Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

15 May 2026 CW Team

Officials indicated the work will be carried out in a single phase to reduce repeated traffic interruptions and that several major traffic and maintenance blocks will be required in the coming months. The blocks are expected to affect train movement temporarily while crews undertake track alterations and install standardised crossings. Passengers may therefore face temporary changes to schedules and operations during the project. Detailed timetables and affected services are to be announced by railway authorities in due course.

A diamond crossing is a track intersection where two lines cross to form a diamond shape, and non-standard crossings refer to those built without adherence to approved design standards and guidelines issued by the Railway Board. Railway engineers said replacing outdated and non-standard components would reduce operational risks and promote smoother movements across junctions. The remodelling is being positioned as a step towards strengthening the division's safety infrastructure and reducing the likelihood of similar incidents. Officials declined to specify which of the 16 crossings had been categorised as non-standard.

Work planning will include risk assessments, resource mobilisation and coordination with adjacent divisions to manage traffic during blocks, railway sources added. Completion of the single-phase replacement by the year-end remains the stated objective, subject to the execution of scheduled blocks and availability of materials and labour. The division reiterated that routine upkeep will continue alongside the remodelling until all new crossings are in place. Further announcements on schedules and service impacts are expected soon.

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Officials indicated the work will be carried out in a single phase to reduce repeated traffic interruptions and that several major traffic and maintenance blocks will be required in the coming months. The blocks are expected to affect train movement temporarily while crews undertake track alterations and install standardised crossings. Passengers may therefore face temporary changes to schedules and operations during the project. Detailed timetables and affected services are to be announced by railway authorities in due course. A diamond crossing is a track intersection where two lines cross to form a diamond shape, and non-standard crossings refer to those built without adherence to approved design standards and guidelines issued by the Railway Board. Railway engineers said replacing outdated and non-standard components would reduce operational risks and promote smoother movements across junctions. The remodelling is being positioned as a step towards strengthening the division's safety infrastructure and reducing the likelihood of similar incidents. Officials declined to specify which of the 16 crossings had been categorised as non-standard. Work planning will include risk assessments, resource mobilisation and coordination with adjacent divisions to manage traffic during blocks, railway sources added. Completion of the single-phase replacement by the year-end remains the stated objective, subject to the execution of scheduled blocks and availability of materials and labour. The division reiterated that routine upkeep will continue alongside the remodelling until all new crossings are in place. Further announcements on schedules and service impacts are expected soon.

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