Pune: Daily Superfast Express Between Pune and Jodhpur Approved After Years of Demand
Pune, 30th April 2025: In a major win for the Rajasthani community in Maharashtra, the Ministry of Railways has officially approved a daily Superfast Express train service between Pune and Jodhpur. The long-awaited move follows persistent efforts and representations made by the Rajasthani Samaj Sangh and various political leaders.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that trains numbered 20495 (Jodhpur–Hadapsar) and 20496 (Hadapsar–Jodhpur) will soon commence daily operations from Hadapsar railway station. Ticket bookings for this route will open shortly.
“This daily service will make travel between the two cities safer and more convenient,” said Magaraj Rathi, president of the Rajasthani Samaj Sangh. He added that the decision will benefit thousands of families who frequently travel between Pune and Rajasthan.
For several years, the Rajasthani community in Pune had been pressing for better rail connectivity due to rising concerns over bus travel safety. Currently, 60 to 70 buses ply daily between Pune and Jodhpur, but a number of accidents and casualties had alarmed the community. “Many innocent lives were lost in bus accidents. The train will offer a much safer, affordable, and comfortable alternative,” Rathi said.
The push for daily train service received support from several influential leaders, including Rajasthan MP P.P. Chaudhary, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Pune MP and Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, and Maval MP Shrirang Barne, who continuously followed up with the Railway Ministry.
Earlier, a weekly train service had been introduced, but it failed to meet the growing demand of the travelers. The Rajasthani Samaj Sangh had actively organized protests, submitted memorandums, and held discussions with key officials to press their case.
The newly approved Superfast Express will have halts at major stations including Pali, Marwar, Abu Road, Palanpur, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Vasai Road, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Chinchwad. This will make the service accessible to a wide swath of passengers from both Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
The launch of this train is expected to significantly ease travel stress and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two regions.
