Karad railway station

Karad railway station is a railway station serving Karad city, in Satara district of Maharashtra State of India. It is under Pune railway division of Central Railway Zone of Indian Railways.

Karad railway station
General information
Location	Karad, Satara district, Maharashtra India
Elevation	596 m (1,955 ft)
Operated by	Indian Railways Central Railway Zone Pune railway division
Line(s)	Pune–Miraj–Londa line
Platforms	3
Tracks	3
Other information
Station code	KRD
Fare zone	Central Railways
History
Opened	1886 ;139 years ago
Electrified	Fully
Location Karad railway station Location within India Show map of India Karad railway station Karad railway station (Maharashtra) Show map of Maharashtra

It is located at 596 m above sea level and has three platforms. As of 2018, a single broad gauge railway line exists and at this station, 39 trains stop. Kolhapur Airport is at distance of 76 kilometers.^[1]

History

Karad railway station (station code: KRD) is situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It serves as a pivotal point on the Pune–Miraj–Londa line, a major railway corridor connecting Pune in Maharashtra to Londa in Karnataka. This line was inaugurated in the late 19th century, with the Pune–Miraj section opening in 1886 .

Initially, the line was constructed as a meter-gauge track, facilitating regional connectivity and economic development. Over time, the line underwent gauge conversion to broad gauge, enhancing its capacity and integration into the national railway network. The electrification of the Pune–Miraj–Londa line was completed in 2022, further modernizing the infrastructure .

Karad holds significant historical and cultural value:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the confluence of the Krishna and Koyna rivers, known as the "Preeti Sangam," Karad has been a focal point for trade and transportation.
• Economic Hub: The railway station has been instrumental in the movement of agricultural products, particularly sugarcane, from the fertile lands of Satara district to various markets.
• Cultural Significance: Karad is renowned for its temples, forts, and educational institutions, contributing to its status as a cultural and educational center in Western Maharashtra.

Electrification

The electrification of the Pune–Miraj–Londa line, including Karad railway station, was completed in 2022. This significant development was part of Indian Railways' broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by transitioning from diesel to electric traction. The electrification process involved the installation of 25 kV AC overhead equipment, facilitating the use of electric locomotives across the line.

The electrification of the Pune–Miraj section was completed in 2022, while the Miraj–Londa section's electrification is still in progress. The electrified line has led to improved train speeds, reduced travel times, and increased frequency of services, benefiting both passengers and freight operations.

This modernization aligns with Indian Railways' commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, contributing to the development of the region's infrastructure and economy.

Infrastructure

Karad railway station (station code: KRD) is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It serves as a pivotal point on the Pune–Miraj–Londa line, a major railway corridor connecting Pune in Maharashtra to Londa in Karnataka. This line was inaugurated in the late 19th century, with the Pune–Miraj section opening in 1886.

The station is situated at an elevation of 596 meters above sea level and is operated by the Central Railway Zone under the Pune railway division. As of 2018, the station has three platforms and three broad gauge tracks. It is equipped with basic amenities such as waiting rooms, ticket counters, a foot overbridge (FOB), and parking facilities.

In 2022, the electrification of the Pune–Miraj–Londa line was completed, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by transitioning from diesel to electric traction. The electrification process involved the installation of 25 kV AC overhead equipment, facilitating the use of electric locomotives across the line.

The station is currently undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a nationwide initiative by Indian Railways to modernize and upgrade 1,275 stations. Under this scheme, the station is set to receive improvements such as enhanced passenger amenities, better accessibility features, and modernized infrastructure to cater to the growing passenger demand.

These developments aim to improve the overall travel experience for passengers and support the economic growth of the region by enhancing connectivity and infrastructure.

Services

Karad railway station (station code: KRD) serves as a significant junction on the Pune–Miraj–Londa line, facilitating connectivity between various regions in Maharashtra and beyond. As of 2025, the station accommodates a diverse range of train services, including express, superfast, and passenger trains.

Major Trains Stopping at Karad

• 11029 – Koyna Express Operates daily between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, and Kolhapur.
• 17411 – Mahalaxmi Express Links CSMT, Mumbai, to Kolhapur on a daily basis.
• 11040 – Maharashtra Express Runs daily from Gondia to Kolhapur.
• 11005 – Dadar–Puducherry Chalukya Express Operates daily between Dadar Central through SMVT Bengaluru to Puducherry.
• 11021 – Tirunelveli Dadar Express Links Dadar Central to Tirunelveli on specific days.
• 11022 – Ten Dr Express Connects Tirunelveli to Dadar Central on specific days.
• 11035 – Sharavati Express Runs between Dadar Central and Mysuru Junction on specific days.
• 11027 – Dadar Satara Express Operates on specific days between Dadar Central and Satara.
• 11028 – Satara Dadar Express Runs on specific days between Satara and Dadar Central.
• 20674 – Kop Vandebharat Express Operates on specific days between Pune and Kolhapur.
• 12779 – Goa Express Operates between Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi and Vasco-da-Gama, Goa.
• 16209 – Ajmer - Mysuru Express Operates between Ajmer and Mysuru.