Pune: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, announced significant developments for Maharashtra’s railway infrastructure.

A comprehensive master plan has been prepared for the Pune-Daund railway corridor, focusing on key upgrades, including the development of Shivajinagar and Uruli Kanchan as terminal hubs.

The announcement came in response to concerns raised by Baramati MP Supriya Sule. While praising the Ministry of Railways for its remarkable work in improving cleanliness across stations in Maharashtra, Sule also highlighted the adverse impact of reduced train halts at critical stations such as Daund, Nira, Baramati, and Jejuri.

“The reduction in train halts at Daund Junction, from 80 to 40, is affecting economic activities in the region. I urge the ministry to reconsider and reinstate these halts,” Sule said.

Responding to Sule, Minister Vaishnav acknowledged the commendation and assured her that the issue of reduced train halts would be reviewed.

Vaishnav also outlined ongoing and future projects for Maharashtra, stating, “The Pune-Daund corridor is vital. The plan includes the establishment of a mega terminal at Uruli Kanchan, redevelopment of Pune station, converting Shivajinagar station into a terminal hub, constructing third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavala, and initiating a new Pune-Ahmednagar line. Maharashtra will benefit from an investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore in railway projects.”

Under the railway budget, ₹15,554 crore has been allocated to Maharashtra. The state has seen significant progress, with the annual track-laying rate increasing from 58 kilometers before 2014 to 400 kilometers now.

Additionally, 116 stations, including 16 in the Pune division, have undergone redevelopment. This comprehensive plan aims to improve connectivity and boost the state’s economic activities by enhancing its rail infrastructure.