Efforts are underway to transform Hadapsar railway station into a high-capacity terminal to alleviate pressure on Pune Junction, which has long been facing operational bottlenecks. According to senior railway officials, nearly 55% of the upgradation work has been completed, and the station is expected to be ready to accommodate additional trains by the end of August.
The project involves laying two additional tracks to supplement the existing five. The move comes as Pune Junction, which currently sees movement of nearly 155 trains daily, often experiences platform saturation, causing inbound trains to halt for hours on the outskirts of the city. Officials in the Pune Railway Division believe that Hadapsar’s readiness will enable rerouting or halting of select rakes, minimising delays and improving passenger experience. The Hadapsar redevelopment, initiated five years ago, is positioned to serve as a strategic suburban alternative. Civic infrastructure upgrades include the construction of a 100-metre access road and completion of three auxiliary buildings at the site. However, finishing works such as the foot overbridge, portico, façade, and circulating areas remain ongoing.
Transport authorities have also indicated a willingness to integrate bus services into the revamped station. A proposal is under discussion to establish a bus terminus adjoining the station to boost last-mile connectivity, a key priority in India’s transition to more sustainable and multimodal urban transport systems. Despite the progress, some citizens have raised concerns about the slow pace of execution. Commuters and urban mobility advocates are calling for timely delivery and full functionality of the station before it is operationalised for broader passenger use. Experts believe the upgraded Hadapsar hub could act as a pressure valve for the congested Pune Junction, but only if the project maintains momentum and prioritises accessibility, safety, and capacity planning.
As Indian Railways pursues decentralisation and sustainable urban transit planning, the Hadapsar station revamp is being closely watched as a test case for integrated infrastructure delivery in growing metropolitan zones.
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