Central Railway has undertaken a detailed safety and infrastructure inspection of the Daund–Lonavala rail section under the Pune Division, reinforcing the region’s growing role within India’s expanding rail network. The multi-location review focused on operational readiness, asset modernisation and sustainability-linked upgrades at a time when Pune is being positioned as a critical node for future high-capacity rail corridors.
The inspection began at Daund, a key junction for both passenger and freight movement, where officials assessed crew management facilities and electronic signalling systems that govern train movements across the section. Railway administrators also reviewed newly commissioned infrastructure including a training facility for operational staff, renewable energy installations and an electric locomotive maintenance shed. These additions are intended to improve workforce preparedness while supporting the railways’ gradual transition towards lower-emission operations. From Daund, the review extended through intermediate stations and track sections that form the backbone of suburban and intercity connectivity in the Pune region. Infrastructure supporting track maintenance crews, including rest facilities and machine support units, was evaluated alongside live speed trials on selected stretches. Officials also examined level crossings, track curvature zones and long-welded rail segments—critical components that directly influence safety, ride quality and permissible operating speeds.
At Hadapsar and Pune stations, attention shifted to high-footfall urban infrastructure. Ongoing station redevelopment works, yard remodelling plans and crew accommodation facilities were reviewed as part of a broader strategy to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion at Pune’s primary terminal. Rail planners have increasingly highlighted the need to distribute passenger loads across multiple stations, especially as the city’s population and commuter volumes continue to rise. The inspection also covered rail bridges and residential colonies linked to railway operations, reflecting an expanded understanding of safety that goes beyond tracks and trains to include supporting civic infrastructure and staff living conditions. Urban transport experts note that such holistic assessments are essential for improving reliability in dense metropolitan rail systems.
Officials reiterated that Pune is set to receive substantial rail investment in the coming years, including funding linked to high-speed and regional rail initiatives announced at the national level. While timelines for new corridors remain under planning and survey stages, parallel investments in existing assets are being prioritised to ensure the network can absorb future growth. For Pune and its surrounding industrial and residential belts, the inspection signals a focus on incremental but critical upgrades—strengthening safety systems, modernising assets and integrating sustainability into everyday rail operations. The long-term impact will depend on execution discipline and coordination between redevelopment projects, service expansion and urban transport planning, as the city prepares for a more rail-dependent future.
Central Railway Reviews Pune Corridor Safety And Assets
