Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Pune-Jodhpur Express, promises redevelopment of Pune station

“During our election campaign, we had promised to take care of the congestion situation, and now we are here with a DPR in hand on how we can further decongest, taking the six stations into consideration. We are planning four new platforms and a second entryway for the Pune station, including a complete digitalisation of the existing system.

The new line connecting Pune to Lonavala will be starting soon, post state cabinet clearance. Similarly, there are plans for more lines, including Jalna to Jalgaon, and most importantly Pune to Nashik. This will be of significance for we are planning to make a new route, post which we would start our work. I have already done the first review on Friday, and will soon be moving ahead keeping in mind the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik.”

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Medha Kulkarni, said, “I congratulate our Rajasthani brothers and sisters.

Earlier there used to be just one train a week. So, people had it very difficult and would have had to opt for private buses. But this train which will be running daily will provided a much-needed respite. And it is not just this, the railways as a whole have undergone an improvement, with cleanliness and technology. I also request, as per the pilgrim trains that are being run, a new Pune-Nashik train to ease connectivity for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. All our requests have been accepted, and I hope this is humbly considered as well.”