5.1k-cr outlay for 2 more tracks on Lonavla section

Pune: Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state govt has approved a project worth Rs 5,100 crore for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Pune and Lonavla.While presenting the annual budget for the year 2026-27 in the state assembly, Fadnavis said the project will directly benefit the industrial belts of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Akurdi and Talegaon. The cabinet had earlier approved the project in Sept last year.The project cost includes laying of new railway lines and land acquisition. As per the agreement, the central govt will bear 50% of the cost, while the remaining amount will be shared by the state govt, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Officials said PMC and PCMC will bear 20% each of the Rs2,250 crore share, while PMRDA will contribute 30% and the remaining 30% will be borne by the state govt.The additional railway lines are expected to increase the capacity of train movement on the route and allow authorities to run more trains, helping reduce congestion. At present, there are only two railway lines between Pune and Lonavala.Railway officials currently have to take a block in the afternoon for daily maintenance work, during which train movement is halted. With two additional lines, maintenance can be carried out without disrupting services and trains can operate throughout the day and night, officials said.