The service is 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

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who flagged off the service from Pune, interacted with the railway employees, appreciated their work, and learned about their experiences and suggestions

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

Vaishnaw also interacted with school children onboard the Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express in Pune.