The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the construction of a new rail line linking Rahuri to Shani Shingnapur, one of Maharashtra’s most visited spiritual destinations.
The 21.84-km stretch has been approved at a cost of ₹494.13 crore. Currently, Shani Shingnapur receives between 30,000 to 45,000 devotees daily but lacks direct rail access. The new line is set to significantly improve connectivity for pilgrims and tourists travelling from Rahuri and surrounding areas. The railway project is expected to provide added impetus to religious tourism, with the corridor offering easier access to nearby pilgrimage centres such as Shirdi, Rahu-Ketu Temple and Mohini Raj Temple in Nevasa, and Pais Khamb Karaveereswar Temple.
As per the Detailed Project Report, the route will support four pairs of passenger trains daily, with an estimated annual ridership of 18 lakh. The improved transport infrastructure is also projected to stimulate the regional economy by facilitating better movement and increased footfall.
This approval marks a key step in enhancing last-mile connectivity to one of India’s prominent devotional landmarks and reflects the Centre’s continued focus on spiritual tourism and rural infrastructure.
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