Indian Railways has initiated platform upgrade works at Khadki railway station, setting the wheels in motion for a strategic expansion of rail infrastructure in the region. Backed by a sanctioned fund of ₹35 crore, the upgrade marks the first phase in transforming Khadki into a fully functional passenger terminal capable of originating long-distance trains, particularly those bound for South India.
The project is expected to reach completion within two months, promising a measurable impact on rail operations in Pune. The redevelopment of Khadki station is part of a broader vision by the Pune Railway Division to create satellite terminals that distribute train traffic more efficiently and sustainably. With platforms at Pune Junction often overwhelmed, and trains forced to remain at home signals due to the lack of available bays, commuters frequently face delays ranging from 20 to 25 minutes. The redevelopment at Khadki, along with a similar expansion underway at Hadapsar, is intended to eliminate such bottlenecks and enhance overall punctuality. Once operational, South-bound trains from Khadki could drastically reduce pressure on Pune Junction, enabling trains to pass through the central station with only brief halts of 5 to 10 minutes.
The infrastructural push comes amid growing concerns over urban transit inefficiencies in fast-growing cities like Pune. As a major hub for both local and inter-state travel, Pune’s existing railway capacity has long been strained, compelling planners to explore decentralised solutions. Khadki, strategically located and well-connected to northern and north-western Pune suburbs, has emerged as a practical alternative. Its development also aligns with the Indian Railways’ larger agenda of improving last-mile connectivity, facilitating smoother transitions, and supporting low-carbon, equitable mobility systems.
With the raising of Platform Number 3 now underway, the vision of turning Khadki into a coaching terminal is no longer a distant proposal. In the coming phases, this terminal is expected to support origin and destination traffic, especially to South Indian metros such as Chennai and Bengaluru. For thousands of commuters who routinely travel on these routes, the new terminal offers the promise of fewer delays and shorter travel times.
The plan further reflects a shift in railway policy from centralised command hubs toward a distributed model that favours efficiency, sustainability, and inclusive access. By developing secondary terminals like Khadki, the railway system stands to benefit from increased train throughput, reduced emissions from idling engines, and improved service predictability—all of which are critical to building future-ready cities.
While the initiative is still in its initial construction phase, the allocation of funds and swift commencement of work indicates a strong administrative commitment. If executed within the projected timeline, the Khadki terminal could serve as a replicable blueprint for other urban centres facing similar rail congestion. It underscores how infrastructural interventions, when thoughtfully planned and swiftly actioned, can serve as powerful enablers of urban equity and sustainable growth.
Khadki Station Upgrade Begins to Ease Pressure on Crowded Pune Junction Terminal
