Pune at the Epicenter: MLA Siddharth Shirole Proposes High-Speed Rail Network to Transform Maharashtra’s Economy
PUNE – In a move aimed at cementing Pune’s position as a global economic powerhouse, Shivajinagar MLA and BJP spokesperson Siddharth Shirole has proposed a comprehensive roadmap for a High-Speed Rail (HSR) network. Speaking during his address on the Governor’s Speech in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shirole emphasized that for the state to lead India’s economic future, connectivity must keep pace with growth.
The “Pune Hub” Vision: Five New Corridors
Shirole laid out a strategic vision that places Pune at the heart of a massive infrastructure overhaul. He formally proposed the development of three dedicated High-Speed corridors and two Semi High-Speed routes to link the state’s industrial and IT hubs:
- High-Speed Corridors: Pune–Mumbai, Pune–Bengaluru, and Pune–Hyderabad.
- Semi High-Speed Corridors: Pune–Nashik and Pune–Sambhajinagar.
To support this influx of high-velocity transit, Shirole demanded two dedicated High-Speed Rail stations for Pune, arguing that such infrastructure is vital to positioning the city as a national mobility and innovation hub.
Fast-Tracking Local Infrastructure
Beyond long-distance connectivity, the MLA turned his focus to local bottlenecks. He urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to personally intervene and fast-track the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the redevelopment of the Shivajinagar Bus Terminus. The project is seen as a critical component in modernizing Pune’s internal transit ecosystem.
“High-speed connectivity will not merely reduce travel time, it will transform economic geography,” Shirole stated. “It will catalyze industry, IT, logistics, and investment flows, strengthening Pune’s emergence as one of India’s most dynamic growth centers.”
Global Ambitions: From Davos to Maharashtra
Shirole also highlighted the strategic importance of Maharashtra’s recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis, the state is aggressively positioning itself as India’s premier destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
He clarified that the MoUs signed on the global stage are backed by “policy clarity and execution capacity,” aligning the state to be the largest contributor to India’s long-term economic goals.
The Road Ahead
The proposal marks a significant shift toward “Vision, Velocity, and Execution” for the next decade of Maharashtra’s development. If realized, these rail corridors would drastically reduce the “economic distance” between Pune and other major Indian metros, creating a seamless corridor for talent and capital.
