The Union Railway Ministry announced a comprehensive master plan for Pune during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. Baramati MP Supriya Sule lauded the Ministry’s efforts in maintaining cleanliness at stations across the state but raised concerns about the reduction of train stoppages at key stations such as Daund, Nira, Baramati, and Jejuri.
“The railway minister’s work in Maharashtra is commendable, and I would like to congratulate the team for their efforts when it comes to cleanliness,” Sule said while addressing Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. However, Sule highlighted that at Daund Junction, train stoppages had declined from 80 to just 40, impacting local commuters and economic activities. She urged the Ministry to reinstate and increase train halts to support regional development.
Responding to Sule’s concerns, Minister Vaishnaw assured that the Ministry would reconsider the stoppages. He elaborated on the significant investments planned for Pune’s railway network, stating, “The Pune-Daund area is important, and we have developed a master plan. It includes constructing a mega terminal in Uruli, redeveloping Pune railway station, converting Shivajinagar into a terminal, and building a third and fourth line between Pune and Lonavla.” The plan also features a new railway line between Pune and Ahmednagar, with an overall investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore allocated for various railway projects in Maharashtra.
Local railway officials confirmed that many of these projects are already underway or set to begin shortly. “We are collaborating with the state government on the third and fourth lines between Pune and Lonavla,” an official noted. For Pune residents, these developments are expected to bring better connectivity and improved infrastructure, easing the burden on the city’s growing population. Commuters hope the reinstatement of train halts will balance progress with the daily needs of locals. This master plan is part of the Union government’s broader strategy to modernise India’s railway network, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth in urban and rural areas alike.
