Pune, 1st June 2026: The iconic Deccan Queen Express, celebrated its 96th anniversary at Pune Railway Station on Monday with great enthusiasm and emotion. The train, which has connected Pune and Mumbai for nearly a century, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of thousands of daily commuters.
The celebrations took place at Platform No. 1 of Pune Railway Station, where passengers gathered along with railway commuter groups to mark the occasion.
The atmosphere turned festive with a band performance, cake cutting ceremony, and enthusiastic participation from travelers before the train departed for Mumbai at its scheduled time of 7:15 am.
The event was organized under the guidance of Harsha Shah, president of a railway passengers’ group. Regular commuters described the Deccan Queen as much more than just a train service, calling it an inseparable part of their daily lives and personal journeys.
Launched on June 1, 1930, the Deccan Queen is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most prestigious trains. Over the decades, it has become a trusted travel companion for office-goers, businesspersons, professionals, and citizens commuting daily between Pune and Mumbai.
For many passengers, the train has created lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. Several commuters began their careers while travelling on the Deccan Queen and later retired after spending years aboard the same train. Despite changing times and evolving transport systems, their emotional bond with the train remains unchanged.
Passengers travelling together for hours every day have gradually formed a close-knit family. Festivals including Diwali, Eid, Ganeshotsav, Navratri, and Raksha Bandhan are celebrated inside the train with warmth and unity. During Ramadan, commuters also organize Iftar gatherings onboard, where people from different religions participate together.
Cultural activities such as devotional songs, music, and celebrations during festivals have become a unique part of the journey, turning the daily commute into an experience of friendship, harmony, and togetherness.
Even after 96 years of service and stepping into its 97th year, the Deccan Queen continues to symbolize Maharashtra’s railway heritage and social unity. While technology and modes of transport have evolved over the years, the train’s importance among Pune and Mumbai commuters remains as strong as ever.
For thousands of passengers, the Deccan Queen is not just a train running on railway tracks, but a continuing journey of memories, humanity, and enduring relationships.