Locals protest rail gate

The construction of a new entrance gate at Khadki railway station has sparked a conflict between nearby residents and railway officials.

- Abhijit Sherekar

On Friday, residents of housing societies and schools in the area staged a protest demanding that the gate be removed, citing traffic congestion and safety concerns.

Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole and former Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) deputy mayor Sunita Wadekar joined the demonstrators, supporting calls to halt the project. However, a section of residents has welcomed the move, saying the new gate will improve access and aid regional development.

Khadki railway station is undergoing major revamp work, alongside Hadapsar, to ease congestion at Pune railway station. Social activist Anwar Sheikh, a member of the Miss Faraha Foundation, supported the new entry, calling it an essential step in improving commuter convenience.