Pune’s rail network is set for a significant transformation as construction of the new Hadapsar railway terminal enters its final stages, with nearly 90 per cent of the infrastructure now complete. The project, designed to ease operational pressure on the heavily burdened Pune Junction, has begun trial runs and is expected to be inaugurated in January 2026. Officials describe the terminal as a key step towards a more efficient and commuter-friendly railway system for one of India’s fastest-growing urban regions.
According to senior railway officials, the redevelopment has progressed at pace over the past year, with platform construction reported to be 95 per cent complete. Installation of lifts and escalators is finished, while the secondary foot-over bridge is nearing completion. The new station building—housing ticket counters, waiting areas, and commercial facilities—is said to be 90 per cent ready. Work on allied amenities, including parking and cycle stands, is also advancing, though these components will continue to be refined over the coming months. The Hadapsar terminal has been conceived as a satellite hub to decentralise passenger movement from Pune Junction, which currently manages significantly more traffic than its designed capacity. With Pune’s population expanding rapidly and the city attracting new investment in IT, manufacturing, and logistics, the regional transit ecosystem has struggled to keep up. Industry experts note that shifting long-distance and intercity services to Hadapsar will not only improve operational efficiency but also support more sustainable mobility planning for the metropolitan area.
Once operational, the terminal will host the Hadapsar–Hazur Sahib Nanded Express and the Hadapsar–Harangul Special services, which will originate and terminate from Hadapsar instead of Pune Junction. Railway officials confirmed that additional train services will gradually be redirected to the new terminal, enabling reduced congestion, shorter wait times, and better platform utilisation at the primary station. Updated schedules indicate early morning departures for the Hadapsar–Harangul Special, while the Nanded Express will run daily during late evenings. Urban planners suggest that such decentralised rail infrastructure is crucial for cities like Pune, where rapid growth demands more inclusive and reliable commuter systems. The development also aligns with broader goals of creating accessible, low-carbon mobility corridors by improving first- and last-mile connectivity around suburban nodes such as Hadapsar.
While some internal works and external landscaping remain underway, railway officials maintain confidence that the January 2026 inauguration date will be met. As Pune positions itself for future expansion, the new terminal is expected to serve as a long-term mobility asset—supporting smoother travel, reducing overcrowding, and contributing to a more balanced and sustainable urban transit network.
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