Maval MP Demands Completion of Railway Lines Between Karjat and Lonavala
The Member of Parliament (MP) from Maval raised an urgent demand for the completion of the third and fourth railway lines connecting Karjat to Lonavala, as well as the Lonavala-Pune stretch. The MP also advocated for the inclusion of Karjat and Neral railway stations in the Amrit Bharat Scheme, aiming to improve infrastructure and facilities for commuters.
The third and fourth railway lines were initially announced for the Maval Lok Sabha constituency back in 2017, with the project gaining approval from the central government and receiving mention in the Union Budget. However, delays due to land acquisition issues and other factors have stalled its progress. The Mumbai-Pune railway route remains one of the most congested, and the completion of these additional lines is expected to alleviate traffic woes, significantly enhancing commuter convenience.Additionally, the MP raised concerns regarding local train services between Pune and Lonavala. The suspension of afternoon local trains during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect daily commuters. While some services were resumed after the pandemic, the 1:30 pm local train has remained discontinued, causing inconvenience to many. The MP has called for the reinstatement of this essential service, which would provide crucial relief to the travelling public.
With the completion of the new railway line between Panvel and Karjat, combined with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the third and fourth railway lines will further strengthen connectivity between Karjat, Lonavala, and Pune. This will ease travel between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Panvel, and Pune, supporting enhanced economic and regional connectivity.In line with the Union Budget’s emphasis on railway modernization, the central government has allocated ₹2.52 lakh crore for the development of the railway network. Maharashtra has been a key beneficiary of these investments, with a railway budget allocation of ₹23,778 crore this year, marking it as the highest in the country. Maharashtra also leads the country in railway electrification, having achieved 100% electrification of its railway lines
The development of 2,105 km of new railway lines since 2014 reflects the state’s commitment to improving its rail infrastructure. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 stations across Maharashtra are being modernized, with stations in Maval constituency such as Chinchwad, Akurdi, Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavala, and Panvel Junction set to benefit from the upgrades. The MP has also requested the inclusion of Karjat and Neral stations in this scheme, highlighting the heavy passenger traffic along the Mumbai-Pune route.
As the railway sector prepares for a transformative phase with the introduction of 100 Amrit Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat trains, and 200 Vande Bharat trains over the next three years, the MP’s call for urgent action to expedite the Karjat-Lonavala-Pune railway project is poised to be a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and improving commuter experience across the Maval constituency.
