Has the Maha cabinet approved new suburban railway lines between Pune and Lonavala?
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a significant project to construct the third and fourth suburban railway lines between Pune and Lonavala, addressing rising traffic demands. With a projected cost of Rs 5,100 crore and the support of local authorities, this project aims to enhance connectivity and alleviate congestion in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the construction of the third and fourth suburban railway lines.
- The project will span 63.87 km and include 17 stations.
- Estimated cost: Rs 5,100 crore.
- Current railway capacity is 119 percent; expected to rise to 285 percent in 30 years.
- Collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation for funding.
Mumbai, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has given the green light for the development of the third and fourth suburban railway lines linking Pune and Lonavala.
This ambitious project spans 63.87 km and will be executed by the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation, featuring 17 stations. The estimated cost of this venture is around Rs 5,100 crore, with development oversight from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
The existing broad-gauge railway line between Pune and Lonavala has been operational since 1927, and was upgraded to a double-track system back in 1960. As Pune's suburbs have expanded, suburban railway services were initiated in 1982. However, the current tracks are proving insufficient for the rising train traffic.
Currently, this railway section operates at a capacity of 119 percent, with projections indicating a potential load increase of 285 percent over the next 30 years. Therefore, the addition of the third and fourth tracks is essential.
The existing tracks will exclusively serve suburban services, while the new lines will accommodate long-distance passenger and freight trains.
The state government is set to contribute at least 30 percent of the necessary funds, amounting to Rs 765 crore, according to official statements.
The financial benefits of this project will be shared among the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
Both the Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation will contribute 20 percent each (Rs 510 crore each), while the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority will provide 30 percent (Rs 765 crore).
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has been appointed as the Special Planning Authority for the area encompassing 77 villages in Maval taluka, excluding the localities of Lonavala and Talegaon Municipal Councils along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
It has been resolved to include the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation in the fundraising efforts for this initiative. The project has been designated as an "Urgent Public Project" and an "Ambient Urban Transport Project".
To fund this project, a surcharge will be added to railway tickets in line with the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP-2). The funds collected will be directed to the Urban Transport Fund (UTP) of the state government, with requests for additional funding to be made to the Centre as necessary.
In related news, the cabinet also sanctioned the construction of two new stations, Balajinagar and Bibvewadi, along the Swargate to Katraj Metro line in Pune, along with the relocation of the Katraj Metro station approximately 421 meters south, at a cost of Rs 683.11 crore. The Pune Metro Rail Project Phase-1, which consists of two lines totaling 33.28 km, is being executed by Mahametro. Line-1 connects Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate (length 17.53 km, 14 stations) forming the North-South Corridor, while Line-2 connects Vanaz to Ramwadi (length 55.75 km, 16 elevated stations) forming the West-East Corridor. Additionally, the Pune Metro Line-3 (from Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar) extends over 23.3 km.
The elevated metro rail project is being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority through a public-private partnership model, as stated in the official release.
There have been calls for the construction of additional stations at Balajinagar and Bibvewadi along the Swargate to Katraj Metro route, based on representations from local public representatives. Furthermore, the Katraj Metro station needs to be relocated about 421 meters southward to ensure connectivity with the nearby Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus station.
The additional cost of Rs 683.11 crore for the construction of the two new metro stations and the extension of the tunnel by 421 meters has been approved. Of this amount, Mahametro is expected to pay Rs 227.42 crore to the Pune Municipal Corporation. The meeting also sanctioned the raising of loans and ancillary agreements to secure the remaining necessary funds.
Point of View
The approval of the third and fourth suburban railway lines between Pune and Lonavala highlights the Maharashtra government's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure. This initiative not only promises to alleviate congestion but also reflects a strategic investment in sustainable transport solutions, catering to the growing population and economic activity in the region.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated cost of the Pune-Lonavala railway project?
The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 5,100 crore.
How long will the new railway lines be?
The project spans approximately 63.87 km.
Who will implement the project?
The project will be implemented by the Mumbai Railway Development Corporation.
How many stations are planned for the new railway lines?
There will be 17 stations along the new railway lines.
What is the expected load increase on the railway line in the next 30 years?
A load increase of 285 percent is expected on this line over the next 30 years.
