Pune railway station, one of the busiest rail hubs in Maharashtra, is undergoing a phased redevelopment to ease congestion and improve passenger amenities, according to railway officials.
Currently, the Pune railway station has six operational platforms, with plans underway to add six more as part of a major yard remodelling project. Work on the project is expected to be completed by March 2027. To reduce pressure on the Pune station, the Railways is redeveloping Hadapsar and Khadki stations to handle additional train halts.
“By developing Hadapsar and Khadki stations and operating special trains whenever the crowds increase, we are systematically reducing pressure on Pune station. Additional forces, holding areas and continuous monitoring are put in place during peak periods to avoid any stampede-like situation and ensure passenger safety and comfort,” said Hemant Behera, spokesperson and Divisional Commercial Manager, Pune Division.
The Railways plans to shift several trains to these stations, a move expected to significantly reduce congestion at Pune, which handles an average daily footfall of nearly 1.74 lakh passengers. Passenger amenities are also being improved. Washrooms at the Pune station are now cleaned daily under a contractual arrangement, while immediate cleaning is carried out in nearby areas, said officials.
For crowd control, a temporary holding area equipped with fans, drinking water and washroom facilities has been created at the Pune station, said officials. They said that during festive seasons, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF), special forces and ticket-checking staff are deployed, with continuous monitoring to prevent overcrowding or stampede-like situations. Officials stressed that safety remains the top priority, with continuous evaluation and monthly improvements.
‘Prestige over passengers?’ asks railway advocacy group
However, not everyone agrees with the expansion project. Harsha Shah, president of the Railway Pravasi Group, said, “If mega platforms like those in Delhi existed everywhere, one platform could dispatch three long trains, easing congestion and improving railway efficiency. There is no need for six new platforms or yard modelling.”
“One platform is reserved for VIP. This means the railway infrastructure in Pune is being shaped to serve VIPs, not passengers. VIPs don’t live in the city 24/7, yet critical land and facilities are locked away from public use,” she added.
She added, “What world-class facilities are being provided? Why wasn’t encroachment stopped despite the mandatory 33-metre railway buffer? Passengers bound for Bihar, UP, and Gujarat are made to sit for hours in the sun and rain. Shift yards and maintenance facilities outside the city limits are available at Talegaon and Wadgaon, as done in Delhi, yet nothing has been done here. Railway exists for passengers, not for prestige projects or administrative comfort.”
Vaishnavi Gujar is an intern with The Indian Express.
Curated by James Chen
