Maharashtra CM and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flag off Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express

The PuneSainagar 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 PuneThe programme held at the Chief Ministerrsquos official residence Varsha in Mumbai was attended by Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram ShindeAt 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 othersInauguration of various Railway Services at the hands of CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Flagging off the Pune Sainagar Shirdi Express Laying of the Foundation stone for Yard Remodelling at Pune Railway StationLegislative Council Chairmanhellip pictwittercomBwaPgK68H5mdash CMO Maharashtra CMOMaharashtra June 17 2026Railway Minister outlines major infrastructure upgrades in PuneSpeaking 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 AlandiHe 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 cityrsquos railway capacity in the next three to threeandahalf years enabling operation of around 20 additional trainsMumbaindashPune rail expansion and bullet train plans announcedVaishnaw further said the third and fourth railway lines on the MumbaiPune route along with proposed MumbaindashPune and PunendashHyderabad bullet train projects would significantly strengthen Maharashtrarsquos economic growthHe added that the state has been allocated around Rs 23900 crore in the railway budget while redevelopment work is underway at 129 stations of which 93 have already been completedAt present 24 Vande Bharat services are operational in Maharashtra with more modern services including Vande Bharat sleeper trains planned in the futureNew rail link to boost PunendashShirdi connectivity and tourismHighlighting the importance of the new service officials said Pune is a major educational IT and industrial hub while Shirdi is one of Indiarsquos most significant pilgrimage centres dedicated to Shri Sai Baba attracting millions of devotees annuallyThe new train is expected to provide a safer more affordable and comfortable travel option for passengers particularly senior citizens families and group travellersImproved access for education healthcare and local economyThe 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 regionKey stoppages to benefit multiple regionsThe PunendashSainagar Shirdi Express will halt at key stations including Daund Cord Cabin Shrigonda Ahilyanagar Rahuri and Belapur improving connectivity for students farmers traders professionals and researchersThe 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