Pune–Sainagar Shirdi Express Inaugurated by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Mumbai, June 2026 : The new Pune–Sainagar Shirdi Express was inaugurated on Tuesday by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who joined the event virtually from Mumbai, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train from Pune.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai and was attended by Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde. At Pune Railway Station, the event was attended by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, MLA Vivek Kolhe, and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that several railway infrastructure projects are being undertaken in and around Pune to enhance the city’s rail capacity. These include developments at Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Khadki, Uruli, and Alandi, along with the modernization of Pune Junction, construction of additional platforms, a mega coaching terminal at Akurdi, and the introduction of advanced digital signaling systems.

He stated that these projects would double Pune’s railway capacity within the next three to three-and-a-half years, enabling the operation of approximately 20 additional train services.

Vaishnaw also highlighted major upcoming rail projects, including the third and fourth railway lines on the Mumbai–Pune route and future Mumbai–Pune and Pune–Hyderabad Bullet Train corridors, which he said would significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s economy.

He noted that nearly Rs 23,900 crore has been allocated for railway development in Maharashtra. Redevelopment work is underway at 129 railway stations across the state, of which 93 stations have already been completed. Maharashtra currently operates 24 Vande Bharat trains, and more modern services, including Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, are expected to be introduced in the future.

Pune is one of Maharashtra’s leading educational, information technology, and industrial hubs, attracting students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from across the country. On the other hand, Shirdi, the revered abode of Shri Sai Baba, is one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of devotees every year.

The newly launched train service will provide pilgrims from Pune and surrounding areas with a safer, more affordable, and comfortable travel option. It is expected to be especially beneficial for senior citizens, families, and group travelers.

The service will also improve connectivity between Ahilyanagar, Shirdi, and Pune, making access to higher education institutions and advanced healthcare facilities more convenient for residents of the region. Additionally, local businesses, including hotels, transport operators, and vendors in Shirdi, are expected to benefit from increased tourist traffic, thereby boosting the local economy.

The Pune–Sainagar Shirdi Express will halt at key stations including Daund Cord Cabin, Shrigonda, Ahilyanagar, Rahuri, and Belapur. These stops are expected to enhance travel convenience for students, farmers, traders, employees, and researchers.

In particular, students and researchers associated with Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University), Rahuri, are expected to benefit significantly from the new service. The halt at Belapur is also likely to promote religious tourism to the nearby Shani Shingnapur pilgrimage site.