Pune Railway Station Turns 100: Reflecting on Its Legacy and Future Prospects

Pune Railway Station Turns 100: Reflecting on Its Legacy and Future Prospects

Pune Railway Station Turns 100: Reflecting on Its Legacy and Future Prospects

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Pune, July 27, 2024 : Today marks the centenary of Pune Railway Station, a vital hub that connects numerous cities across India to Pune. Known for its bustling activity, the station handles a significant number of passengers daily, providing uninterrupted service efficiently.

The initial design of Pune Railway Station was drafted in 1915, with construction commencing in 1922 under the supervision of Wilson. The work was completed in 1925, and the station was inaugurated by the then Governor on July 27, 1925. India’s railway history began with the first train running between Bori Bunder and Thane in 1853, and within a few years, the Pune-Mumbai railway was established. Today, more than 200 trains pass through Pune station daily, catering to the needs of countless passengers, in addition to local services.

The Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company in London developed the Pune Junction while working on Victoria Terminus. Pune’s significance to the British Army led to the completion of the railway line between Khandala and Pune in March 1858. A railway building was first constructed in Pune in 1856. As the number of trains at Pune Junction increased, the need for a new station building became apparent. The design was prepared in 1915, and the old building was demolished in 1922 to make way for the new structure, which was completed in 1925 at a cost of ₹5,79,665. The new building was inaugurated by Mumbai Governor Sir Leslie Wilson on July 27, 1925.

Pune Railway Station has been designated a heritage site and was recognized as a model railway station by the Railway Board about 20 years ago. However, it has faced neglect over time. The increasing number of trains has made the junction inadequate, and plans to develop a second junction for Pune city have lagged. Although railway junctions are being developed at Hadapsar and Khadki, Pune station remains iconic.

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The Deccan Queen, departing from Pune station, is famous for its special facilities. However, the six platforms at the station are insufficient. Challenges such as station expansion, security, unauthorized access, parking, and traffic management persist. There are calls to transform Pune station into a world-class facility, with suggestions to make the existing station multi-storied, integrating local, metro, bus, and other transport systems in one place.

On July 27, 2005, the railway station’s architecture celebrated its 81st year. Despite heavy rain and halted railway traffic due to Mumbai floods, the Pravasi Sangh organized the Sahasrachandradarshan ceremony, providing water, food, and other facilities to stranded passengers for three days. “The planning was different, but we were fortunate to serve the passengers,” said Harsha Shah, President of Railway Pravasi Sangh.

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