Pune Railways Set for Major Boost: 60 New Trains, Six Platforms, and Satellite Terminals in 5-Year Expansion Plan
Pune Railways Set for Major Boost: 60 New Trains, Six Platforms, and Satellite Terminals in 5-Year Expansion Plan
Pune’s suburban railway network is on the verge of a massive transformation as Indian Railways gears up to enhance capacity, efficiency, and passenger convenience in the city. Over the next five years, the plan includes introducing 60 additional trains, constructing six new platforms, expanding existing platforms, and setting up satellite terminals to ease congestion at Pune’s main station.
Currently, Pune handles around 110 suburban train services daily. With the upcoming expansion, this number is expected to rise to nearly 180, providing much-needed relief to approximately three lakh daily commuters who rely on suburban rail services. Train services between Pune and Daund will also increase significantly, from 75 existing trains to around 125.
Hemant Kumar Behera, spokesperson for Pune Railway Division, emphasized the benefits of the project: “This expansion will not only increase the number of trains but will also improve punctuality, reduce waiting times, and make rail operations safer and smoother. It will also help ease traffic congestion by reducing dependency on road transport.”
Boost in Originating Trains and Scheduling Flexibility
At present, Pune station manages 280 train services, out of which only 110 are originating services. The expansion will nearly double originating suburban trains, currently limited to five, which will significantly improve scheduling flexibility and help reduce overcrowding during peak hours.
Platform Upgrades and New Infrastructure Across Key Stations
To support the increased train operations, several stations will see extensive infrastructure upgrades:
- Pune Station: Construction of six new platforms and lengthening of existing platforms to accommodate longer trains.
- Hadapsar: Extension of three platforms for better handling of suburban traffic.
- Khadki: Height and length expansion of Platforms 3 and 4 to fit longer coaches.
- Alandi: A new coaching terminal with nine platforms, eight pit lines, and eight stabling lines.
- Uruli (Kanchan/Mega Terminus): Ten platforms, including four EMU-specific platforms, ten pit lines, and ten stabling lines.
- Phursungi: Addition of five stabling lines for suburban trains.
Additionally, 198 new coaches will be added to 75 existing trains, catering to around 20,000 more passengers. The 60 new trains introduced under this plan are expected to accommodate an additional 1.5 lakh commuters daily.
Satellite Terminals to Reduce Pressure on Pune Station
With space constraints at the main Pune station, the Railways is also planning to develop two satellite stations. Major coaching terminals at Alandi, Uruli, and Phursungi will manage extra train services, preventing overcrowding at the city’s central hub. This strategic move aims to increase the availability of trains and coaches, thereby reducing the pressure on Pune station and minimizing waiting list tickets.
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to enhance capacity at 48 major railway stations, including Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. Officials expect that by the end of this five-year plan, Pune station’s capacity and operational efficiency will more than double, keeping pace with the city’s rapid population growth and travel demand.
