Rail Link to Boost Connectivity to Pune New Airport
In a significant step towards enhancing accessibility to Pune’s proposed international airport at Purandar, authorities have introduced plans for a dedicated railway link from Rajewadi station on the Satara route. This move, part of the city’s comprehensive mobility plan, aims to streamline travel for passengers and boost economic activity in the region. The integrated transport plan, spanning 2,550 sq km and covering Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), is set to be executed in three phases, with a budget of Rs 1.26 lakh crore. Beyond rail connectivity, the plan also focuses on metro expansion, improved bus networks, and upgraded traffic management systems, ensuring a well-connected and sustainable urban transit ecosystem.
Strategic Rail Expansion to Facilitate Seamless Commuting
The proposed railway link from Rajewadi station, situated closest to the new airport, is designed to offer a seamless transit corridor for both passengers and logistics operations. Authorities have also outlined the expansion of Pune’s suburban rail network, with plans to link Talegaon and Daund railway stations through an outer railway bypass in two phases. The first phase will see the development of a feeder railway service from Talegaon to Shikrapur via Uruli Kanchan, followed by a second phase extending the line from Shikrapur to Daund. In parallel, traffic decongestion measures for key railway hubs such as Pune, Shivajinagar, Chinchwad, and Talegaon stations have been introduced to ensure smooth movement across the city’s railway network. Additionally, the Pune-Lonavala railway line expansion is expected to enhance operational efficiency, allowing better utilisation of the outer railway bypass for traffic management.
Civic and Urban Development Perspectives
From a civic perspective, the improved railway connectivity will significantly reduce road congestion, offering residents an efficient alternative to private vehicles. Authorities have also proposed relocating the passenger terminal from Fursungi station on the Pune-Miraj route to Shindawane, optimising traffic flow and improving accessibility. To complement the rail infrastructure, a parallel roadmap for enhanced road connectivity has been drawn up, featuring major infrastructure upgrades on routes including Hadapsar-Saswad via Dive Ghat, Saswad-Bopdev Road, Uruli Kanchan-Jejuri Road, Saswad-Kapurhol-Bhor Road, and Khed-Shivapur-Saswad Link Road. These improvements, aimed at reducing bottlenecks and improving last-mile connectivity, align with Pune’s long-term vision for an integrated and efficient urban transport network.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
From a sustainability standpoint, the railway project is a crucial step towards reducing Pune’s carbon footprint, offering a cleaner and more energy-efficient transit alternative compared to traditional road-based transport. Cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru have successfully implemented suburban rail networks, significantly reducing vehicular emissions and travel time—a model that Pune seeks to replicate. Additionally, enhancing public transport connectivity to the airport will lower dependence on private cars and taxis, contributing to better air quality and reduced traffic congestion. This initiative aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals, ensuring that Pune’s urban expansion is accompanied by robust, eco-friendly mobility solutions.
