Railways Approves Doubling Of Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi Rail Line To Boost Connectivity
Railways Approves Doubling Of Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi Rail Line To Boost Connectivity
Shirdi, July 17, 2025: In a major infrastructure boost for the region, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the doubling of the 16.5-kilometre Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi rail line at an estimated cost of ₹239.80 crore. The project, approved by Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, is part of the 2024-25 Umbrella Work for multi-tracking aimed at enhancing rail capacity across key sections.
The proposed doubling is set to ease the rising congestion on the Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi stretch, which is currently operating at 19.66% line capacity—a figure projected to surge to 79.70% in the near future without capacity expansion. Once completed, the project will streamline rail operations and provide significant relief to passengers traveling on this route.
Located on the pilgrimage circuit, the Puntamba–Sainagar Shirdi line already serves thousands of devotees heading to the revered Saibaba Shrine in Shirdi. The doubling work is expected to further improve rail connectivity for devotees, daily commuters, students, traders, and farmers. It will also facilitate the faster movement of agricultural produce to markets, giving a boost to the local economy.
In parallel, the Final Location Survey for the proposed Pune–Nashik rail connectivity via Ahmednagar, Puntamba, Shirdi, and Nashik Road is underway, which is poised to create a vital corridor linking two of Maharashtra’s most prominent religious hubs.
