17 June,2026 08:46 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Fadnavis joined virtually from Mumbai, while Vaishnaw flagged off the train from Pune. Pic/ CMO Maharashtra
The Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express was inaugurated on Wednesday by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who joined the ceremony virtually from Mumbai, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train from Pune.
The programme held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai, was attended by Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde.
At Pune railway station, Union Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Pune Mayor Manjushree Nagpure, and MLA Vivek Kolhe were present, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said several infrastructure projects are underway to enhance the capacity of the Pune railway network, including developments in Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Khadki, Uruli, and Alandi.
He said modernisation of Pune Junction, construction of additional platforms, a mega coaching terminal at Akurdi and advanced digital signalling systems are expected to double the city's railway capacity in the next three to three-and-a-half years, enabling operation of around 20 additional trains.
Vaishnaw further said the third and fourth railway lines on the Mumbai-Pune route, along with proposed Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad bullet train projects, would significantly strengthen Maharashtra's economic growth.
He added that the state has been allocated around Rs 23,900 crore in the railway budget, while redevelopment work is underway at 129 stations, of which 93 have already been completed.
At present, 24 Vande Bharat services are operational in Maharashtra, with more modern services, including Vande Bharat sleeper trains, planned in the future.
Highlighting the importance of the new service, officials said Pune is a major educational, IT and industrial hub, while Shirdi is one of India's most significant pilgrimage centres dedicated to Shri Sai Baba, attracting millions of devotees annually.
The new train is expected to provide a safer, more affordable and comfortable travel option for passengers, particularly senior citizens, families and group travellers.
The service is also expected to improve connectivity for residents of Ahilyanagar and Shirdi, enabling better access to education and healthcare facilities in Pune, while boosting local businesses such as hotels, transport operators and vendors in the Shirdi region.
The Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express will halt at key stations including Daund Cord Cabin, Shrigonda, Ahilyanagar, Rahuri, and Belapur, improving connectivity for students, farmers, traders, professionals and researchers.
The stop at Rahuri will particularly benefit students and researchers from Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, while the Belapur halt is expected to promote religious tourism to the Shani Shingnapur region.
