Pune Railway Division Launches ₹398 Crore Yard Re-modelling Project

The Pune division of the Central Railway (CR) has initiated a significant yard re-modelling project at Pune railway station, aimed at easing congestion and enhancing operational efficiency. This major infrastructure upgrade is being carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption to train operations while significantly boosting capacity and passenger convenience.

Addressing a press conference, Divisional Railway Manager Rajesh Kumar Verma announced that works worth around ₹398 crore have been sanctioned. The project includes the addition of six new platforms, the extension of existing platforms, and the development of additional entry and exit points equipped with modern passenger amenities. “The yard re-modelling at Pune station has been planned and initiated in phases to ensure minimal disruption to train operations while significantly enhancing capacity and passenger convenience,” Verma said. He added that the station redevelopment master plan is now in its final stage.

Regarding the division’s overall performance for the financial year 2025-26, Verma reported that the Pune division recorded a total revenue of ₹2,238.20 crore, marking a 3.7% growth over the previous year. Passenger revenue alone contributed ₹1,657.24 crore, a 13% increase. Ticket checking revenue saw a sharp rise of 57.5% to reach ₹30 crore, while other segments such as commercial publicity, catering, and pay-and-park services also posted steady growth. Passenger traffic grew by 6.3% during the year. “Our focus has been on improving service delivery while also strengthening revenue streams through efficient and innovative measures,” Verma said.

On the operational front, the Pune division significantly ramped up special train services to meet seasonal demand. The division operated 1,109 Diwali and Chhath specials, 40 Christmas and New Year specials, and 251 Holi specials, all showing substantial year-on-year growth. Additionally, five new pairs of train services were introduced, connecting Pune to key destinations such as Jodhpur, Rewa, Ajni, Tirupati, and Muzaffarpur. Verma also highlighted the extension of passenger services to Beed for the first time on the Amalner-Beed section, fulfilling a long-pending demand in the region.

Verma elaborated on infrastructure development under the Pune decongestion plan, which includes the expansion of the Hadapsar and Khadki coaching terminals. Yard capacities and platform numbers have been increased at these terminals. Additional works for passenger amenities, station buildings, and foot overbridges have also been sanctioned. “These projects are aimed at creating long-term capacity and ensuring smoother train operations across the division,” Verma said.

In terms of safety, the Pune division achieved notable milestones, including the elimination of eight level crossings, the commissioning of seven railway overbridges and railway under-bridges, and a 24% reduction in signalling and telecom failures. Electrification of 149 km and the conversion of 30 km of overhead equipment to regulated systems were also completed. The KAVACH safety system saw steady progress, with multiple installations completed and trials underway.

Passenger amenities and modernisation remained a key focus area, with multiple stations being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Lifts, escalators, and energy-efficient certifications were achieved as per targets, while 17 rakes were converted to LHB coaches to enhance safety and comfort. Surveillance infrastructure was strengthened with the installation of over 500 CCTV cameras across stations in the division.

On the security front, Verma highlighted the success of various Railway Protection Force (RPF) initiatives, including operations targeting passenger safety, women’s safety, and anti-crime measures. These initiatives led to numerous arrests, recoveries, and rescue operations. “Ensuring passenger safety and security remains our top priority, and we will continue to strengthen our systems further,” he said.

Summing up the year’s performance, Verma said that the Pune division has made significant progress across infrastructure, safety, and passenger services, and will continue to build on these achievements in the coming years.