Pune: In a significant move to enhance connectivity to the proposed Purandar International Airport, a dedicated railway link from Rajewadi railway station to the airport has been proposed. This initiative is part of the Integrated Transport Plan for Pune city and district, aimed at streamlining multi-modal transport systems in the region.
The Integrated Transport Plan covers an area of 2,550 square kilometers, including Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The plan, which is set to be executed in three phases, requires a budget of ₹1.26 lakh crore.
Key components of the plan include:
Expansion of metro corridors
Strengthening of PMPML bus services
Development of a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) network
Upgrading existing railway routes
Traffic management initiatives at key railway stations, including Pune, Shivajinagar, Chinchwad, and Talegaon
New Rail Link to Improve Airport Accessibility
The Satara railway route has two stations near the proposed Purandar International Airport—Jejuri and Rajewadi. Among them, Rajewadi station is the closest to the airport. The plan recommends developing a separate spur railway line from Rajewadi to the airport, allowing direct rail access for passengers.
Additionally, the Pune-Lonavala railway route is set for expansion, which will enable better utilization of the outer railway bypass for improved traffic management.
Rail & Road Connectivity Enhancements
The transport plan also includes a railway bypass connecting Talegaon and Daund stations, to be built in two phases:
Phase 1: Feeder railway service between Talegaon and Uruli Kanchan via Shikrapur
Phase 2: New railway line from Shikrapur to Daund
Additionally, a proposal has been made to convert Phursungi railway station into a passenger terminal and relocate it to Shindawane.
Improved Road Connectivity to the Airport
Alongside railway enhancements, the plan also prioritizes improved road connectivity to Purandar International Airport. Several key roadways will be upgraded, including:
Hadapsar-Saswad via Dive Ghat
Saswad-Bopdev road
Uruli Kanchan-Jejuri road
Saswad-Kapurhol-Bhor road
Khed-Shivapur-Saswad link road
These integrated transport measures aim to create a seamless travel experience for passengers accessing the airport via rail and road networks.
