Indian Railways is transforming Hadapsar station into a fully functional satellite terminal, positioning it as a critical node in the city’s evolving transport strategy.
As work nears completion on a series of major infrastructure upgrades, Hadapsar is being readied to handle long-distance train operations, offering a much-needed breather to the overloaded central terminal.Train services have already begun shifting to Hadapsar in a phased manner. Over the coming months, more express and long-distance trains are expected to depart and terminate from the emerging hub, which is located in the fast-growing eastern corridor of Pune. The move is part of a broader, sustainable urban mobility agenda to decentralise passenger loads and improve regional rail access without additional strain on inner-city infrastructure.
This redevelopment project is being implemented under Indian Railways’ flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, steered by the Gati-Shakti unit of the Pune railway division. With an estimated investment of ₹135 crore, the revamp includes the extension of platforms to accommodate 24-coach trains, the conversion of existing goods lines into passenger-ready tracks, and the construction of a new goods line on the Up side. A new station building is also underway, complete with modern parking zones and enhanced drainage and water supply infrastructure.Key passenger-facing upgrades, including new waiting halls, high-capacity foot overbridges, lifts, escalators, digital display systems, and clean water kiosks, are either completed or close to commissioning. According to senior railway officials, the goal is to create an airport-like passenger experience at Hadapsar, ensuring equitable access for all users, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
However, despite the station’s modern transformation, last-mile connectivity remains a sticking point. Unlike centrally located Pune Junction, Hadapsar station struggles with limited public transport links. Daily commuters, especially from areas like Magarpatta and Amanora, report poor bus frequency, reluctance from auto-rickshaw drivers, and frequent traffic snarls on the approach roads. The recent demolition of ageing railway quarters and the Railway Police Force chowky has enabled road widening, but commuter accessibility continues to lag behind infrastructure progress.Sneha Kulkarni, a commuter from Magarpatta, voices a common concern: “It’s a relief to have trains shift here, but without reliable PMPML bus routes or shared mobility services, reaching the station on time is a challenge. For many, especially the elderly and women carrying luggage, it becomes a deterrent.”
Railway authorities acknowledge the connectivity gap and say they are coordinating with the Pune Municipal Corporation and PMPML to address the last-mile challenge. The objective is to integrate Hadapsar seamlessly with the city’s transport network so that residents of eastern Pune no longer need to travel across town to catch long-distance trains.
When fully operational by early 2026, Hadapsar terminal is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Pune Junction while serving emerging residential and commercial hubs in the city’s east. The move is a critical part of Pune’s vision for decentralised, equitable, and environmentally sustainable urban transport — one that prioritises public convenience without compromising infrastructure efficiency.
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