Pune, a city of historical and industrial significance, is set to undergo a comprehensive transformation of its railway station, as announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today. The redevelopment will include the construction of four new platforms and the installation of world-class digital infrastructure.

The minister inaugurated two new train services – the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express – from Pune today. The event was attended by Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol, MPs Medha Kulkarni and Shrirang Barne, and State Minister Chandrakant Patil. Union Ministers L. Murugan (from Chennai) and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (from Jodhpur) joined virtually via video conferencing.

Minister Vaishnaw stated that the master plan for the development of six stations – Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi – is in its final stages. He also confirmed positive discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the introduction of a Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Express. Trials are underway for a new route between Pune and Nashik, a corridor given priority due to the presence of a world-class laboratory in Khodad. Additionally, the third and fourth tracks on the Pune-Lonavala route are expected to be completed soon.

Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol noted that the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express would be a significant benefit for the Rajasthani community in Pune. He added that railway projects worth ONE crore rupees are progressing across Maharashtra, with development underway at Pune, Hadapsar, Uruli, and Shivajinagar stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme.