Maharashtra: Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Daily Express to be flagged off on June 17; first direct train for Sai devotees

The new direct train is expected to significantly improve access for pilgrims while strengthening religious tourism in the region. Representational Pic

The Central Railway has announced the launch of a Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Daily Express, which will be flagged off by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday, June 17, at Pune Railway Station at 3 pm.

The new service marks the first direct train connectivity between Pune and Sainagar Shirdi, a long-pending demand of devotees and tourists visiting the revered Saibaba shrine.

Religious tourism and connectivity

Sainagar Shirdi, located in Ahilyanagar district, is one of India's most important pilgrimage centres and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

The new direct train is expected to significantly improve access for pilgrims while strengthening religious tourism in the region.

Railways said the service will offer a safe, affordable, and comfortable travel option, especially benefiting senior citizens, families, and group travellers visiting the shrine.

The new train is expected to enhance travel options for students, professionals, and business travellers.

Key halts to improve regional connectivity

The Pune-Shirdi Express will have important stops en route, improving access for multiple regions:

Daund Chord Cabin: Smooth connectivity between Pune-Daund and Daund-Manmad routes
Shrigonda: Affordable travel for farmers, traders, and students
Ahilyanagar: Major administrative, military, and commercial hub serving daily commuters
Rahuri: Educational and agricultural centre, home to Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth
Belapur: Access to sugar mills and gateway to Shani Shingnapur Temple

Expected impact on passengers and economy

Railways stated that the new service will:

Improve passenger convenience and reduce travel fatigue
Enhance access to education and healthcare facilities in Pune
Boost local economy in Shirdi through tourism-related activity
Strengthen regional trade, mobility, and connectivity
Push for better Pune-Shirdi connectivity

Officials highlighted that the direct train will significantly improve mobility between Pune and one of India's most visited pilgrimage destinations, fulfilling a long-standing demand of devotees and enhancing Maharashtra's rail network connectivity.