Pune-Lonavla Rail Expansion Awaits Central Approval
Pune’s connectivity challenges on the Mumbai–Pune corridor are intensifying as approval for the third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavla remains pending, despite the state government endorsing the project over four months ago. The delay highlights a critical gap in regional transport planning at a time when road congestion frequently paralyzes the expressway, affecting both commuters and freight movement.
The proposed quadrupling of tracks along the Pune–Lonavla section is envisioned to reduce pressure on the existing double lines, improve commuter rail services, and provide a more resilient link between the industrial hubs of Pune and the financial capital of Mumbai. The project, with an estimated investment of around ₹5,100 crore, includes a cost-sharing framework where state agencies and municipal corporations collectively contribute half of the outlay, while the central government bears the remainder.
Officials overseeing the project indicate that it is currently under preliminary examination at the national railway ministry, with technical assessments and environmental clearances yet to be finalised. Urban transport planners stress that this delay is symptomatic of a broader challenge in Indian infrastructure delivery, where proposals are announced without concurrent mechanisms to ensure timely execution. Recent incidents on the Mumbai–Pune expressway underscore the urgency of rail interventions. A single accident involving a tanker vehicle recently led to gridlocks lasting over 30 hours, highlighting the fragility of road-dependent connectivity. Experts note that while high-speed rail initiatives have been proposed in the region, such projects are long-term and will not address immediate commuter needs. Strengthening conventional rail infrastructure could provide an efficient, lower-carbon alternative to road travel, while mitigating economic losses caused by transport delays.
The stalled approval also carries broader implications for urban mobility and climate resilience. Increased rail capacity would not only improve regional commuting but also support sustainable urban expansion by reducing reliance on private vehicles and easing pressure on the expressway. Planners point out that integrated rail links are critical for equitable access to jobs, education, and civic services across the Pune metropolitan area, particularly for residents of satellite towns and emerging economic corridors. As deliberations continue, authorities suggest that municipal bodies and regional development agencies remain ready to implement their financial commitments once central approval is secured. Urban analysts argue that a proactive approach combining regulatory clearance, funding alignment, and phased construction could serve as a model for replicating sustainable transport solutions across other congested intercity corridors in India.
