Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils Plans to Double Pune’s Capacity, Reviews Key Projects
Pune, 3rd May 2025: Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Pune today to inaugurate the Hadapsar-Pune-Jodhpur Superfast Express. Following the inauguration, Vaishnaw spoke about plans to double Pune’s overall capacity, including enhancements to railway infrastructure. He also provided updates on the Pune–Ahilyanagar railway line, calling it important and confirming that he has reviewed the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Vaishnaw was accompanied by Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Maval MP Shrirang Barne, and other members of the Mahayuti alliance. Addressing the media, Vaishnaw said, “It is a great moment for the people of Pune, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as this new service has been inaugurated. There was a long-standing demand to connect Pune Railway Station to western Rajasthan. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling this 30- to 40-year-old demand.”
Speaking about Pune’s national importance, the minister highlighted the city’s status as an education hub and its increasing infrastructural demands. He revealed that a master plan has been prepared to double the city’s railway capacity. “Master plans for stations in and around Pune — including Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Alandi, and Uruli Kanchan — have been finalized. These plans aim to expand the capacity of these stations to enable more frequent train services. We are working on doubling the capacity of key cities across India and Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ahilyanagar, and others, with a vision spanning the next 40 to 50 years,” he said.
Regarding the Pune–Ahilyanagar railway line, which is in high demand due to heavy road traffic, Vaishnaw confirmed that the DPR is ready and under review. “The DPR for the Pune–Ahilyanagar railway line has been prepared, and I have examined it. I have directed officials to ensure that minimal land is used for the project since the route passes through industrial areas,” he added.
