Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Travelling by road to Pune via Ahilyanagar has become extremely uncomfortable due to potholes, leading to a rise in the number of passengers opting for rail travel. As a result, the Nanded–Pune Express used to have a waiting list extending up to a month. However, since the train has been curtailed to Hadapsar, passengers have begun turning away from it, leading to a significant reduction in waiting.
Tickets are now available even under current booking. The Nanded–Pune Express has been running only up to Hadapsar since January 26 and has been renamed the Nanded–Hadapsar Express. Earlier, securing a ticket even a month in advance was difficult, but now tickets in the third class are available on a day-to-day basis. On February 4, around 50 tickets were available under current booking. Railway observers say that if this trend continues, the railway authorities may consider extending the train back to Pune or reducing its frequency.
Extend it at least up to Khadki
If the Nanded–Hadapsar Express is extended up to Khadki station, located 8 km from Pune station, it would benefit students, working professionals and patients. Khadki station would reduce travel distance for commuters from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Once trains reach Pune station, passengers travelling to Kothrud, Karvenagar, Shivajinagar and the Peth areas would also benefit.
— Dayanand Dixit, member, Railway Passengers Federation