Daily Pune–Jodhpur Train Flagged Off, New No-Parking Rules Near Pune Station, ₹1 Lakh Crore Rail Projects, Major Upgrades Announced
Pune, 3rd May 2025: In a landmark day for Pune’s railway infrastructure and public transport management, multiple major developments were announced and inaugurated — from strict traffic regulations near Pune Railway Station to the flagging off of the much-awaited Pune–Jodhpur daily train. Additionally, extensive modernization projects worth ₹1 lakh crore are now underway in Maharashtra, with Pune at the center of these transformative initiatives.
🚫 New No-Parking Rules Enforced at Pune Railway Station
To address rising congestion and traffic bottlenecks at Pune Railway Station, the Pune Police Traffic Branch, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Amol Zende, has introduced a strict no-parking zone along the 200-meter stretch from the station’s entrance to exit gate. The area falls under the Bund Garden Traffic Division, and violators will be fined if found parking within this designated no-parking zone.
Citizens can submit objections or suggestions to the Traffic Branch Office on Airport Road, Yerawada, before 17th May 2025. However, emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire engines, and police vehicles are exempt from these restrictions.
🚆 Fulfilment of Promise: Pune–Jodhpur Daily Express Train Launched
Fulfilling a long-pending demand of the Rajasthani community in Pune, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially flagged off the daily Pune–Jodhpur Express (Train Nos. 20495/20496) from Pune Railway Station. This promise was made during the Lok Sabha elections, and its realization was met with enthusiasm from community members and leaders alike.
The launch ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including:
- Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil
- Rajasthan MP P.P. Chaudhary
- Pune MPs Shrirang Barne and Medha Kulkarni
- BJP City President Dheeraj Ghate
- Senior railway officials and a large gathering from the Rajasthani community
Union Ministers Dr. L. Murugan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat joined the event virtually.
📅 Pune–Jodhpur Express Train Schedule and Route
Effective from May 5, 2025, the new daily service will operate on the following schedule:
- From Pune (Hadapsar): Departs at 7:15 PM | Arrives at Jodhpur at 3:00 PM the next day
- From Jodhpur: Departs at 10:00 PM | Arrives at Hadapsar at 5:00 PM the next day
Key halts include: Chinchwad, Lonavala, Kalyan, Vasai Road, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara Junction, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Palanpur, Abu Road, Pindwara, Jawai Bandh, Falna, Rani, Marwar Junction, Pali Marwar, and Luni.
🏗️ Massive Rail Infrastructure Overhaul in Maharashtra
Minister Vaishnaw also announced that railway projects worth ₹1 lakh crore are currently being implemented across Maharashtra, marking a decade of transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
As part of the broader Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, six stations in the Pune region — Pune Junction, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi — are in the final planning phase for modernization and development.
Special attention is being given to:
- Pune Station’s Grand Redevelopment: A complete makeover with state-of-the-art amenities
- Chhatrapati Shivajinagar, Hadapsar, and Uruli Stations: Strengthening and upgrades planned
🚄 Future Rail Vision: Vande Bharat and New Corridors
In a major boost to regional connectivity:
- Talks have been held to introduce a Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat Express
- Trial runs are ongoing for the Pune–Nashik railway corridor, a crucial line given its proximity to the world-class testing facility at Khodad
- The third and fourth rail lines on the Pune–Lonavala section are nearing completion to ease traffic and enhance capacity
MP Medha Kulkarni strongly advocated for a direct Pune–Nashik train, citing increasing travel demand and the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
This coordinated mix of immediate traffic solutions, long-term rail upgrades, and fulfilled public commitments paints a dynamic future for Pune’s commuters and the city’s status as a key transport hub in India.
