Central Railway finishes major track upgrade at Pune Yard to boost operations

Central Railway has successfully finished a major infrastructure upgrade at the Pune Yard to support heavier train loads and manage higher traffic demands smoothly. This crucial maintenance project was completed by the Pune Division and involved upgrading key track components to ensure safer and more efficient train movements across the network. Central Railway completed a major track infrastructure upgrade within the Pune Yard on August 23, 2026. The vital engineering work was carried out during a scheduled 9-hour Traffic and Power Block from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Official confirmation regarding the successful completion of this upgrade was released by railway authorities on August 25, 2026. The primary engineering focus of this project was the conversion of the fourth 52 kg Diamond Double Slip or DDS No. 251/252 to heavier and more durable 60 kg rails. This upgrade is specifically designed to strengthen the overall track structure, allowing the yard to handle heavier loads and accommodate the continuously rising operational traffic demands of the division.

Detailed Breakdown of Track Enhancements

During the 9-hour block, railway technicians and engineering teams executed a comprehensive replacement of multiple critical track components. The massive overhaul included the replacement of 8 stock rails, 8 tongue rails, 2 acute crossings, 2 obtuse crossings, 8 approach rails, and 4 lead rails. In addition to these replacements, engineers carried out important joint and signaling enhancements. This involved the fabrication of 4 in-situ glued joints and the insertion of 6 prefabricated glued joints. Furthermore, teams replaced 4 switch motors along with their associated roddings to ensure seamless point operations at the yard. Alongside the main project work, a coordinated shadow block was executed throughout the duration of the operation. During this time, maintenance crews efficiently completed 122 Manual Temporary Speed Restrictions or TSRs. These comprehensive enhancements at the Pune Yard will go a long way in minimizing technical snags, improving punctuality, and delivering a safer travel experience for passengers passing through the busy division.