Kolhapur-Mumbai Flight Service Expands with New Evening Schedule
In a significant boost to air connectivity, the flight service between Kolhapur and Mumbai is set to undergo a major upgrade starting March 2. Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik has announced that the route will now operate in both morning and evening sessions, initially twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This move aims to provide greater convenience for passengers who regularly travel between these two key cities in Maharashtra.
Enhanced Flight Timings and Future Plans
Currently, the flight to Mumbai operates only in the morning session. Under the new schedule, evening flights will be introduced, with specific timings detailed by MP Mahadik. The aircraft will depart from Mumbai at 4:30 PM, arriving in Kolhapur at 5:35 PM. The return flight will leave Kolhapur at 6:05 PM, reaching Mumbai by 7:10 PM. Mahadik emphasized that if passenger response remains positive, there are plans to expand this service to operate in both sessions on all days of the week, potentially making it a daily feature.
Kolhapur airport currently connects to several major cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Ahmedabad, in addition to Mumbai. A significant portion of passengers arriving from these destinations are tourists, particularly those visiting the renowned Mahalaxmi temple, while others include entrepreneurs and business travelers. This expansion is expected to further boost tourism and economic activity in the region.
Rail Infrastructure Developments Announced
In related infrastructure news, MP Mahadik also revealed that the central government has approved Rs 984 crore for the doubling of rail tracks between Kolhapur and Miraj junctions. This project addresses current limitations caused by a single track, which restricts train crossings and the operation of additional long-distance trains. Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure will facilitate the deployment of more Vande Bharat Express trains, enhancing rail connectivity and efficiency.
Demand for Kolhapur-Solapur Intercity Express
Meanwhile, Solapur MP Praniti Shinde has called for the introduction of a Kolhapur-Solapur intercity express train, citing growing passenger demand, especially after the establishment of a high court bench in Kolhapur. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav acknowledged the demand but noted that the existing Kolhapur-Kalaburgi Express currently serves the route. He highlighted that any new service would depend on factors such as capacity, infrastructure availability, and track maintenance requirements.
These developments underscore a broader push to improve transportation links in the region, benefiting both local residents and visitors through enhanced air and rail services.
