BJP MP Medha Kulkarni Demands High-Speed Rail Connectivity From Pune to Major Cities
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni has urged the Central government to introduce high-speed rail connectivity between Pune and major cities across India, including Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Highlighting the inconvenience faced by students, traders, and tourists due to the lack of high-speed trains, Kulkarni raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. She emphasized the need for trains like Rajdhani, Tejas, and Vande Bharat Express to include Pune as a halt.
Kulkarni also stressed the importance of connecting Pune to pilgrim cities through Bharat Gaurav Yatra trains. She pointed out the absence of direct rail connectivity to Nashik, a key pilgrim and industrial hub, which forces travelers to take detours via Mumbai. The MP advocated for a direct rail link between Pune and Nashik, stating it would boost business activities and religious tourism.
A semi-high-speed rail project for the 235-km Pune-Nashik route, estimated to cost Rs 16,000 crore, has been delayed due to land acquisition issues and technical objections from scientific institutes. The project, aimed at reducing travel time to two hours with 24 stops, was proposed as a joint initiative by the state and Union governments. Kulkarni’s demand seeks to expedite this long-pending project and improve connectivity for Pune residents.
