Pune News: Delhi-Goa Express to Get Halt at Jejuri Railway Station, Major Relief for Devotees and Industrial Workers
Pune News: Delhi-Goa Express to Get Halt at Jejuri Railway Station, Major Relief for Devotees and Industrial Workers
In a significant development, the Delhi-Goa Hazrat Nizamuddin Express will now halt at Jejuri Railway Station from the first week of April. This decision, taken by the Railway Administration, comes after persistent efforts by local activists and passenger associations. The announcement was made by Central Railway Divisional Manager Dharmveer Meena, Pune Divisional Manager Rajesh Kumar Verma, and Pune RPF Officer Priyanka Sharma.
Key Religious & Industrial Importance of Jejuri
Jejuri is a major pilgrimage site, home to the revered Khandoba temple, attracting thousands of devotees from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Additionally, the Ashtavinayak Ganpati of Morgaon is located just 14 km from the railway station. Despite its significance, long-distance trains had no stop at Jejuri, causing major inconvenience to devotees, forcing them to rely on private transport.
Apart from religious importance, Jejuri is home to a large industrial estate, and the new railway halt is expected to benefit entrepreneurs and workers alike.
Local Efforts Behind the Decision
Former corporator Amina Pansare, Railway Passengers Association President Vijay Khomne, Ganesh Abanave, and local residents had petitioned the authorities to grant a halt at Jejuri. Their efforts have now borne fruit, marking a major victory for residents and pilgrims.
Need for More Halts at Jejuri
Currently, multiple superfast trains, including Vande Bharat, Delhi-Goa, Jodhpur-Mangalore, Mahalaxmi Express, Lokmanya Nagar-Hubli, Yeshwantpur-Hubli, and others, pass through Jejuri without stopping. Local representatives have urged railway authorities to introduce more halts at Jejuri to accommodate industrial workers and devotees.
Sahyadri Express to Extend Service to Mumbai
Railway officials also announced that Sahyadri Express, which currently runs between Pune and Kolhapur, will extend its service to Mumbai from next month.
Underpass Planned for Khandoba Palkhi Route
Every Somvati Amavasya, thousands of devotees participate in the Khandoba Palkhi procession to the Karha River for a ritual bath. However, devotees currently have to cross railway tracks in a risky manner. To ensure safety, the railway administration is planning to construct an underpass on the Palkhi route, with a proposal already in development.
The decision to introduce a halt for the Delhi-Goa Express at Jejuri has been welcomed by locals and industrial workers, marking a significant step toward improving connectivity for pilgrims and daily commuters.
