, Shree Cement at Patas and BPCL at Alandi were also undertaken. Private siding projects for four additional companies are currently under construction.

Received multiple railway awards

Hojage received two DRM Awards, five PCOM Awards and one GM Award during his service. He was also nominated three times for the Railway Board Award.

At the farewell ceremony, Sr. DOM Dr Ramdas Bhise, Sr. DCM Anilkumar Pathak, Dr Milind Bhoi, retired ACP Milind Gaikwad and Shirish Mohite were present.

Retired CRB Sunit Sharma, retired GM Milind Deouskar and PCOM, WCR Indurani Dubey conveyed their appreciation for Hojage’s contribution and extended their best wishes through messages.

Speaking at the farewell, Sr. DOM Dr Ramdas Bhise said, “Kiran Hojage’s long experience in railway planning and his contribution to important capacity and infrastructure works in Pune Division will be remembered. His 34 years of service reflect sustained commitment to railway operations and development.”