On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Union Minister of Railways of India, Ashwini Vaishnaw, flagged off the Pune-Sainagar Shirdi Express. This is the very first direct daily rail service connecting Pune to the major pilgrimage town of Shirdi, eliminating heavy travel fatigue for senior citizens and families. The Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, also joined the launch virtually from Mumbai, along with state legislative council chairman Ram Shinde. Read on to know more about the route, timings, and stoppages.
Pune-Shirdi Express: Full Schedule And Route Map
The Pune-Shirdi Express departs from Pune Junction at 6:55 AM. Its arrival at the Sainagar Shirdi Junction is at 12 PM. The total travel time taken via this direct route is around five hours and five minutes. In between, it will halt at Daund Cord Cabin, Shrigonda, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Rahuri, and Belapur (the main gateway to the famous Shani Shingnapur Temple)
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The newly launched line serves a purpose far greater than tourism. It seamlessly handles the millions of Sai Baba devotees heading toward the Ahilya Nagar district annually. It will also offer students, traders, and patients from the Shirdi and Ahilyanagar regions direct, affordable access to Pune’s premium universities and healthcare hubs.
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Pune To Get Major Railway Infrastructure Upliftment
Furthermore, it will directly stimulate local commercial ecosystems, driving footfall for hotels, local vendors, and taxi operators. Minister Viashnaw also outlined a detailed plan to completely scale up Pune’s rail network within the next three to three-and-a-half years.
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Among other things, a massive coaching terminal is being planned at Alandi featuring nine new platforms, 7 freight lines, and 17 stabling lines. An INR 600-crore redevelopment project that will add six new platforms (making it 12 total), introduce a third station entry point, and implement advanced digital signaling systems has also been proposed.
These changes will double the city’s handling capacity, allowing Indian Railways to introduce over 20 additional train services.
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Summing Up
Pune was long overdue for a major infrastructure update. These projects are all bound to make traveling to and from the city significantly cheaper and more convenient. Trains are primarily how most Indians undertake long-distance travel, and such journeys are significantly more environmentally friendly than flights.
